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“Oh, shit, here we go again.”
I peer around Evin to find Pierce and Miller standing there. My misery must be clear based on their expressions and the way they step closer protectively.
“Answer me, Rina. Did you call my wife a stripper?”
“That’s the woman you left me for?” The question is laced with disapproval and repulsion.
“Left you where?”
“Don’t play coy. We had something great happening.”
Even knowing the truth of their hook-up, it stings. He notices and urges me to my feet, pressing close. “There is no dignified response to that except you’re delusional. We had nothing except a handful of used condoms.”
A squeak escapes and I bury my head in his chest to hide the enjoyment that gave me.
“You asshole.”
“I’ll show you asshole if you keep talking shit about Poppy.”
“Everyone is talking about her being a Vegas showgirl that worked the strip. She probably fell off that stage on purpose. Guess it’s easy to see how she caught your attention.”
His already solid body goes to granite, his shoulders trembling. I peek up and catch the same expression from his office. Evin told me Tony had insulted his professionalism and dedication to his clients. I didn’t push, even though I suspect there was more to the story. Now Pierce’s statement clicks; Tony thought the same as Rina.
There’s no stopping the giggle that bubbles out. Evin’s hand goes to my scalp, caressing supportively. The giggles turn hysterical and he tilts my face to his.
“Baby?”
“Let me handle this.” Years of surviving in a competitive environment click into place. I remove the tie holding my bun, shake out my hair wildly, and whirl around.
Her reaction is instant, her mouth dropping open as she glowers at my appearance. The judgment seeps all the way to my bones.
There’s a low whistle from the side, followed by a strong jerk from Evin, which results in a grunt.
“I will kill you.”
“Sorry, man, heard about it, but couldn’t picture it. The new ink is…” Evin’s growl cuts Miller off.
Miller’s response boosts my confidence, and I smile sickly at Rina. “We haven’t properly met, I’m Poppy Graham. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Poppy,” Evin groans.
“No, sweetie. When was that first time she came up? Oh, yeah, during our date at the Cosmopolitan when she sent that pleading text wanting you back. That was such a buzzkill.”
“I remember it worked out pretty well in the end,” he joins in the fun, sliding his hand to cup my ass.
“Ahhh, and then that time in the airport. Ick, that was rough. Heard you had better days. Public rejection isn’t really in my repertoire.”
“Once again worked out in my favor that time, too.” Evin nips the tip of my ear.
Rina’s glare turns deadly, laser beams of hatred aimed at me.
“Not sure where you have been getting your information, but be careful. Don’t you think, honey?” I twist to Evin and run my hand down his soft cheek. “I miss the scruff.”
“Growing it back.” He grins, brushing his lips across mine.
I pivot, kicking my leg out for effect. “Rina, I’m a Vegas performer on the strip… at the Bellagio Theatre. I’m sorry to squash your delight in the details. But there was no falling off a stage. Whoever fed you your information is mistaken. I was injured on stage.
“And since you’re worried, let me ease your concerns. I don’t know specifics about medical insurance for adult entertainers, but my employer takes care of us. Jesse is being compensated for my therapy. As for Evin losing respectable business professionals, once again, be careful who you listen to.”
She remains still.
“Last, don’t worry your little mind about the Graham family. They aren’t wallowing in humiliation.” I lean back, gaining balance, and wrinkle my nose at Evin. “It had to happen, eventually. Surprised it took a month.”
“What had to happen?”
“I’d run into one of your jaded lovers.”
“We have different definitions of lovers.”
“Tit for tat. She’s jaded.” I shrug, feeling the fury singing my flesh.
“You bitch,” she seethes.
The air changes, all my mocking sucked out of the space between us.
“You’re done, Rina. Thought I’d made it clear many times there was nothing between us, but now you’ve pissed me off. If I hear you talking shit about my wife again, it won’t be pretty,” Evin grates out icily.
“Here’s a friendly suggestion, woman to woman. Look in the mirror; the color green looks terrible on you.”
The flicker of pain in her eyes is the only reaction before she storms away. For a split-second, I feel bad, but it vanishes when I remember she’s slept with my husband. My jealousy surfaces.
“Where are your clothes, and why are you out here alone?” Evin clips.
“I’m wearing them, and I’m working out.”
“She hasn’t been alone long, Evin,” Jesse clarifies.
“I asked you to keep an eye on her—Oww, shit!” he howls, his torso lurching back. “What was that for?”
