Baz had insisted the buyer had gotten a bargain and I’d insisted he’d paid too much, when Baz had rolled up his sleeves and set his elbows on the table to make his point. I’d lost all train of thought outside of how sexy Baz was. How he was way too built to be a man who worked in a corporate-type job. It had taken me a full minute to bring my head back into the conversation.
“I take your silence and the pinkish tint of your cheeks as on-fire scorching.”
“Whatever.”
“Does he know about your marriage?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Why would I lie about that? It’s not like I can pretend it’s not happening.”
“Point taken.”
“Does he know who you’re marrying?”
“No. We haven’t touched on the subject since that day at Dimitri’s.”
We may not have spoken about it, but it lay like a heavy weight between us.
Lilly tapped her lip, lost in thought.
“What else?” I asked, knowing if she got all her questions out that she’d leave me alone and let me finish my work so I could get home with enough time to take a nap.
I had to make plans for the management of the clubs, and I knew it would take me all night to get everything organized with the staff.
“Is he tall?”
“Yes.”
“Is he built?”
“Yes.”
“Is he smart?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to sleep with him?”
Before I could censor myself, I said, “Yes.” I covered my face with my hands. “Forget I said that. It doesn’t matter anyway.”
“Yes, it does.” The adamancy in her voice surprised me. “You’re in an arranged marriage to save your family. You’re allowed to have some fun.”
“I’m not a cheater.”
“It’s not cheating, and you know it. You haven’t even met the man. Hell, you’ll meet him at the same time I will. Live a little, Isa. You push the line in all aspects of life but the personal.”
“And if I get caught?”
Lilly glared at me. “You know as well as I do that the only way anyone will catch you doing anything is if you let them. You’re a sneaky-ass bitch.”
“I’m sure that was meant as a compliment.”
“I’m serious. Go on a real date with the man, have an affair, make memories you can take into the farce of a marriage your family is forcing on you.”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Of course, it is.”
“I can’t.”
“Of course, you can.”
“No, Lilly. I won’t hurt him like that or hurt myself. It’s going to be hard enough as it is.”
“So, it is more than just friendship?” Lilly gave me a smug smile.
I sighed. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does.”
She really was like a dog with a bone. Before I thought twice about it, I grabbed my phone and sent Baz a text.
Isa: I can’t see you today. Actually, it’s better we don’t see each other again. I’m getting married in a week and it’s only prolonging the inevitable.
Immediately a response came, but I set the phone on the counter, not wanting to look at it.
Lilly grabbed my phone and read the message. “Why would you do this? He wants to see you. You have a week more with him.”
“I’m not with him, dammit.” I snatched my phone back from her, when it began to ring.
The call was from Baz. I ignored it, set the ringer to silent, and shoved my cell in the back pocket of my jeans. “Let it go. I can’t discuss this anymore. It’s like we’re going around in circles. Why don’t you worry about your love life and that guy you’re seeing?”
Lilly frowned at that. For the last few weeks, Lilly had been seeing this guy she’d met at a party. They had this relationship that blew hot and heavy half the time and cold and distant the rest.
“Don’t try to deflect on me.”
“Lilly, please.” I hadn’t expected my voice to quiver.
All of a sudden the weight of everything that was happening in my life hit me. I had no idea what the future would hold for my friendships, my family, my businesses. Everything in my carefully controlled life was in turmoil.
I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.
Lilly’s arms came around me. “I’m so sorry, Isa. I didn’t realize he meant so much to you. I won’t bring it up again. I promise.”
Dropping my head to her shoulder, I let a tear fall.
“Can we do something tonight? I don’t think I have it in me to plan for the clubs. I just need something that will take my mind off everything in my life.”
“Are you sure you want to venture into my type of fun?”
“Your version of wild is going bar hopping and getting in bed by one in the morning. I think I can handle it.”
Lilly shook her head. “I feel like you don’t know me at all.”
“Okay, I challenge you to a night on the town where you don’t head home the second the clock strikes midnight.”
“Challenge accepted.”
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Lilly asked as we waited for the crowd to quiet.
“When you said you were going to show me a good time, I never expected you to take me to a kink club.”
“Disappointed?”
“No, not in the least.”
In fact, I was fascinated. This was a world I’d never dared to explore. A world I knew existed but never wanted to risk seeing for fear of knowing I couldn’t be part of it. It was probably why I’d gotten so upset with Baz that day at the bar.
“I’m so glad. Stay here—my favorite couple are about to go on. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Where are you going?”
“To find Kane. This is one of the businesses he manages. He wants to meet you.”
“I’ll be here when you get back.”
At that moment a couple stepped down into a sunken stage with a St. Andrew’s cross set in the corner. The crowd went silent and all attention went to the people
