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He's dressed in a sensitive artist meets celebrity douchebag get-up. Designer sunglasses, shiny red bomber jacket, Nirvana t-shirt, ripped jeans, high tops.
He stands and greets us with a nod. "The Cassie Steele." Bryce smiles. "I've heard so much about you." He turns to me. "You must be the boyfriend."
He's full of shit. I see it instantly. Addicts spot other addicts easily. We also spot other people who are just as full of shit.
I don't know if he's unable to moderate his food, drugs, booze, sex, gambling.
But I know he's got that same inability to sit with himself.
If my radar is still good. Maybe it's not. Maybe I'm judging him too early.
It doesn't matter who he is as a person. This is a job. That's it. I'm here to play my part as a fake boyfriend and a musician. I'm not here to make friends.
I look my fake girlfriend up and down, and I stage whisper, "Does he know you're using me for my body?"
She aces the ruse. Easy smile. Confident, teasing tone. "I think everyone who looks at you knows." Cassie releases my hand and shakes with Bryce. "It is nice to meet you, Bryce. I love your work. Your ability to mix heartbreak and wit is unparalleled. We could do amazing work together."
"I'm sure we could." He smiles. "But pleasure before business." He says it casually, like he's talking about having fun, but I hear more too.
He wants other pleasure with Cassie.
Who wouldn't, yeah, but he better stay the fuck away from her. I don't like the tone. At all.
"This is my pleasure." Cassie keeps her eyes on Bryce. "Talking about music and lyrics. It's my favorite thing in the world."
Bryce smiles with approval.
Frederick and Tinsel exchange one of those couple looks. They're sharing a secret. One at Cassie's expense.
Fuck both of them.
"Music is your second favorite thing." I pull her into my arms again.
Her back sinks into my chest. Her ass brushes my crotch. She smiles as she looks up at me. "No. That's my second favorite thing. But it's close."
"What about when we have a soundtrack?"
"Even so." Her body melts into mine.
I hold her close. I bring my lips to her neck.
She groans as I place a kiss on her skin. "Damon…" There's no put-on in her voice. Only pure, raw need.
I want more of it. I want all of it.
"You really took that note." Frederick and Tinsel trade another look. "Pleasure first."
I glance in their direction, take in their general annoyance. It feels good. Really good. But then this feels good too. The warmth of Cassie's skin. The softness. The scent.
She feels like home in a way no one ever has. Because she's my rival. Because she despises me. Because she's Cassie Fucking Steele.
For a moment, I lose myself in the sensation of her body against mine. That, too, is a rare feeling these days. But it's easier with her here. With music. With conversation. With whatever I should call this.
When I release her, I'm dizzy.
My surroundings return to me slowly. The blue sky, the expanse of ocean, the carafe of water and glasses on the table.
No alcohol.
Is it too early or did I peg the guy too well? Maybe he's in recovery too. Maybe that part of this will be a lot easier.
I push the thought aside as I pull out Cassie's chair for her. We're here for work. It's not standard to say no drinks on the job but it's common enough.
I hope.
I force a casual tone. "I agree with the stance. Pleasure before business."
Cassie sits with a smile. "In practice, that means we always play music when we're…"
"Of course." I sit next to her.
Frederick just stops himself from rolling his eyes.
Tinsel squeezes his hand. She nestles into his body, wrapping her arms around him as she shoots him goo-goo eyes.
He returns the affection with a soft, sweet kiss.
All the light leaves Cassie at once. First, from her green eyes. Then her wine lips. Then her entire body deflates.
They're not pretending.
They're not crazy in lust. It's worse. They're in love.
I never understood that idea before. How it would be worse if your partner fell in love with someone else than if they fucked someone else for fun.
Looking at Cassie, it's obvious. The betrayal cuts through her mind, her heart, her soul.
And I want, so badly, to ease that for her.
By making this guy hurt.
By winning this gig.
And by all the other things boyfriends do. Or friends.
But I don't have time to linger in that realization, because Bryce asks the one question I can't answer. "Is water good? Or does anyone want something a little stronger?"
Chapter Sixteen
Damon
A breeze blows over the deck. It sends goose bumps down my arm. It whips Cassie's hair around her face.
She keeps her green eyes on me. She studies me, careful, curious, concerned.
