Necessary Risk

by Sidney Bristol

  Ivy was almost relieved to reach Jabir.

  She turned and smoothed her dress before sitting.

  Fingers curved around one ass cheek, squeezing almost painfully. She tottered sideways before catching her balance and sitting down hard.

  Jabir’s laugh was loud right next to her ear. He slung an arm around her and pulled her closer.

  Several men laughed along with him.

  Heat rose up her neck to her cheeks. She fisted her hands in her lap to keep from shoving Jabir away from her. He’d been handsy all day, but not like that. Not with everyone watching her.

  She straightened, but pretending it hadn’t happened didn’t make the shame go away.

  Jabir pulled her back to him, giving her no option but to lean into him as the cushions cradled them.

  “Relax,” he said into her ear.

  “It’s hard to with all these people staring.”

  “They want you and can’t have you.”

  She was going to be sick.

  This close she could smell the alcohol mixed with sweat and chlorine. He hadn’t even showered.

  Jabir’s hand drifted down her hip.

  “Give me a kiss,” he said.

  She glanced around at their audience. “With people watching?”

  “Does that bother you?”

  “Y-yes. I mean, I’m not used to... I just...” The stammering wasn’t even an act.

  The whole day had been a trial to tread water. She was running out of steam and strength. It was one humiliating moment after another.

  “You weren’t this shy before.” He curved his hand around her hip and tugged her closer still.

  “Well, a little liquid courage and desperation helped.” She kept her gaze lowered. If he thought she was shy, would he let her off the hook?

  Jabir’s hand slid up and down. “I think I’ll be keeping you to myself from now on.”

  Ivy swallowed and thumbed the ring on her left hand.

  When she got him alone, she was going to make him pay for this.

  A uniformed man emerged onto the patio and announced something.

  Dinner?

  Several men rose, turning toward the house.

  It had to be dinner.

  “Forget dinner,” Jabir said.

  Shit.

  He reached over and cupped her face.

  His eyes were inky black pools. Not a bit of brown in them. The whites of his eyes were almost completely red.

  Ivy hadn’t been around drug use enough to tell them all apart, and she’d never so much as took a hit off a joint. It made her ill prepared to gauge just how much trouble she was in now.

  “S-shouldn’t you eat first?” She managed a smile. “You’ll need your strength for later.”

  Jabir’s smile widened. “Will I now?”

  The patio was clearing out quickly.

  She edged away from him. His hold on her faltered and she sprang to her feet.

  Too bad she couldn’t just run away.

  Piers was right. She was in over her head here in every way possible.

  No. No, she wasn’t. This was just her first run. After today, she was better prepared. Besides, if it hadn’t been for Piers in the first place, she’d have her head where it should be. On Jabir and the job. Not last night. Not the way she felt utterly abandoned by the man who was supposed to be her partner.

  “Come on.” Ivy smiled. It was fueled by determination. She tilted her head just a little and Jabir’s smile widened. “Let’s get dinner.”

  He let her pull him to his feet. She took a few steps back, leading him, watching to see how steady he was.

  His gait was wobbly and he didn’t follow her in a straight line, but neither did he seem to be in danger of falling.

  Ivy glanced around and spied Yousef headed their way.

  Thank goodness for the resident parent. She wasn’t sure how Jabir stayed alive without the man.

  “Prince Jabir?” Yousef inclined his head slightly with his hand on his chest. “This way, sir?”

  He gestured to his right, toward the exterior doors leading into what was currently serving as the dining hall.

  Jabir looped his arm around her shoulders and together they headed for the doors. Yousef fell into step with them on Jabir’s other side. She caught Yousef glancing sideways at Jabir every few steps.

  Whatever Jabir paid Yousef, it wasn’t enough. Not by a longshot.

  They managed to get to the doors and inside without incident. It took twice as long to navigate the room. Everyone wanted to stop and talk to Jabir. By the time he sank into the wide, plush chair at the head table, her feet were killing her. She hadn’t been able to get by with wedges tonight.

  Jabir thrust his glass at her. “Get me another.”

  She kept her smile firmly in place and took the glass. “Sure.”

  Yousef caught her eye and nodded at the food.

  She almost laughed.

  The first thing she was going to do was get the man some food to soak up all the alcohol.

  Ivy set the glass on a passing server’s tray. All the attendants seemed to know she was on Jabir’s arm tonight and she was going to take advantage of that special treatment.

  At the buffet line, a server turned and gestured for her to go behind the line. They didn’t even ask her what to include. They already knew.

  She could have kissed every one of them.

  Ivy wound up with a full plate and decided to risk bringing the food back first.

  She found the prince engrossed in conversation with someone who’d pulled up a chair. There was a glass of water in Jabir’s hand and Yousef stood nearby. She set the food down without being acknowledged by Jabir. Yousef, on the other hand, nodded at her approvingly.

  At least they were on the same page.

  Ivy hustled away before Jabir noticed her.

  At the bar, the bartender with the most pins on his vest motioned her to approach rather than wait in the line.

  “What’s he drinking?” the man said with a light Jamaican accent.

  “I think it's mojitos still, lots of ice.”

  The man nodded and began the process of crushing fresh mint leaves in the glass. The smell was strong, almost overpowering.

  She’d always liked mint. After this, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to stomach it.

  “And for you?” the man asked.

  Ivy opened her mouth to say nothing. She needed to have her wits about her tonight with Jabir, especially once they headed upstairs. She’d have the opportunity to finally get to his phone if nothing else.

  “Virgin daiquiri?” a familiar voice suggested.

  Ivy turned to see London.

  “Yes,” Ivy agreed. “That sounds perfect.”

  London smiled at her. “How you holding up?”

  “Not as good as I’d hoped,” Ivy admitted. There was no shame in it.

  “You’re doing great.”

  She sighed. “I feel completely out of my element.”

  The bartender set two tall glasses down, each with festive umbrellas.

  Ivy wished she had a moment more with London, but she didn’t dare. Right now Yousef seemed happy with her and she wanted to stay on his good side.

  She picked up the drinks and headed off. It was slower going with more people taking up space at the tables, but she managed to pick her way through things to the head table.

  The man who’d been at Jabir’s side was gone now. Jabir’s head swung left and right, surveying his party. She couldn’t tell if he was pleased or not.

  “Here you go.” She set the mojito down and perched on the edge of the wide chair with him.

  Jabir grabbed the drink, sloshing some on his hand. “Finally.”

  He drank deeply of the minty drink.

  “The dinner smells amazing.” She leaned forward and inhaled deeply.

  Jabir eyed the plate suspiciously. “What is it?”

  “I’m not sure.” Ivy picked up the fork and stabbed a bite. “You te
ll me?”

  He considered the offer a moment before leaning forward and taking the bite off her offered fork.

  That wasn’t exactly what she’d had in mind, but if she had to hand-feed the guy, she’d do it. It was all in the name of the job, right?

  “Hm.” Jabir blinked a few times and set his glass down.

  She had his attention.

  Ivy stabbed another bite, this time making sure to grab a piece of carrot.

  Jabir shifted closer and took another bite, acting as though it were completely normal to have someone feeding him. He was an over-grown child. Maybe women did this for him all the time? She hadn’t seen London or Nor do this, but then again Ivy could have been distracted.

  Piers.

  A pang made her swallow and she glanced around the room before she could stop herself.

  He might be there, but he was staying away from her.

  Was it for her own good? Did he want to avoid some sort of confrontation with Jabir? Or was Piers suffering from male ego?

  She didn’t know because he wasn’t talking to her. And that made it not her problem.

  Ivy scooped up a bit of the pilaf next. Jabir shifted closer still, settling his hand on her opposite hip.

  So this was what they were doing. At least he wasn’t drinking himself into a stupor.

  Twice Ivy saw men headed their way, only to be intercepted by Yousef running interference. Jabir didn’t exactly sober up. She was fairly certain the cocktail of alcohol and drugs in his system would keep him high for hours, but he did seem steadier.

  “You’re so nice,” Jabir said between bites.

  Ivy smiled. “You’re too kind.”

  “I think I’m going to keep you.”

  She grit her teeth.

  Because he got to decide that.

  “What would you like?” he asked.

  “Hm?”

  Jabir lifted a hand and stroked her hair. “What present would you like?”

  “Oh.” Ivy blinked a few times. “I don’t need a present.”

  “Hm.” He smiled. “That means I get to pick. I like picking.”

  Inwardly, she cringed. What the hell had she just stumbled into?

  Ivy offered him another bite to widen the distance between them.

  Jabir waved it away. “No more.”

  “Are you sure?” She eyed the plate. He’d eaten a decent sized meal.

  “Your Highness,” someone called out.

  Jabir turned and slurped on his empty cup. Almost all of the ice had melted, so at least he had some water in him, too. He lifted his hand and said something to the man. He patted her hip and got up, weaving his way to the speaker.

  Ivy blew out a breath and shook her head.

  That man wasn’t going to live to see forty.

  She smoothed her hands down her legs as the pressure that had steadily squashed her all evening abated. She peered around the room, taking it all in. People were packed around the tables. The dance floor was much smaller. Women milled around along with the servers.

  A figure clothed in dark jeans and a black shirt stepped into view. He didn’t do anything, in fact he appeared to be trying to blend in.

  Ivy swallowed, but her throat was too tight.

  Piers.

  He’d emerged.

  Her insides wobbled and for a moment she let herself wallow.

  Sleeping with him had been bad enough, but giving into sex? That was the worst idea possible. Her head knew who and what Piers was. He was a lone operator who would never, and could never, be anything more than a good time. But her heart sure wasn’t listening, and she didn’t know why.

  Ivy had never been a girl who was governed by her feelings. She’d always brought a bit of rationality into the picture. But she was losing that objectivity with Piers.

  It had to be this situation. She’d never been in over her head like she was now, and he was her lifeline. This thing they shared was mostly in her head.

  Hell, Piers was probably acting completely normal and it was her twisting it around to be something it wasn’t.

  She had to stop this. Somehow.

  Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep, steadying breath.

  Tonight, after the party and she’d dealt with Jabir, she’d let herself feel whatever way her heart wanted. Tomorrow she was taking back that control. The job would be the better for it.

  Ivy kept an eye on Jabir, but he was moving in circles comprised solely of men. She’d read the social guide for parties like these. Mostly it had boiled down to, use your own judgement. Given that women didn’t enjoy the same freedoms, Ivy and the others had to be careful. It seemed smarter to keep her distance unless called for.

  Who were all these people?

  Most of those attending looked like Jabir, but there were others. Some obviously European and others darker. What kind of people were they? Business contacts? Family? Friends? Were they associated with Jabir’s crimes?

  It was hard to see Jabir taking part in any terrorist activity. He wasn’t sinister despite the misogyny. He was just spoiled.

  Did he have any idea what he had a hand in? Was he aware? Or was Yousef handling it all?

  Jabir’s one concern since she’d met him was to keep the party going.

  A pair of men caught her attention at the far end of the room.

  Zak and Miran.

  She could almost see the shadow surrounding them. They moved amongst the other people, talking and laughing. They drew people in, making them smile, being entertaining. And under all that was something awful.

  Ivy shivered.

  Once more she was glad that Piers had woken up when he had.

  She hadn’t seen the three girls from last night. She hoped they were doing okay.

  Ivy caught sight of London at a large table. Jia sat opposite, pointedly ignoring her. Nor was easier to pick out on the dance floor.

  Suddenly Yousef was at her side. She gasped and pressed a hand to her chest. He bent slightly.

  “He needs to retire,” was all Yousef said.

  Ivy blinked past him at Jabir who stood with an arm slung around another man. They both had their heads tossed back in laughter.

  Great.

  A weight settled in the pit of her stomach.

  On one hand, this evening was almost over.

  On the other, she had to get him to leave and go upstairs with her.

  What was that going to require?

  Ivy pushed to her feet and glanced at Yousef. He gave her a single nod then stepped back.

  How exhausting was that man’s job?

  She squared her shoulders, took a last sip from her glass of melted daiquiri then took her first step toward the prince.

  Jabir’s head swung toward her almost immediately. His smile widened and he held out his other arm toward her.

  Inwardly she cringed as she allowed him to draw her to his side and hold her there with a tight grip.

  Ivy turned her head at just the right moment to smile at his conversation partner. Jabir’s lips pressed to her cheek and she curled her toes to keep from pushing him away.

  This was all for a purpose.

  “Kiss me,” Jabir muttered.

  She squirmed a bit, giving in to the urge. “In public?”

  The other man laughed.

  She felt more than saw Jabir smile.

  “You make me hungry,” he said in a low growl.

  Ivy ducked her head. She was going to be sick.

  “I think I will be back later,” Jabir told the other man.

  That was almost too easy.

  She wasn’t going to question her luck, not when it was working for them.

  Jabir took her by the hand and led her between the tables. People moved out of their way. He did actually seem steadier than before.

  Maybe she should have kept the drinks strong. He’d have been easier to handle tipsy.

  Too late to go back on that now.

  Ivy glanced back once. She wasn’t even sure why until she
realized Piers wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

  She straightened her spine, directed her gaze at Jabir’s back and reminded herself that this was supposed to be a solo mission all along.

  Out in the hall the air felt cleaner, fresher without the press of bodies. Jabir drew her up to walk next to him and looped his arm around her waist. His step slowed and he bent his head, kissing her temple then her cheek.

  Inside Ivy panicked a bit. She couldn’t keep squirming away from him. That act was going to lose its appeal fast.

  She had to take control.

  Breathing in, she screwed her smile on and pivoted, taking Jabir’s hand between both of hers and sauntering backwards.

  “I’ve been waiting for this,” she said.

  Not exactly a lie.

  She had wanted to get him alone, but for different reasons.

  Jabir’s smile widened.

  He took a suddenly fast step toward her, caught her around the waist and lifted her up over his shoulder.

  Ivy yelped. Her skirt was too tight for her to counter balance herself. His shoulder pressed painfully into her sternum before he hoisted her higher. Even then there was nothing comfortable about having his bones pressing into her stomach or the way her dress seemed to want to squeeze her out either end.

  Jabir laughed and staggered a few steps. She cursed under her breath as the carpet did a drunken side to side walk.

  The idiot was going to drop her.

  She braced her forearms on his back and wiggled the ring on her left hand around so the polished stone was palm-down.

  Cool air brushed the back of her legs as they entered his wing.

  No guards stood outside.

  Good to know for later.

  Ivy held her breath for long moments.

  Finally Jabir entered the small elevator.

  She could have wept with relief.

  Instead she kicked her legs a little and flipped the stone on her ring open.

  Jabir laughed and smacked the back of her thighs.

  She placed her hand at his waist then slid her fingers just under his shirt so they pressed to his lower back.

  Ivy had listened to the team explaining the ring to her. The important part had stuck with her.