by Lacey Alpha
He sighs, releasing me. “I know. I wasn't serious.”
My shoulders drop and I feel completely foolish. I step away from him, firmly putting my barriers up against him, giving him an even stare. “So? Is this good enough?”
His eyes trail down me, his expression soft. “You're perfect.”
My tongue feels heavy in my mouth. Instead of saying anything in response, I just nod and head toward the door.
“Wait,” he calls and I glance back, a tiny part of me hoping he'll make me stay. I slash at myself internally.
Stop acting like a whipped idiot.
He moves toward me, taking hold of the strap of my dress and pinning the broach in place that holds the camera. I scowl at him, unable to help myself.
He holds up the earpiece on his finger and I take it from him before he gets any ideas. “I'll put it in myself, thanks.” I head out the door, sharply tugging it closed behind me.
Dammit. I hate that he gets under my skin so much.
Beautiful damn beautiful stupid bastard.
Sucking in a steadying breath, I push all thoughts of Logan from my mind.
I need to get a grip on myself. Just because Logan is good in bed, does not mean I should start fawning all over him. If I keep acting this way, I'll have to put an end to this. I feel I'm losing some control on myself and I can't let that happen.
“Do as I say, yeah?” Logan's voice sounds in my ear as I push the bud into it.
I fight my irritation, letting out a breath. “Okay.”
“Everything I say.”
I step into the lift muttering, “Just as long as you don't order any blowjobs, that's fine.”
A woman with bright green eye shadow glances at me with a tight frown. I stare her down, taking out my phone and lifting it to my ear so I can pretend to talk on it.
“I'll keep that in mind.”
It's not his usual witty response and makes me frown. “You seem off today.”
“Will you drop it, woman?” he snaps.
I glower at the back of the bald man's head in front of me.
“Fine,” I say through stiff lips. “But it wouldn't be a bad idea to be nicer to me, considering your little job rides on how well I do today.”
He goes quiet for a minute. “Done. Now step out of the lift like a good girl.”
I roll my eyes, dropping my phone back into my bag as I head into the lobby. I walk across the space, my heels clicking on the marble floor.
Outside, Ralph is waiting for me, leaning back against an onyx Audi A8.
“Good evening, Darcy.” His voice is deep and rolling, making my tummy clench.
His hair is pulled back into a ponytail and he's dressed in a white, open-collar shirt and navy trousers.
“Smile, sweetheart,” Logan encourages.
“I am smiling,” I say through my teeth, heading down the steps toward him.
Ralph takes hold of my arms, pulling me close and placing a kiss by my ear. “Mm, you smell delightful.”
His breath on my neck makes me think of Logan. I shut my eyes, pushing the image away and extracting myself from his arms.
“Shall we go?” I prompt.
“Good. Be unavailable. It'll drive him crazy,” Logan says.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes, dropping into the car as Ralph opens the back door for me. He follows me inside, gesturing for the driver to go.
“Where are we going?” I ask, gazing out the window at the harbour. Some of the yachts are enormous, like entire floating mansions. The inside of one of those yachts is probably beautiful too. I've always wanted to go on one. I guess it's just one of those pipe dreams, imagining how the other half live.
“I've booked a table at L'eponyme.”
Turning back to Ralph, I realise he is very much 'the other half' and he's eyeing me keenly, his gaze wandering over my bare legs.
“How are you enjoying Cannes so far?” His eyes snap up to mine and I take in their deep chocolate colour.
“It's beautiful.”
“Tell him you've been bored,” Logan instructs.
I play with a piece of my hair. “But it's been a little dull at times.”
Ralph shifts across his seat toward me. “Oh? How so?”
How does Logan do it? It's like he's got a manual to men in his head.
“Nothing to keep me entertained,” I say and Logan grunts his approval in my ear, the noise reminding me vividly of him on top of me, groaning in pleasure. I press my thighs together, trying to ignore the image.
“I'll have to do something about that,” Ralph growls, giving me a hungry look.
We arrive at the restaurant and make our way inside. It's a cosy space with wooden floors and mirrors along the walls, the ambient light making everything seem a different shade of brown.
We're escorted to a table and Ralph holds out my chair for me, his fingers skimming my shoulder as I take a seat.
“Thank you.” I blush a little.
Ralph sits opposite me, carefully undoing the buttons on his sleeves and rolling them up.
“It's good to see you again Darcy. And, perhaps I'm wrong, but you appear even more beautiful than the first time I met you.”
Even though I know he's using a line on me, it still works, heating my blood. Logan makes a retching sound in my ear and I grit my teeth.
“Thank you, Ralph. You're too kind.” I pick up my menu, glancing through the dishes.
Ralph flags a waiter down. “Je voudrais une bouteille de la Petrolo, 2010.”
I raise my eyebrows at his seamless French. Glad I didn't embarrass myself with trying myself.
The tall, moustached waiter bows and heads away.
“You know French,” I remark.
“Don't flatter him,” Logan warns.
I hurriedly backtrack, but have no idea why. “I don't see the point in learning new languages.”
Ralph gives me a confused expression. “No? How about becoming more cultured?”
Logan laughs in my ear and I don't know if I'm doing well or crashing and burning. There's nothing I can do about it now.
I shrug, glancing back down at my menu. “I guess.”
Ralph leans closer, placing his elbows on the table. “You disagree?”
“Yes you do,” Logan encourages. How on earth is this going to make Ralph like me?
“Er-yes. Learning a language doesn't make you more cultured, travel and education does.”
“Hm.” Ralph's eyebrows go skyward and I flash him a brief smile.
“Good. That stumped him,” Logan says in my ear.
My brow lowers. Why is that a good thing?
“Ask him about the car.”
I suck on my lower lip, thinking up a way to do so. “So...the L1.”
“P1!” Logan barks in my ear, making my heartbeat stutter.
“I mean P1,” I clear my throat. “Did you drive it to France?”
“Drive it?” Ralph laughs and the corners of his eyes crease. “No. I had it transported here as cargo. I wouldn't risk scratching her.”
“What's the point of having a car you don't drive?” I blurt, wrinkling my nose.
Ralph regards me with a tilt of the head. “Surely you can understand that some cars are only suited for racetracks?”
I knot my hands together on top of the menu, my pulse rising. Shit. I'm floundering here.
“Keep going, Darcy, you're doing fine. He's just being a prissy twat,” Logan says, his voice full of confidence.
“I drive all my cars,” I say lightly, feeling stronger for having Logan's support. “That's what they're meant for.”
Before Ralph can reply, the waiter returns with a bottle of merlot, making a fuss of uncorking it. As it pops out, he loses his grip on the bottom of the bottle, dropping it onto the table with a loud thunk. The deep red liquid proceeds to splash all over Ralph's shirt and into his lap.
I gasp as Ralph jumps up, snatching up the bottle and using it to point at the waiter. “Imbecile!” he roars, sending a tremor thro
ugh me.
Ralph is suddenly fierce, his eyes aglow with rage.
“Oh fuck,” Logan growls. “Get up.”
I stand, grabbing a napkin and moving to help him.
“Don't,” Ralph snarls at me, snatching it from my hand and patting his shirt. “We're leaving.”
“What?” I say in alarm.
“I'm not remaining here in wine-sodden clothes.” He marches from the restaurant and I hurry to follow, muttering an apology to the waiter as I go.
“Make your excuses, Darce,” Logan urges and my ears prick up at the use of my nickname. No one calls me that but Kelly.
“Sorry, Ralph-” I start but he cuts me off by holding up his palm.
“Save it. I'm calling my driver. We'll head back to mine.”
“Get out of there,” Logan demands but I don't see the big deal. We don't need to call the whole evening off just because Ralph is covered in wine.
As Ralph lifts his phone to his ear, wandering away, I quickly turn my head and mutter to Logan, “If I go to his place, I can find out where he's keeping the car. You'll have everything on camera.”
“Darcy, please. Just leave it. We'll do this another way,” Logan implores, a note of warning in his voice.
“Why are you being so-” I'm halted as footsteps sound from behind me.
I tuck my hair behind my ear, turning and giving Ralph a smile. “Are you alright?”
“Yes,” he says through tight lips. “Apart from being humiliated.”
“It's no big deal.” I glance down at his ruined shirt with a frown. It probably cost a fortune.
The driver pulls up and Ralph swiftly takes my arm, guiding me into the Audi.
“Please, sweetheart,” Logan begs and I long to ask him why. I've never heard him sound this way. Maybe I should listen to him.
“Perhaps we can meet tomorrow? Have a do-over?” I suggest but Ralph shakes his head.
“It's no problem. I'll have my staff bring us some food to my place.”
“Say no,” Logan growls but the affirmative already slips from my tongue before I can stop myself.
“Okay.”
“Darcy,” Logan hisses but I ignore him, taking a steadying breath.
Ralph is silent during the journey, his body rigid, his hands curled into fists.
As we pull through a sliding iron gate, I lay a hand on his arm, hoping to relax him, blocking out the continued objections from Logan in my ear.
Ralph softens a little under my touch, his expression melting. “I'd like to start this night over, if that's alright with you?” His hand falls onto my knee, his long fingers tracing circles.
“For fuck's sake,” Logan sighs in defeat.
I nod keenly, smiling at Ralph. This is a good idea. I can locate the car, Logan will thank me later.
We exit the Audi and I take in the luxurious modern house before me, the gravel of the drive crunching under my heels.
Ralph leads the way inside through a large white door and I step into a bright hallway of honey-coloured wood and abstract paintings on the wall.
Ralph gestures towards an archway, beyond which, I glimpse a piano and a leather seating area. “Take a seat. I'll be with you in a moment.”
I nod, glancing over my shoulder as he heads upstairs. I step into the beautiful lounge, taking a seat in one of the armchairs.
“An hour tops, then I'm coming to get you,” Logan demands.
“Okay,” I hiss. “But I don't see what the big deal is.”
“Heathcote isn't someone I want you spending time alone with.”
I raise my brows. Is it possible that Logan's actually jealous? “And why's that?” I whisper, glancing over my shoulder to check Ralph isn't close by.
“Because he's not a good guy.”
I frown at that. “What do you mean?”
He sighs. “Just trust me, okay?”
I can't simply take him on his word, what is he hiding? “Tell me the truth.”
“Have a drink with me,” Ralph's voice sounds from behind me and I spring out my seat, my pulse racing.
“Yes, of course,” I splutter, turning to him. He's changed into pretty much the exact same outfit as before, only his trousers are now black instead of navy.
He holds out his arm and I take it, pushing Logan's words from my mind.
“Perhaps we could have a drink whilst you show me the P1 again?” I suggest, hoping to get a glimpse at where he keeps it.
Ralph gives me a boyish grin and I relax. Logan's just trying to put me off him. Maybe he actually is jealous. And I don't know how to feel about that.
“Sounds like a plan.” Ralph guides me past the staircase in the hall, leading me through room after grand room until we arrive at the back of the house. We head through a door and step into an enormous garage of mirrored walls, at the heart of which, is the McLaren P1.
Its chrome exterior is reflected in the mirrors so it appears there are a million of them, stretching out into the distance.
“Wow,” I breathe, hearing Logan making a similar noise in my ear.
Ralph hands me a glass of champagne and I take it gratefully, sipping the sweet nectar.
“She's a beauty,” Ralph says, jutting up his chin proudly.
I move toward the car, running my fingers over the bonnet, glancing at Ralph to check it's okay. He nods in encouragement and I reach the driver's door, tugging it open and gazing at the plush leather interior.
“Don't you ever just want to...drive it?” I snap around, my pulse pounding in my ears.
Ralph takes in my expression with intrigue. “I have driven her. At the race track.”
I nod vaguely and he gives me an assessing look. “Would you like me to take you for a spin in it?”
I nod enthusiastically and he moves closer, his eyes darting down to my chest and back up.
“Maybe I can be persuaded.”
“Darcy...” Logan starts but I ignore him, finishing my champagne in one gulp, the bubbles fizzing in my tummy.
“How?” I lift a brow, curious.
“How about a kiss...” Ralph leans in, shutting his eyes.
My mouth goes dry and I know I have no choice. And I'm not sure that I mind. Shutting my eyes, I forget everything, letting him press is lips to mine and finding him surprisingly gentle. His hand slides down my spine onto my butt, pressing me close to him.
“Don't,” Logan hisses in my ear but I ignore him, reaching up and lacing my arms around Ralph's neck, smiling against his mouth, moving my tongue in a slow rhythm with his. A small part of me hopes this is making Logan jealous but I push that thought firmly away. I shouldn't want Logan to feel anything for me. That's the most important rule of our agreement.
“How about we go upstairs?” Ralph suggests, making my stomach knot.
“Oh...but the car?” I say hopefully.
“Get the fuck out of there,” Logan snaps and my blood chills.
“The car can wait,” Ralph says, his pupils dilating with lust.
I tug away from him, clutching onto the car. “Please,” I say softly, hoping not to sound too desperate.
He sighs then nods, gesturing for me to get in. Taking my glass, he places it on the ground with his. Moving to a cabinet by the door, he takes the key hanging there and returns to the car, dropping into the driver's seat. I head around to the other side, climbing in and knotting my fingers into the hem of my dress.
“You need to get back here now. No more excuses Darcy. I'm serious,” Logan demands.
My heartbeat increases at his words and I nod, though I know he can't see me.
The garage door pulls smoothly up and Ralph revs the engine before driving outside.
“You're lucky. I wouldn't do this for just anyone, Darcy,” Ralph says, placing his hand on my knee like Logan does.
I wish it was Logan. I don't know why but suddenly I don't feel safe, a prickling feeling running up my neck.
I force a soft laugh. “Thanks.”
A minute later, Ral
ph and I zoom up the road, the engine roaring as he heads in the direction of the harbour. I'm thankful, knowing that every metre we drive, I'm drawing closer to Logan.
“Tell him you're not feeling well,” Logan urges and I place a hand on my belly, building up to the lie.
As we reach the harbour, I start fanning myself with my hand. “Gosh, is it hot in here?”
“I'll put the air-con on.” He jams his finger onto the impressive console and cool air immediately rushes over me.
I shiver, goosebumps running up my arms. “Oh dear, I don't feel so good.” I eye my hotel on the horizon with a glimmer of hope.
“You don't?” Ralph rounds on me, sounding stern.
I shake my head, fanning myself harder. “I think I need a lie down.”
Ralph lets out a low noise of irritation. “Perhaps you just need to eat something.”
“No, really,” I press. “I feel quite unwell. Could you drop me off at my hotel?”
“Good,” Logan growls and I suddenly long to see him, to be in the safety of his arms.
“Really?” Ralph growls and I nod.
He speeds down the road, so fast my heart flies up into my throat. “Woah, slow down.”
“I'm taking you back, that's what you want, isn't it?” Ralph snaps and I nod, wide-eyed.
As we arrive at the hotel, I could practically jump for joy. Before I can escape his company however, he leans across the space between us, knotting his hand in my hair and forcing me into another kiss. It's not gentle this time, his tongue invading my mouth, laying a claim on me.
“I'll see you tomorrow,” he says and I know it's not a request.
I find myself nodding, hurrying out of the car and jogging up the steps inside.
My hands begin to shake as I take the elevator upstairs. I remove the earpiece and camera, tucking them into my bag, trying to focus on steadying my heartbeat. I'm just being silly. Nothing happened. Ralph didn't do anything wrong.
As the lift doors slide open, I come face to face with Logan, his dirty blonde hair mussed up like he's been dragging his hands through it, his eyes as deep as the ocean.
We stand in silence for half a second then he lunges at me, crushing me against him, his lips hard on mine.
My heart hammers against my ribcage. I'm overwhelmed with relief, clutching him, breathing in his manly scent which is becoming so familiar already.