Chapter Three

Chapter ThreeLeaning into me, Zhen nervously tugged at his shirt collar. “Let’s play it cool,” he said, his voice low. “Like we’re around celebrities all the time.”I frowned. “We are. You’ve met plenty since becoming my apprentice.”“Not this many at one time.” He subtly glanced at the long line of people behind us. Other guests were in front of us, slowly moving up the steps toward the massive mansion. “They’re, like, everywhere. All my heroes and crushes in one place.I feel like I shouldn’t be here. Like I don’t belong.”“That’s a load of shit. They’re not gods, Zhen. They’re just people.”Finally, we entered the mansion. The familiar scents of furniture polish, fresh flowers, and essential oils that seemed to mark the house washed over me. As much as this place had been my second home for most of my life, I nonetheless wasn’t hit by a warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia. Mostly because I hadn’t been happy here.I spotted my mother in the middle of the foyer, greeting each guest as they entered. She looked as breath-taking as always in a red lace dress, practically lathered in bling, with her bright blonde hair pinned up in an elaborate do.No one could ever say that Alondra Vickers didn’t make an impact.Zhen puffed out a breath and put a hand to his stomach. “I’m not feeling too good all of a sudden.”I briefly squeezed his free hand. “You’ll be fine.” My heels click-clacked as we glided along the foyer’s marble flooring, and then we reached my mother.Alondra gripped my hands, a wide smile on her face. She took in my black, strapless silk dress and nodded her approval. “Darling, you look fabulous.”“As do you,” I said.Visibly pleased by the compliment, she gestured at the man at her side. “You remember Brent, I’m sure.”It was hard to forget a man who I’d once found banging my mom in a Jacuzzi. He was often her date at such events, though they had a weak, on-and-off relationship. Which was due to how, though she generally liked that she could so easily manipulate him, there were times when having a puppet bored her and so she sought sexual entertainment elsewhere.“I remember,” I said. “It’s nice to see you again, Brent.”He inclined his head, his mouth curved. “Same to you, Briar.”I gestured at the nervous wreck beside me. “This is my guest, Zhen.”Alondra glanced from me to him. “And how long have you two been an item?”“Oh no,” Zhen practically coughed out. “I’m just her apprentice.”“Ah. Shame.” She paused. “I have more guests to greet. Go mingle, convince people to part with their money for the charity. You and I will catch up later, Briar, and … talk.”The latter word carried a warning, and I knew she meant to bring up the subject of Trace again. Ugh.I slipped my arm through Zhen’s, worried he’d otherwise bolt. “Let’s go grab a drink.”We walked further into the mansion. Guests either danced or stood in clusters, clad in gowns or tuxedos. Most were also sipping champagne from beautiful crystal flutes. Some were admiring the ice sculptures or munching on appetizers.A chamber quartet played classical music. A few photographers wandered around, snapping pictures. Waiters dressed in black and white walked around, trays of food or drinks in hand.Once we’d each grabbed ourselves a flute, we began walking again, nodding at those who looked our way. Zhen also repeatedly made a point of snatching appetizers from passing waiters. He was a nervous eater.His gaze drank in the opulent décor and high ceilings. “You really once lived here?”“Not for long.” I felt my nose wrinkle. “I never really liked the place.”“Dear God, why not?”“Aesthetically, it’s amazing. But it never felt like a home. There was no laughter, no movie nights, no mom and daughter time, no snacks.”His eyes went wide. “What?” He popped what was left of an appetizer in his mouth.“Chocolate is forbidden in this house, as is any form of junk food. And I wasn’t allowed to eat food anywhere but in the dining room. I also couldn’t have friends over as Alondra’s not a big fan of kids. Those rules could only be broken during my birthday parties, which were always big, dramatic productions that I didn’t want. She used them as an opportunity to network,” I added with an eye roll.“No wonder you preferred living with your dads. Does she not know that chocolate is an essential food group?”“It would seem not.”Again, he grabbed an appetizer from a waiter and bit into it. “Her caterers are good. Not sure what this is, but it’s amazing. I’ve eaten about ten already.”Realizing exactly what he was eating, I frowned. “I thought you were lactose intolerant.”He paused in chewing. “What?”“Those wantons have cream cheese in them.”He swallowed, and it looked as if the food went down hard. “No way. I’d taste the cheese.”I slowly shook my head. “Alondra insists on it being mild, so the taste can get buried beneath all the herbs and spices.”The color drained from his face. “Oh, hell.”I put a reassuring hand on his arm. “You’ll be fine.”“No, no, I won’t. My stomach is going to rebel any moment now.”His prediction unfortunately turned out to be correct. He soon looked close to doubling over in pain, his face flushed, his forehead glimmering with a light sheen of sweat.I began leading him to one of the downstairs half-baths. “I know you’ve got some weird thing about having a number two in another person’s house, but you need to plop your butt on a toilet pronto.”“Briar,” he croaked, “I can’t use the bathroom that all the other guests are using or they’ll hear this colossal shit exploding out of my ass.”Cursing, I led him out of the room, down the hallway, and through a door that led to a staircase. I gave him directions to my old bedroom, adding, “You can use the attached bathroom there.”“Bless you, bless you.” He dashed up those stairs like his ass was on fire.Needing another drink, I returned to the party, intending to seek out a waiter.“I suppose I should have expected you to be here,” said someone behind me.I halted, my skin prickling. I knew that deep, wickedly sexy voice full of burrs, gravel, and jagged edges. I remembered how it had sounded when he’d been urging me to suck his cock. And my body lit up.Feeling my mouth curl, I turned to face him. “Kaleb, hi.” Damn, he looked good. Really good. Rough though he might be, he wore a suit well and didn’t look one bit uncomfortable.He hummed as he gave me a slow once-over. “Stunning.”“Well thank you.” I would have given him a similar compliment if he hadn’t then glided into my personal space, distracting me and stirring my hormones with his scent and proximity.He slanted his head. “No plus-one?”“He’s in the bathroom. I’m thinking he might be a while.” Poor bastard.“And who is the lucky man?” asked Kaleb, an off note in his voice.“My apprentice. Why is he lucky?”Kaleb leaned forward slightly. “Because he has you.”A smile tugged at my mouth. “Actually, he’s very much in love with his boyfriend. Where’s your plus-one?” I would not snarl at her out of pointless jealousy. I truly would not. I hoped.“Trace brought me, since his date bailed on him. Not that he’s heartbroken. He was only taking her as a favor to his agent.”“PR stunt,” I guessed, a little annoyed by just how relieved I was to hear that. “It’s nice that he brought you instead.” It made me wonder if they weren’t merely friends after all. “Are you two … you know?”His eyes danced. “No.”“Damn. I lost some fantasy fodder right there.”He chuckled, and my skin broke out in goosebumps at that decadent sound. “You’re a surprise in the best ways, Briar.”“Why thank you.” I lowered my voice as I added, “So, if you aren’t together, how come you always share women? Aside from before you befriended each other, I’ve never heard tales of either of you separately seeking out women at the club.”“We like to share for a few reasons. We like to watch. We like to be watched. We like to thoroughly take a woman.”They certainly succeeded when it came to the latter. “Ah. Do you date other people outside the club? Sorry, you can tell me to zip it if I’m getting too personal.”“I don’t mind answering your question. The truth is, no, we don’t. We decided that we’d both commit to the same woman.”I felt my brows lift. “You’re looking to be involved in a triad, huh?”“Eventually.” His eyes searched mine. “You’re not horrified?”“Why would I be?”He shrugged one shoulder. “Some people find it … distasteful, shall we say.”“Some people like to sit in judgement. I’m not one of them.” Picking up movement in my peripheral vision, I glanced to the side. And here came Trace.My insides twisted. He looked just as edible as Kaleb, oozing pure raw sex appeal. My already-excited feminine parts did a somewhat mighty cheer—they had pom poms and everything.Trace gave Kaleb a mock look of annoyance. “Is this going to become a thing?”“What?” asked Kaleb.“Each time you go missing, am I going to find you flirting with Briar?”“Maybe. Can you blame me?”“No, I really can’t.” Trace’s indigo blue gaze traveled the length of me, heating, darkening, gleaming. “You look beautiful, Briar.”“You’re looking mighty spiffy yourself,” I said, sincerely proud of my voice for not cracking. Alone, the two men were a distinct threat to a woman’s self-composure. Together, they chiseled at said self-composure without even trying. And now little electric sparks leaped from them to me and back again.“I wasn’t sure if you’d be here,” Trace told me. “As I understand it, you don’t see much of your mother.”“I attend some events, though not eagerly. No offense, but the kind of galas you celebs throw can be a little boring.”A hint of a smile lit his eyes. “I’d have to agree.” He flicked a look around. “Have we caught you all alone again?”“No, I’m with my apprentice. He’s in the bathroom.”“Her very taken apprentice,” Kaleb cut in.Trace hummed. “I see.” He planted his feet. “So, what are we talking about?”“Triads,” replied Kaleb, making Trace’s brows wing up.“I was asking nosy questions,” I admitted. “And internally sighing in disappointment on hearing that you two aren’t into guy-on-guy action.”A velvety chuckle billowed out of Trace. “I must say, we’re not used to receiving disappointment from women.”I smiled. “Oh, I’d imagine not.” They sure knew how to pleasure a girl and leave her wanting more.“Briar, there you are,” said Alondra, wandering over with a wide smile. A smile that was not in the least bit authentic. It held a hard edge that was as cutting as glass.And therecame an end to my flirt-fun with two gorgeous men. She sure knew how to suck the joy out of a moment. Just the sight of her was enough to make my hormones moodily toss their pom poms on the floor.“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Her brow puckered slightly. “Whatever happened to your date?”“He’s answering a call of nature,” I replied. “Trace and Kaleb are keeping me company while I wait for him.”Her attention settled on Kaleb. Feminine appreciation flashed in her eyes. She gave him her practiced, sultry, lopsided smile that effortlessly reeled men in.My jaw tightened. He wasn’t mine, no, but I didn’t like her thinking that he could be hers. I really didn’t like that she might succeed in makinghim hers, even if only temporarily—she rarely kept her toys around for long.Stroking her slim throat, she took a step closer to him. “Trace didn’t properly introduce us when you arrived. Which was very, very rude of him.”Kaleb cocked his head. “You’re Briar’s mom, right?”I almost barked a laugh as her jaw all but hit the floor. I was used to being recognized—and even referred to—as merely the daughter of Alondra Vickers and Ansel Leighton. As if this defined me. As if my being a person in my own right was a secondary matter.Not even my being successful as a costume designer had changed what people saw when they looked at me—the daughter of famous actors. I’d grown accustomed to it over the years, so it wasn’t something that grated on me.Alondra, however, had never been on the receiving end of something like that. She was recognized all the time for the many roles she’d played. She was referred to as a lot of things—a starlet, a legend, a sex symbol, but never quite simply someone’s mom. As if her success meant nothing to her conversationalist and their interest lay squarely with me as opposed to her. Her expression was priceless.“Yes,” she eventually replied, the sultry quality to her smile withering away. She turned to Trace, dismissing Kaleb. “I had hoped that you and I could talk.”It wasn’t a request. It was a pressing suggestion that carried a note of expectancy. Well, men did tend to give Alondra her way.But … Trace didn’t graciously nod and agree to follow her wherever she wished to go. Nor did he seem to welcome her presence. Or even not welcome it. Instead, he came across as utterly indifferent. Which positively cheered me.Trace gave her a bored look. “About what?”“It’s a private matter,” she replied.Hmm, I could guess what she wanted to discuss with him.“Later, perhaps. I’m enjoying the ball. You should do the same.” Trace splayed his hand on the small of my back. “Let’s go. You promised me a dance.”Very much understanding the feel of needing to ‘escape’ Alondra’s company, I took pity on him and let him lead me to the dance floor. There, he held me close as we swayed to the slow number the quartet were playing. His eyes never left mine, his focus so intense it felt almost palpable.“She won’t be distracted this easily,” I warned him. “Alondra persists until she gets what she wants.”He let out an annoyed sigh. “Yes, I’ve noticed in the past that she’s very determined.”“It’s true that she pursued you hard at one time, then?” I asked, finding it rather remarkable that I hadn’t snarled. It wasn’t good that I felt a little possessive where he and Kaleb were concerned, but I couldn’t help it.“You could say that.”“And yet, you didn’t cave?”He tipped his head to one side. “Is that really so difficult to believe?”I shrugged. “It’s not often that a guy isn’t receptive to Alondra’s advances.”He pursed his lips. “I suppose it’s a matter of whether or not a person is put off by being looked at like they’re a slab of meat.”She was guilty of that. “It’s not something you or any other man should take personally. She doesn’t really see people.”“Not even you?”“No, not even me.” At one time, when I’d been very young, it had hurt. But my dads had made up for it by swarming me with love and ensuring that I understood the lack was in her, not in me.Trace dipped his face to mine, his gaze so damn intent. “I see you.”It honestly felt like he did. Maybe because he’d been present when I’d been stripped of my shields and defenses, lying there helpless between him and Kaleb.He drew my body flush to his. “I want you closer.”“If we get any closer—”“My cock will be in you. Yeah, I’m not opposed to that.”Fireworks went off in my belly.“Tell me something,” he coaxed, his voice pure sex. “Were you sore the day after Kaleb and I had you?”I swallowed, warmth blooming low. “Yes.”His eyes flared. “Good.”“I had a feeling that would be your response.”His gaze briefly lowered to my neck. “The bite mark I left on you is healed. Such a shame. It looked good there. Although … I prefer the one I left on your ass.” He skimmed his fingertips along my back. “Did you like all we did to you?”“A little too much.”His mouth curved. “I love your honesty.”“I love your tongue.”He laughed. “I’m glad to hear it made such an impression.”Kaleb materialized. “Can I cut in?”Trace held me tighter a moment, clearly reluctant. Then he let out a self-suffering sigh, though his eyes were warm. “As it’s you, yes.” He slowly released me, purposely sliding his hand along my lower back right above my butt as he did.Kaleb drew me intimately close, just as his friend had done. We swayed, perfectly in sync, to the music. He lowered his head slightly, his nostrils flaring. “You’re wearing the same perfume you wore at the club the other night, aren’t you?”I nodded. “It’s my favorite.”“I’ll never be able to smell it without thinking of you. It wouldn’t matter who wore it. I’d think of you.”It had been a gift from my mother. Say what you want about Alondra, but she had good taste in most things. Including men. In which case … “I’m guessing that my mom came onto you after Trace and I walked away.”His lips flattened. “It was like being in the sights of a female praying mantis.”I had to chuckle at that. “My last boyfriend said something similar.” My amusement faded as I remembered … “He didn’t reject her when she came onto him, though.”Kaleb’s brows snapped together. “She came onto your boyfriend?”“She’s done it to every boyfriend of mine that she’s met. She doesn’t sleep with them. Barely even kisses them. It’s a test, she says. A test to see if they’re worthy of me.”“That’s fucked up, Briar.”“I’ve told her that same thing a million times. She doesn’t see things my way. Or she doesn’t want to. Whichever.”Kaleb cursed beneath his breath. “Trace wasn’t lying when he described her as cold. You, though … you are somewhat the opposite. Warm. Genuine. Honest.” He lowered his face to mine, keeping mere inches between our mouths. “And you take my cock so well.”Between him and Trace, it was a wonder that my hormones hadn’t gone into meltdown. “If you’re hoping to make me blush, it won’t work.” I didn’t blush easily. It was something I was exceedingly thankful of whenever I was around this dude and his friend.“I don’t want you blushing. I want you wet.”Well, he had his wish. “Careful, Kaleb, or I’ll retaliate.”A playful glint floodlit his eyes. “How will you do that? I’m intrigued.”Deciding to demonstrate, I swept my tongue along my lower lip and said, “You wanted to come in my mouth the other night, didn’t you? You wanted to force me to swallow every drop.” Ha, his pupils dilated. “I’ll bet you were even tempted to pinch the artery in my neck while your dick was in my mouth, so I’d feel like I was choking on it.”Sexual tension bunching his muscles, he flexed the hand he’d splayed on my back. “You’re so lucky that we’re surrounded by so many people, or I’d be kissing your mouth so hard it would bleed.”My feminine parts were all cha-ching. “You wanted to know how I’d retaliate,” I reminded him. “I was just satisfying your curiosity.”“It’s not my curiosity that currently needs satisfying.”I knew that, because I could feel his cock hardening.The music changed into something more upbeat, so we slowed to a stop on the dance floor. Our moment had sadly reached its end.“I’d better go check on my apprentice,” I said. “He’s been gone awhile.” Hopefully he hadn’t run out of toilet paper or something.Kaleb’s eyes flitted all over my face and, dragging in a breath through his nose, he released me. “Go before I kiss you right here.”I almost dared him to do it, forgetting for a moment exactly where we were and just how easy it would be for photographers to snap pictures of us. “Bye.”On shaky legs, I crossed to the door that I’d earlier pulled Zhen through. Once in the hallway, I blew out a long breath and made my way to the door that would lead to the staircase, hoping that—“You do not want to cross me on this, Trace.”I stilled. The voice came from a room up ahead that branched off the hallway. And said voice belonged to Alondra. She’d evidently managed to convince him to speak with her in private after all.A deep male sigh of irritation. “What is really your problem here?” Trace asked, not sounding particularly interested in the answer. “You never had an issue with me before.”“You hadn’t screwed my daughter before,” Alondra snarked.“I don’t see what that has to do with anything. Or, more specifically, what it has to do with you. What goes on between me and Briar is our business. It has nothing at all to do with you.”No response. I could imagine her face flushing with anger at how breezily he’d dismissed her. If there was one thing she despised, it was indifference. She had to have an impact on someone one way or the other.“You will not touch Briar again,” Alondra insisted, her tone clipped. “She is far too young for you, and you know it.”“She is only, what, nine years my junior,” said Trace. “Something like that. If she has no objections to the age gap, why should you?”“I’m her mother; it’s my job to protect her.”“And I’m somehow a danger to her?”“You would not treat her how she deserves to be treated.”I almost snorted. Well, mom, neither do you.“You don’t do commitment,” Alondra went on. “You use women and then toss them aside. You don’t even do it alone. You drag your friend Kaleb into the game.”“Briar had no complaints.”A long hiss. “You will not touch her again, Trace. I forbid it.”“You can forbid whatever the fuck you want. Just don’t expect me to dance to your tune. You have no say in what I do or don’t do. You never will. I’m not a man you can control, Alondra. I warned you of that long ago.”“Briar’s my daughter.”“And, what, you think that you should therefore be able to dictate what she does or who she sees? That’s not how it works.”No, it wasn’t. But he was wasting his breath trying to explain it to her. I’d tried it numerous times and quite simply failed. She’d never quite ‘got’ that I was more than an extension of her and didn’t need to obey or answer to her.“I know what’s best for Briar,” Alondra claimed. “And if you know what’s best for you, you’ll heed me on this.”“Is that a threat?” he asked, his voice dropping an octave and losing its bored, lazy air.“It’s very much a threat,” confirmed Alondra. “I have more clout in this industry than you do. I can ruin someone in a hot second, and you’d do well to remember it.”“So typical of a narcissist. When you can’t control someone, you seek to tear them down. It’s pathetic.”“I won’t seek to do anything, I will do it.”“You can certainly try. But it won’t change anything. I still won’t be manipulated. I still won’t want you. And I’ll still want Briar.”Alondra sucked in a harsh breath.“I don’t know about you,” he began before she could speak, “but I’m ready to go back to the party.”Oh, shit. I ducked into a nearby room and waited there as two sets of footfalls padded out into the hallway. Alondra was hissing insults at Trace, who gave no verbal response.I puffed out a breath. My mother, ladies and gentlemen.