She forced her attention away from him and to Shaz. Her friend had made an effort, as always. In her tight leather pants and a backless glittery top, she caught the attention of humans and supernaturals as soon as they stepped into the zone. But the adulation didn’t seem to give her the usual buzz. What was wrong? And what was it with Shaz bringing her to this section? She’d told her once that Haven was more an area for beginners at the club, and once you graduated from it, you never looked back. Usually, Shaz would mention if there was a problem, but she wasn’t forthcoming tonight. Angie took a sip of her drink and then decided to ask. After all, they were good friends, and if Shaz would not tell her about whatever bothered her, who would she?
“What’s up, Shaz?”
“Nothing.”
“Your mood’s off.”
When Shaz smiled, it highlighted that adorable little gap between her front teeth, but it was forced. “Nothing’s wrong.”
Angie raised her eyebrows and tilted her head to the side. “Come on.”
“I don’t know…” That smile dropped. “I wouldn’t say there’s anything wrong, not really.”
“But?” Shaz glanced across the room at a man with brown hair and movie star looks. He’d had his eye on her since they walked in here earlier. His gaze flashed as he smiled at her. A supernatural. His reaction elicited no response from Shaz, not even a smile. “Come on, Shaz. What’s up? This isn’t like you.”
“I don’t know…I think I’m getting bored with these useless flings.”
“Useless flings? I thought you loved this.” Damn it, her friend was the one who first forced her to the club. Angie glanced at Shaun and was bloody glad she persisted, though. She was a different woman to the Angie who walked into this place less than two months ago. “This lifestyle doesn’t do it for you anymore?”
“This is all I used to look forward to, wasn’t it? Figuring out what I’d wear when I went out, my hair and makeup, but it all seems so useless now. And these guys”—she glanced at the male whose eyes had just flashed—“One-night stands with their kind is awesome. The sex is out there, and they know how to do it for you.” Didn’t Angie know it? “But eventually, you want something more permanent, isn’t it? I don’t understand what it is…maybe—”
“You’re not itching to settle or something?” Her friend looked apologetic, as if she’d let someone down. “It’s all right if you do, Shaz, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“I guess I need a guy who’ll be there at the end of the day to talk to…someone with whom I can discuss how my day went. Dinners, theater, all those things…that’s probably it. I’m ready for a normal relationship. With a human.”
Angie’s voice was low. “I understand.”
And that was the thing. She did. Sex with Shaun was great, and each time she couldn’t wait to see him again. But there was something missing. It was awesome sex and nothing else. And now, as Shaz spoke, her eyes shining as she mapped out her little dream, Angie realized she wanted that, too. But when she imagined someone to share that dream with, she only saw Shaun. She needed to get that bloody idea out of her head. He was a shifter and involved with the mob, for fuck’s sake. The last man she should hope for something serious with.
What they had…it was just great sex. But there was nothing wrong with enjoying it—damn, she deserved this—as long as she remembered that this was all it could ever be. So what if, as Shaz spoke of her ideal future, it was what she also desired?
It was a future she could never have with someone like Shaun.
THERE WERE PLENTY OF ISSUES that Shaun needed to be dealing with, but as he sat in his main office, only one came to mind. Bygone. He wished he’d never put his hands on that damn property.
All those messages from Jack didn’t help, informing him that Drake’s men had been around a few times. It had not gotten further than a stand-off between them, but he needed to sort this out before the situation got out of hand. But no matter what solution he tried to figure out, it didn’t work. What the hell was he going to do? And how long was he going to postpone the legal paperwork without the mob boss getting pissed off? Last night, he’d had the crazy idea of giving Angie enough money so she could claim the property back straight away, but if she suddenly paid off such a large loan, James would get Drake to check on her finances, and it wouldn’t take long for them to work out that Shaun was involved. An even shitter scenario.
It didn’t help that Angie had already made plans to redecorate the shop and was looking at antiques that might result in profitable deals. Thank fuck, she intended to hold on to her current savings, or she would have purchased a fair few expensive items by now.
He shifted his attention from his laptop when a call came through. Will? He never thought he’d be happy to receive a call from the broker. “Hi, Will. Any news?”
“Drake has spoken to James, and he’s not pleased.”
Would the guy tell him something he didn’t expect? “I gathered he wouldn’t be jumping for joy. What did he say about the negotiation?”
“Well, I won’t give you the details of what he said…let’s say he’s not happy and leave it at that. You’ve messed up, Shaun. Big time.”
“Is the property really such a huge deal for him?”
“It’s not about that. If you’d changed your mind and decided you wanted a legit lounge bar for whatever reason, James might have understood that. But Drake did a bit of investigation to figure out what had brought your sudden change of heart. And guess what he discovers? You’re fucking Parker’s daughter.” Shaun had hoped that by some miracle they wouldn’t find out about that. Now that James knew a woman was involved, it would piss the hard-assed shit off even more. “You know Angie took legal action against James? Led him a right merry dance. He had to cough up more money than he was comfortable with to keep her out of the way…and now you’re in bloody bed with her? It’s not a good look, Shaun.”
“That has nothing to do with this. I was about to reconsider the deal before I got involved with her.”
“Of course you were. It’s not a damn coincidence that you start fucking her and then you back out of a property that she wants, even though it makes you a loss for the first time?”
“Who I’m fucking doesn’t make a difference. Tell me, what did Drake say?”
“He’s setting up a meeting so James and he can see you face to face.” That didn’t sound promising. “He’s also asked Blade to be there to mediate.”
That was going to piss the demon off no end. It wasn’t as if he didn’t have enough of his own shit to deal with. Shaun just hoped that all the crap he’d pulled for Blade in the past would make up for this damn imposition.
“From now, I’ll keep out of this,” said Will. “Drake will be in touch with you direct to arrange the meeting.”
“I’ll expect his call.”
“And by the way…if this negotiation doesn’t work out, then you can forget about me bringing you any more deals. You’re not the only one who has a damn reputation.”
And with that, the asshole hung up.
What the hell? Even a dumbass like the broker was threatening to break ties with him. Fuck it. This thing with Angie wasn’t worth it. He’d have to talk to her and tell her he couldn’t go through with this deal. She’d just have to forget about the business.
If I lose the shop, I have nothing left.
An image flashed through his mind of that lone tear that had dropped down her cheek, cracking something inside him. The business was all she had, and he’d gone and promised he would give her the time she needed to take it back.
There was no way he could back out now.
CHAPTER EIGHT
* * *
EVERY MUSCLE IN ANGIE’S BODY relaxed under the pressure of the triple shower heads installed in the cubicle. She would have preferred it if Shaun was in here with her, but he had looked so peaceful when she got out of bed this morning that she hadn’t had the heart to awaken him.
The suite at
Eclipse, which Shaun had booked on a monthly basis for them to use, was nicer than any luxury hotel she’d been in. Its main door opened into a bedroom that was the size of her apartment, with burgundy walls and a king-size bed covered in silk sheets, one look at which sent sex to the mind. To the side of the bedroom was an open plan living room with a kitchen, which they’d never used as they spent most of their time in that huge bed and the rest of it in this bathroom with its generous supply of sweet-smelling products. And what was not to love about that whirlpool bathtub? Yet, as she relaxed under the hot water jets, she wished that even if sometimes, she could go to Shaun’s place or he’d come to hers. She had dropped hints, but he insisted on returning here. It was as if by arranging for them to meet here, he reminded her that this was all there could be between them. Casual sex.
They’d gone for dinner last night and then headed to the suite. Even before they got inside, Shaun was unable to keep his hands off her. The sex had been great, as always, but he was tense, as if he hid something from her. But what?
Damn it, Angie. Stop overthinking.
He wasn’t the kind to do relationships, so why was she letting her head go in that direction since she’d had that conversation with Shaz? The sex was the best she’d had, and judging by what her friend told her about her own sexual experiences, such a connection was rare. She shared one hell of a chemistry with Shaun, so why allow her mind to join the party and spoil things?
She closed her eyes, focusing on the streams of water as they ran down her body. When the cubicle door opened behind her, she grinned. The shifter couldn’t keep away from her for long. He entered the shower and pulled her against him, his erection pulsing against her lower back as he took a hand to her breast to tease her wet nipple between his finger and thumb. They’d had sex several times last night, but he was ready for more. And so was she. Would she ever get enough of him? He turned her and pressed her to the cubicle wall to kiss her before resting his forehead against hers. “You feel so good in the morning, Angie.”
He was in a better mood than last night, and although she didn’t want to spoil this, she needed to bring up the subject. The bank had been in touch again regarding the loan and the news was positive. They’d make a decision by the end of the month, and by the sounds of it, it would be a yes. She had to know that Shaun would hold off from construction for that long.
“About my loan—” When his face froze, she regretted mentioning it.
He stepped back. “Can you stop going on about that bloody shop for once?”
The sharpness in his voice stung more than his words. Why the hell was he so pissed at her? This was what they’d agreed. And how was she supposed to react to his irritation, especially when it involved something so important to her? Her lips trembled and she was glad her face was already wet, because it was difficult to hold back the tears. Why did him snapping at her hurt so much? Bill had said worse to her and she’d never cared.
Was it because there was nothing apart from sex to keep them together? After all, it wouldn’t take much for him to end this, would it?
His face softened, and he brought her close. She rested her head against his shoulder but could not relax. It didn’t matter how close they got physically; there was always a distance between them. And that should have suited her fine, considering he was from a different species and involved with criminal elements.
He stood back so he could look into her face. “Angie. If it was up to me, I would give you that property today, but it’s not.”
She frowned. “But you bought the loan—”
He shook his head. “I’d agreed a partnership for the lounge bar I planned to open there, and the people I entered this deal with—well, let’s say they are the kind who might not take no for an answer.”
Fear gripped her, for him. The mob had a stake in the development. Shaun’s association with criminal elements was probably unavoidable considering the line of work he was in, but knowing he was involved with such activities had made her uneasy right from the beginning.
“Is it causing you trouble, Shaun?” Was he in danger?
She couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to him. Damn, if it meant he might get hurt, she didn’t want the shop back.
She didn’t want the shop back?
But that was all that had consumed her for months. She’d cleaned out most of her savings on solicitors’ fees and refused to back down when she knew the mob had an interest. She’d fought for the shop even when those thugs came around to threaten her—so what if they’d scared the shit out of her.
“It’s nothing for you to be concerned about, Angie.”
“But I don’t want you to get into any trouble.”
He smirked. “I thought that business was more important to you than anything?”
It was, but—not more important than you.
He kissed her, soft. “I promise you, I’ll sort it out. You keep pressing your bank for that loan. And if they give you any problems, let me know. I can pull a few strings.”
For the first time since dad left, it was as if there was someone she could rely on…someone she could share her troubles with.
And as he kissed her, for a moment it felt as if what they shared meant something.
SHAUN HATED HIMSELF FOR SNAPPING at her. But he was just as relieved when he lifted his face from the kiss, and she smiled up at him.
It killed him to pull away from her, but he stepped out of the shower and grabbed a bathrobe. He needed to get his head straight, but when he was around her, the idiot in him came out. He’d been rash when he promised to give her time to arrange the funds to get her business back, and now…what was he thinking, offering to help her obtain a loan? James was probably pissed enough at the fact that he wanted to back out of the arrangement without him complicating the situation further.
But like he said, the idiot in him came out when he was around her.
Which was why, instead of getting dressed and leaving the suite to get to his office early, he phoned room service instead.
“Croissant with butter and jam, plus scrambled eggs and coffee. Twice.” Her favorite breakfast.
He then went over to the oak wardrobe. They’d both left clothing in there, just because it made sense. But now, seeing their clothes hanging together…it was almost like they were together…a couple. An uncomfortable thought. And he was overthinking things. He had been ever since that conversation with Will, wondering why the hell he was putting himself through all this shit for a female.
He pulled a burgundy shirt and black pants out of the wardrobe and got dressed. This kind of mindfuck was the reason he insisted on meeting Angie here. She’d hinted more than once that she’d like to go somewhere other than Eclipse, but coming to this place kept things straight between them. It was a reminder that this was just sex and nothing else.
But why the hell was he still here, ordering her favorite breakfast instead of being at the place most important to him? His office.
That train of thought broke when she came out of the bathroom, also dressed in a fluffy bathrobe, courtesy of the hotel. Her soft brown eyes widened. “I thought you’d be gone by now.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “What happened to the early bird?”
She often teased him about how he insisted on being at the office as early as he could, even when there was no need. Why did he spend most of his time in that place? Because there was nothing to keep him away from it, until now? He cleared his throat. “I thought we could have breakfast together.”
And there it was. The grin that spread across her face made a late start at the office more than worth it. That was what he wanted to see, not that hurt expression when he’d snapped at her. What an idiot he’d been. Of course she was going to ask about the business when it was so important to her, but he was just so bloody tense about the upcoming meeting with Drake that it was getting to him. He hoped the mobster would just let it go and call it quits with the deal, but in the meantime, there was no point
giving her stress over it.
She was humming as she crossed the room to the wardrobe. When she pulled the bathrobe down her shoulders, she immediately got his wolf’s attention. His eyes were on her, following every movement as she got dressed. His beast couldn’t help but react when she dragged her panties up over her hips and pulled a silk top over her breasts. God, he could stare at her forever. After fastening the buttons of her black pants, she stood before the dressing table to comb her long dark hair. Just as he considered pulling her back into bed, there was a knock at the door.
She glanced at his reflection in the mirror. “Here or at the kitchen dining table?”
“Here.”
The prospect of relaxing on the bed with her as they ate improved his mood no end. By the time he returned with the tray, she’d pulled a small table next to the bed. When he placed the food on it, she reached out, but he smacked her hand away. He sat next to her on the bed and took a croissant. Her grin widened when he cut it in two, spreading one half with butter and the other with jam, just as she liked it. By the time the croissant was ready, her lips were already parted, expectant. And as he fed her, in between bites, she insisted on feeding him.
“This is just so…mmm, thank you, Shaun.” She made soft sounds as she munched on hot croissant, chuckled when scrambled egg fell from his fork before he managed to get it inside her mouth, licked her lips clean of jam...his eyes were on her expressions the whole time, and for a few moments, he forgot about what awaited outside. And then, his fork hit an empty plate.
He returned to reality.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke. “I guess it’s time to leave,” he said eventually.
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