He let out a relieved breath. “I just assumed you’d have issues with my ex performing. Just like I’m assuming she’ll still want me when, in all probability, she’s moved on. It’s not like I’ve heard from her recently.”
“You see? You’re uptight for no reason.” She had a dawning realization. “I know you didn’t like it when I came to the club with your mother, but you have to know I’m not going to miss this performance.”
He closed his eyes and groaned. “I don’t want to worry about your safety while being concerned the night goes off as planned.”
She shrugged. “Then leave that worry to my bodyguard over there.” She gestured to Renault, who’d returned to his corner. “And you worry about your business.”
“I just have a bad feeling about you being in the crowded club.” He met her gaze, a plea in his expression, but she wasn’t going to give in.
“As long as I’m with you and protected, I’ll be safe.” She kissed him on the cheek, not wanting him to worry.
She worried enough for both of them, but she refused to miss his big night.
The days before Club TEN29’s big concert took a lot of time and planning and kept Jason out late every night. It reached the point where he barely saw Faith, who was sleeping when he came home and gone when he woke up in the morning. Now that he was back to working normal shifts, his hours were the complete opposite of hers. But he was determined to make this shift in the club’s vision all it could be, and if that meant sacrificing his personal life, so be it.
He hadn’t lied to Faith when he’d told her he had an uneasy feeling something was going to go down on the night of the concert. Her brother couldn’t stay hidden forever. He wouldn’t, not if he wanted his money. He was going to come after her when she was vulnerable, and where would she be more susceptible than in a club loaded with people?
But he couldn’t keep her prisoner, which meant she would be coming to the club. So he’d have to split his focus in order to make sure she was safe … and he would because, when it came down to it, she meant everything to him.
Faith had slipped behind the carefully constructed walls he’d erected and become part of his family, part of his life, and integral to his well-being. He’d never have believed it could happen and yet it had. If he lost her now, he’d hurt as badly as he had when he’d lost Levi. Now that she was in, he was never letting her go.
Levi, he thought, would want him to live his life. To honor him in all ways, not dwell on the past and never climb out of the horror they’d experienced. Although he hadn’t realized it before, he understood that now. Faith showed him he could have a future. Not one defined by Robert Dare’s mistakes or by tragic loss.
Now he just had to get Faith’s brother out of her life, and then he could tell her how he felt and hope she believed how far he’d come.
Izzy called Faith and invited her to go dress shopping with Jason’s sister, Sienna, for Club TEN29’s big concert event. It took a lot of arguing for her to get Jason to accept the fact that she could go to department stores and boutiques and be safe. She’d had to agree to have Renault trailing her every step of the way, and she felt sorry for the big man watching three women laugh their way through trying on at least fifty dresses before even hitting the shoe department in the store.
For the first time since she’d moved to New York, she was free to do what she wanted with friends, or at least with Jason’s female relatives, who felt like they could be her friends. The day brought her face-to-face with what she’d been missing in her life, and she promised herself when Colton was caught, she would build a full life for herself.
They had finished their shopping, loaded the bags into the trunk of Izzy’s SUV, and were now sitting around a table in a restaurant in Midtown.
Because Sienna was breastfeeding, she had a club soda in front of her, but Izzy and Faith had mimosas. They all ordered Oriental salads, and while waiting, they talked.
“To a successful day,” Sienna said, raising her alcohol-free glass.
“Hear, hear.” Izzy touched her glass to Sienna’s and the three of them each did the same.
“Izzy, I can’t thank you enough for letting me put my business card on the table at Noah’s party. I have been inundated with calls. Even moms whose kids’ birthdays aren’t until the summer wanted me to schedule them on my calendar.”
The pretty blonde smiled and raised her glass again. “To growing your business.”
“Thank you.”
“So,” Sienna said. “What’s really going on between you and my brother? And don’t tell me you’re just friends.” Her eyes glittered with mischief.
Faith choked on her drink. After coughing, she dabbed at her wet eyes.
“She’s blunt,” Izzy said needlessly. “And much younger, so we’ll have to forgive her.”
A twenty-three-year-old Sienna wrinkled her nose. “Hey. I have enough older brothers meddling in my life that I can do the same in theirs if I want. But I apologize if I’m being too nosey,” the pretty blonde said.
Faith smiled, feeling her cheeks burn as she answered. “Oh, there’s a lot going on,” she admitted. “But it has an expiration date. When my brother is finally caught and we get him out of my life and I move out of Jason’s apartment, we’ll go our separate ways.” Her stomach lurched, and though she wanted to blame the alcohol, she knew for a fact it was the thought of leaving Jason that upset her.
Sienna sighed. “My father’s behavior made all of us wary of relationships, but I really hoped that Jason would find the right woman and settle down.”
Faith placed her drink down on the table. “I think it’s more than just your father.” She wouldn’t betray any confidences Jason had given her about his past.
“Oh, I know. Losing Levi devastated him.” Sienna’s face crumbled, her pain for her brother clear. “All those guys were destroyed, really. But instead of shutting people out, Jason should embrace the good in life and live it to the fullest.” She clearly wanted the best for her brother, but she didn’t want to accept his choices.
Faith couldn’t help but feel protective of Jason and his feelings, even if they weren’t in Faith’s best interest. “Jason really is entitled to react his own way, and if he doesn’t want the kind of future I do, that’s okay.” She forced the words out, because in her heart, she meant them, no matter how painful the thought.
Did she want everything with the man? Hell yes. But she wouldn’t force or judge his choices. “Can we talk about something else?” She didn’t want to get more upset and cry when there was nothing she could do about the situation she found herself in.
“Let’s talk about candy,” Izzy said. “Faith is a master.”
“Sure. I’m sorry,” Sienna murmured. “So tell me about your business. I love sweets and I’m sorry I haven’t come by before, but now that I have Mom to help out, I’m going to visit you.”
“That would be lovely. How is your mom?” Faith asked.
With a sigh, Sienna sipped her club soda before answering. “She’s stronger than I knew. And she has the entire family’s support, even my half siblings. Everyone’s come around and embraced her. I’m so glad.”
“Savannah’s a sweet woman. I’m glad the family is a whole unit at last.”
The waitress walked over and placed their salads in front of them, ending conversation, leaving Faith alone with her thoughts while they ate in relative silence. Instead of dragging herself through a sad rehashing of losing Jason sometime soon, she thought about the dress she’d bought for the concert. She’d gone overboard, choosing a red garment that came to above the knee and dipped low in the front with a slit up one thigh.
She’d surpassed her budget, but she had a feeling this was her final chance to make a lasting impression on Jason Dare, and she decided the splurge was worth it. He might let her go in the end but she’d give him a sexy, stunning vision to remember her by.
Chapter Ten
The morning of the big event, Jason sat with his
partners in the main office, a bottle of bourbon just opened for a toast before they made their way downstairs and got to work. Despite none of them being major drinkers, a toast to their success was something to be savored. And they knew Levi would approve.
“Jason, we owe this night to you.” Tanner raised a glass. “It’s your idea come to life.”
“And I owe it to Faith for planting the initial germ of an idea.” Who would have thought the night he’d seen the sexy blonde on the side of the road would have changed his life as much as it had?
Landon placed his glass on the counter and met Jason’s gaze. “Sounds like she’s special.”
“She is.” Jason took a drink of the only alcohol he’d allow himself tonight. “More than I ever thought possible.”
Tanner shifted on his feet. “More power to you, buddy. But that’s not for me.”
“Me, neither,” Landon muttered. “I can’t see anyone ever changing my way of thinking. I’m good on my own.”
Jason frowned. “You don’t know what you’re missing. But I know there’s no convincing you unless you experience the power of it for yourself.”
Tanner rolled his eyes at that. “Love is not for me. No one’s going to understand me or accept the demons inside me. Except you two.” He smirked as if it didn’t bother him.
Except Jason sensed it did. But he wasn’t going to argue with the man. Only the right woman coming along would change his way of thinking.
“Okay, so for tonight … is security tight?” Jason asked.
Tanner nodded. “Nothing to worry about on that score. I’ve got everything locked down.”
Jason blew out a breath. “And I’ve got a bodyguard on Faith. Which means I guess we’ve done all we can.”
Landon nodded. “I suggest we try to enjoy, too. The talent is downstairs. Lola and Charlotte are doing sound checks.”
Jason sat on the corner of the desk, “Yeah. I ran into them on my way up here.” And he’d wiped Charlotte’s red lipstick marks off his lips soon after. If she’d gotten over him the way he’d hoped, she had a funny way of showing it. Then again, Charlotte liked to be the center of attention and to cause drama. Hopefully that’s all her big hello was all about.
“I need to change my clothes. I’ll meet you guys downstairs,” Jason said.
Landon glanced down at his jeans. “I think we all need to dress.” With the amount of hours they spent at this place, it was their second home, and they chose to be comfortable until it was time to head down to the floor.
“Are you going home to pick up Faith?” Tanner asked, rising to his feet from the chair he’d been sprawled in.
Jason shook his head. “Renault, the bodyguard, is bringing her. Apparently she wanted to get her hair and makeup done with some of the women in my family.”
A dark chuckle came from Tanner’s throat. “You’re in trouble, man. When the family gets involved, it’s harder to end things.”
Jason grinned. “That’s the point, my friend. That’s the point.”
Faith’s heart beat with excitement as she traveled with Jack Renault to Club TEN29. She’d had a fantastical day with Izzy and Sienna, from having her hair done professionally to visiting with a makeup artist, who made Faith look incredible. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so good about herself. So full of energy to go out, forget her problems, and have fun.
She didn’t even care that she’d put an excessive amount of money on her credit card to make tonight happen. This was a big night for Jason, and it might be the only night they spent together dressed up and enjoying his success. Pushing aside those thoughts, she glanced out the car window in time to see the club.
They were here.
She allowed her bodyguard to escort her inside, past the line that wrapped around the corner, then looked around for someone she knew. She expected Jason to be busy and she didn’t want to be underfoot. She just wanted to experience his big night along with him.
Music blared around her, the thumping of the beat reverberating inside her. She could only imagine the sound and feeling when the entertainment began to play.
Her gaze fell to the bar, where the Dare women were congregated. She joined Izzy and Gabe, who welcomed her warmly. Sienna showed up next with her mother and husband. She introduced Faith to her husband, Ethan Knight, an imposing-looking man who she wouldn’t want to cross. All the men in this family were alpha to the extreme, Faith mused, thinking about how lucky the women were to have found men willing to commit.
She bit down on her cheek. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t go there tonight. She wouldn’t think about endings or things she couldn’t have. She glanced at Savannah Dare, admiring her strength for walking away from a bad situation and not sitting at home and sulking while she pulled herself together after the way her marriage had crumbled.
Not feeling as cheeky as she had last time she was here, Faith ordered a Pinot Grigio and looked around as the club began to fill with people. Since she hadn’t seen any of the partners, she assumed Jason and the other men were busy with last-minute preparations.
All the while, her big bodyguard stood nearby, the only reminder that everything in her life wasn’t as perfect as it seemed at an outside glance.
She was making small talk with Jason’s family when she had the distinct feeling of being watched. She glanced over her shoulder and up to the area that overlooked the expanse of the club floor. Sure enough, Jason stood on the balcony above the bar area, staring down … at her.
She picked up her wineglass and took a sip, her gaze never leaving his, wondering if he could read her mind. If he knew how hard she’d fallen for the man who’d taken her in and looked after her when he hadn’t known her at all. Who’d made her his priority and sole focus.
Did he know that she’d fallen in love with him?
She stared back at him, in his dark slacks, black shirt, and suit jacket, a dark, sexy, protector with eyes only for her. But a man who was willing to let her go. She promised herself she’d make it easy for him, and so she’d never reveal her feelings. Not in words, anyway.
She’d hold them tight to her heart, where she’d always hold him.
She blinked and he was gone, which meant he was probably making his way downstairs. She shivered in anticipation, suddenly eager to see him.
Touch him.
Kiss him.
He’d been working long hours that were opposite of hers and she’d spent many hours in his big bed alone. She didn’t know how many more she’d spend in her own apartment with nothing but her memories to sustain her. After the break-in, they’d cleaned things up but she hadn’t gone home. It was going to feel strange to be there with nothing but her memories of Jason to sustain her.
Without warning, a pair of strong arms slid around her waist and she recognized the scent of his cologne. She sighed in pleasure and leaned back against him. “You look so fucking hot I couldn’t take my eyes off you,” he said in her ear.
She turned and found herself in his arms. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself, Mr. Dare.”
He grinned in reply, a naughty twinkle in his eye. “I want to take you home and devour you.” His finger dipped into her cleavage, outlining the low vee of her dress.
Her nipples tightened and she rubbed her thighs together, desire for this man alive inside her.
“Would you two get a room?” Tanner muttered from beside them.
Jason chuckled. “Can’t wait for it to be your turn.”
“As if.”
Before either man could utter another word, the sound of tapping on a microphone reverberated around the room, and Landon walked on stage. Dressed similarly to Jason in all black, he held the microphone in one hand.
“Welcome to Club TEN29.” He raised his hands and a roar of applause came from the crowed. “We’re thrilled to welcome you all to our grand reopening, featuring Lola Corbin Grissom, of Tangled Royal fame, and Charlotte Jasper!”
The crowd burst into applause as Landon s
tepped out of the spotlight and the curtains went up, revealing the two superstar singers.
Jason slid his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder. And that’s how they stood together, listening to the most amazing live music ever. These two women were powerhouse talents, and Faith was thrilled for Jason that he’d gotten them to perform. Even Charlotte, who did like to stare at Jason despite the fact that he was firmly with Faith.
At least for now.
She leaned back into him and let herself enjoy the rest of the evening, celebrating in Jason and his partners’ success.
After a triumphant night, the patrons took their time leaving, but finally the crowds dissipated and the club felt empty. No music blared in the speakers. Lola and Charlotte’s crew were disassembling their equipment. The cleanup team worked, sanitizing tables, then putting the chairs up high on the tables so the floors could be cleaned.
In the meantime, family and close friends huddled around the bar, still on a high. Once they were alone with vetted people, Jason sent Renault home. He’d take Faith with him. Right now, everyone around them only wanted the best for each other. For the first time in a long time, Jason, too, was soaring from the perfection of the night.
He slung an arm around Faith’s shoulders. “You know I have you to thank for tonight’s events.”
She glanced up at him, confusion on her pretty face. “How? I don’t recall coming up with the idea to turn this into a live venue for high-end performers.”
“No, but you did inspire me the night we met when you talked about standing out in your own space.”
“I was delivering little baskets to neighborhood businesses, not making a statement in the Manhattan nightclub world.” She waved away his comment as if it meant nothing.
“Don’t do that. Don’t belittle what you do. Candy makes people happy.”
She smiled. “I love what I do. I’m just saying how could I have inspired this awesome night?”
Vote Then Read: Volume I Page 33