7. Claire

CHAPTER 7

CLAIRE

LATER THAT NIGHT – WHAT HAVE I DONE?

T ears threatened as I glanced over my shoulder. The raw emotions displayed on Luca’s face nearly sent me to my knees. The sight of that strong, powerful, gorgeous male looking at me with a mixture of anger, frustration, and downright desolation in his eyes, made me ashamed.

What the fuck had I done?

How had my vow to keep my distance crumbled so easily the moment he’d wrapped his arms around me?

Back in the main club, I headed for the ladies’ room. Thankfully, it wasn’t busy, and I hurried into an empty cubicle, locked the door, sat on the seat, and cried.

As Marcie and I danced with those two guys, I’d hoped it would elicit a reaction in Anton. How could I not have realised it would do the same for Luca? Or had I? Perhaps deep down that was what I’d wanted.

Damn it! Why the hell couldn’t I leave well enough alone? I wasn’t the type of woman to lead men on or play games. Yet, it appeared, subconsciously at least, that’s exactly what I had done with Luca. Maybe even been doing since we’d met. God, I felt like such a cow.

All this time I had been promising to keep my distance, telling him we weren’t meant to be, yet letting him have a bit more of me each time we got close. Like I was dangling a carrot on a stick, keeping him interested just enough to bolster my ego, when I had no intention of following through on the subtle promises my actions hinted at.

Shock and shame coursed through me. Was that really the type of woman I was?

I shook my head. No. I didn’t play with people’s hearts. I’d simply made mistakes due to the effect he had on me. That pull was undeniable. He was right about that. There was definitely something strong between us. But if I wasn’t willing to overlook his criminal connections, then I had to do better. He deserved better.

This had to be the end of it. After tonight, there could be no more mistakes. So why did that thought make me cry harder?

Big, fat, ugly tears ran down my face, and I sobbed. My mind was in turmoil. I was supposed to be focusing on my career, yet here I was hiding out in a toilet crying over a man I kept insisting I didn’t want.

Even as I thought that, my body protested—my nipples hardening and my core clenching as I remembered the feel of his hands and lips on me.

Would it really be so bad to give Luca a chance? Why did the thought of continuing to deny what we had feel like I was making yet another mistake? Perhaps the biggest one of my life.

Covering my mouth with my fist, I bit back the scream of frustration that threatened. I was so confused.

Grabbing some toilet paper, I dabbed my eyes and blew my nose. Sitting here crying wasn’t helping me. Sorting through my feelings when I was drunk really wasn’t the answer. I’d need to make a decision about Luca, once and for all. But not tonight.

After splashing my face with water, I reapplied my makeup. This was Marcie’s party and the last I’d saw her she was dancing with the man of her dreams. I wondered how that had worked out? Had she finally got that kiss she’d coveted for so long? Or had he done a better job at keeping his distance than me? It was time I found out. She’d either be having the time of her life in Anton’s arms, or crying her eyes out in a corner.

As Marcie’s best friend, it was my job to make sure she was okay, and I wasn’t doing a very good job of it. Pushing aside all thoughts of my shameful actions with Luca, I pulled up my big girl panties and headed out in search of my friend.

It didn’t take me long to find her. She was dancing on top of the table where we’d been sitting earlier under the watchful eye of Anton. It was impossible to tell what had happened between them on the dance floor, but he hadn’t run at least.

Gracie, Sonia, and Eilidh were sitting, chatting around the table next to the one Marcie was using as a dance floor. They’d lasted longer than I’d expected. With them all being pregnant, I had thought they’d have gone home by now.

Gracie waved at me and I gave her a little wave back before grabbing a drink and heading her way. As I approached, I couldn’t help but notice how happy they all looked. Happy and pregnant. They were each partnered with a Rominov. I guessed the Rominov boys had strong little swimmers. I sniggered as I found myself wondering if the Orlovs did, too.

Don’t go there! I told myself firmly. Nevertheless, my eyes drifted to each of their bellies and a warm glow travelled through me.

I was standing beside, Melissa, watching Marcie’s table dancing antics when her fiancé, Marko Rominov, headed our way. As he whispered in her ear, I slipped away.

Eilidh got up on the table with Marcie and Miki appeared within seconds behind her, no doubt trying to ensure she didn’t fall in the same way Anton was doing for Marcie. I wondered if Luca would do the same for me? Shit, I needed to stop thinking like that.

“Claire, get up here,” Marcie slurred when she finally noticed me.

Her enormous grin lifted my mood, and I scrambled up to dance beside her. I laughed hard when she pretended to use me as a pole, shimmering up and down me and pursing her lips as she sent what she probably thought were flirtatious glances at Anton, which in fact just looked ridiculous in her drunken state. Oh my, I was going to be hung over tomorrow, but Marcie was in for the hangover from hell.

God, I was being such a shitty friend. I should really get us both some water. I climbed down unsteadily and headed to the bar. As I gulped my mineral water, I held up a bottle to Marcie.

But she wasn’t having any of it. She shook her head, and the motion made her fly backwards. Shit, I took an automatic step forward even though I wasn’t in a position to catch her. Luckily, Anton was.

“I think that’s enough dancing on tables for you, birthday girl,” he told her before sitting her down. I gave him the bottle of water as he sat down beside her and he held it up to her mouth.

For a guy who said he wasn’t interested in her, his actions and body language certainly suggested otherwise.

Just like me with Luca. I sighed and closed my eyes, feeling suddenly exhausted.

Unfortunately, Marcie was way beyond the stage where water was of any good. A few sips, had her retching and vomiting all over herself. Oh no, that was so bad!

“I’ll take her home,” Anton announced. I was about to insist I take her instead, but she passed out and he lifted her into his arms, uncaring that she was covered in sick. He looked at me and I nodded, fighting back a grin when Marcie started to snore.

Anton looked down at her and smiled, and the look on his face made my heart clench. It was such an “aw” moment. Marcie let out a louder snort and Anton chuckled before grabbing her bag and carrying her out, bridal style. I grinned as I watched them leave. The guy could protest his feelings all he wanted to, but there was no denying that he had it bad.

She was going to be so embarrassed in the morning. Or probably tomorrow night, after her hangover started to subside enough to let her feel anything other than its effects. Effects I was already starting to feel myself.

I wasn’t worried about Anton taking her home. In fact, I thought it might be the best result of the night. I knew that not only would he take good care of her, but it might even make him drop his guard a little. Maybe even enough to admit to his feelings. I certainly hoped so.

After they left, everyone else began to get ready to leave, too. Derrick, Marcie’s assistant and our good friend, came over with his boyfriend Nicholas and offered me a lift. Nicholas was one of Anton’s men and hadn’t been drinking as he was working in the morning. I gladly accepted, and we packed up Marcie’s gifts so we could get them to her tomorrow.

I was just saying goodbye to the women and Miki when Trigger ran over to us.

“Luca’s been arrested!” And suddenly, I was completely sober.