Carmen opened her eyes and found herself alone in bed. She sat up and bit back a moan. She felt battered but deliciously so. The room was empty, curtains drawn. She slipped out of bed and sucked in a breath. Her ass and pussy throbbed (no surprise), and her back and legs felt as if she had been beaten with a cane. She hobbled into the bathroom and turned on the light. Despite the pain, she was smiling. Apparently, her purge carried her through to the next day. It was a fucking miracle. She turned her back to the mirror, but there were no bruises, not even one blemish despite their rough play last night. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before she noticed the clothes waiting for her. Jeans and a familiar sleeveless turtleneck and even her bra from Marcus’s house. She didn’t question. She slipped into the clothes and slicked her hair into a bun. She was still decked out in diamonds. It never occurred to her what she must have looked like, fisting him with diamond rings on every finger. It must have been fucking hot. Despite the fact she wore no makeup, she thought she looked damn presentable.

She slipped into her diamond stilettos and winced as the new position tilted her hips, making her calves ache. Holy fuck, next time she would make sure he fucked her on a carpet at least. She walked out of the bedroom and down a short hallway that led into the main part of the penthouse suite, which was now filled with sunlight.

Marcus stood with his back to her, looking out at The Strip as he talked on the phone. He was dressed in a different suit than the one he wore last night. Today’s ensemble was a pale blue number tailored to perfection. She paused to admire the long lines of his body as he set up a meeting for this afternoon and hung up. He turned, showing that he wore a white and blue pinstriped shirt opened at the collar, no tie. He looked amazing.

“You’re awake,” he said as he strode toward her.

“How did you get my clothes?”

“I went home and got them for you.”

“I thought you sent Mickey or Frederick.”

Marcus frowned. “I wouldn’t want another man pawing through your underwear drawer.”

He cupped the side of her face as he kissed her. He tasted sweet and tropical. She slid her tongue into his mouth, seeking more. He gripped her hip and pulled away.

“What did you eat?” she asked.

“Papaya.”

She licked her bottom lip and watched his eyes fixate on her mouth. “Yummy.”

His eyes were mossy green and mesmerizing in the blazing sun.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m a little sore.” Understatement, but he was a worry wort and she didn’t want him to hold back next time. “But I feel marvelous.” She paused and then added, “I’m hungry.”

He searched her eyes. “You’re fine?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t know if you’d feel differently this morning.”

“I feel fantastic.”

“I’m glad.”

She cupped his cheek. “You didn’t do anything wrong. If anything, you did everything right. You helped a lot.”

“Always happy to lend a helping hand.”

She tipped her head back and laughed. “And to think I was thinking about hiring a mute gigolo for sex services.”

“Mute?”

His disgruntled expression made her snicker. “Most guys are sexier with their mouths closed.”

“And what about me?”

She pressed her finger against his lips. “You weave magic with that fucking mouth.”

His eyes dilated, and he stepped back. “You’re sore, and you’re hungry. Let’s feed you.”

“Okay.” She reached for the button of her jeans and laughed when he cursed and backed away as if she was contagious. “Kidding.”

The dining table had a fruit tray, toast, oatmeal, and bacon. She winced as she sat and reached for a strip of bacon. Marcus poured her a glass of orange juice and placed an assortment of fruit on a tiny plate. He was careful and deliberate in everything he did whether it was making sandwiches or choosing fruit. She was charmed and smitten and liking him more and more. Marcus was capable of beating his chest with the best of them, but he chose to adopt the opposite of Gavin’s demeanor, which made him more interesting to her.

“You’re a control freak,” she said.

Marcus paused in the act of shaking two pain pills from a bottle. “Excuse me?”

“Last night, you said you learned control at a young age.” She speared a piece of cantaloupe on her fork and raised a brow. “So spill.”

Marcus placed the pills beside her plate. “I didn’t have control over my life when I was younger. The only thing I could control was myself, so that’s what I did.”

She reached for another piece of bacon between pieces of fruit and ignored his grimace. “You mean, when you grew up in foster homes?”

“Yes.”

His tone was perfect—even and smooth. His expression was composed and unruffled. Even his body language was fluid as he spooned oatmeal into a bowl, sprinkled raspberries and blueberries artfully over it, and placed in front of her. Nothing on the surface suggested he was uncomfortable in the least, but she sensed it. She didn’t want to be the girl who thought because he slept with her that he had to spill everything, but she couldn’t help being curious.

“What happened to your parents?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” She downed the pain pills and accepted the spoon he offered, clearly indicating he wanted her to eat the oatmeal.

“Never met my father, don’t know what happened to my mother. I was taken from her and put in state custody.” He sat at the head of the table and angled himself in her direction. “I was put in an institute before doing a round of foster homes.” He shrugged. “It’s inevitable that I would get mixed up with kids like Maddog and others connected to the underworld. It’s what happens to most strays.”

Her spoon clattered to the table. “Stray?” she choked out in outrage. “You’re not a stray!”

He grinned. “I’m not?”

She smacked her hand on the table. “What are you smiling about? This isn’t funny!”

“Carmen, that was a long time ago.”

“You’re not a stray,” she muttered as she grabbed another piece of bacon. Just the thought of Marcus labeling himself as that pissed her off.

“Strays don’t have family.”

“You do have family! Me and Gavin and Lyla …” Her voice trailed off. She sat back as it hit her. “That’s why you’re so loyal to Gavin. He’s your first family.”

He stared at her for a long moment before he inclined his head. “Yes. Gavin’s stuck with me whether he likes it or not. I would never betray him.”

Her eyes stung with tears. She looked down to hide them. “Right. Well, that means you aren’t a stray anymore. You have somewhere to go during the holidays.” She silently vowed that even when this thing between them ended, their relationship would remain civil. Everyone needed family.

“Carmen?”

She cleared her throat as she brushed invisible lint off her thigh. “Yeah?”

He cupped her chin and lifted it so she couldn’t avoid his gaze. He examined her shimmery eyes and wiped away a tear that leaked out of the corner.

“I’m fine,” he said.

She nodded. “Yes, you are. I just … didn’t know.”

He retracted his hand. “It’s not something I blab about.”

Of course, he wouldn’t. She waved a hand. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.” She grabbed her spoon and dug into her oatmeal. “Subject change. Do I snore?”

He blinked. “What?”

“Did I snore last night?”

“No,” he said slowly.

“Good to know. I do that when I’m really exhausted.”

Her phone rang. When she looked around, Marcus rose and fetched it from her clutch. He glanced at the screen and his brows came together as he handed it to her. She answered on the last ring.

“Connie?”

“What kind of rock do you want?” Cormac Hart asked.

“What?”

“I was doing an interview, and you came up. Apparently, a picture of us is circulating the internet. I figure we’ll be engaged next, so what kind of rock do you want?”

She didn’t even have to think about it. “I want a six-carat pink diamond ring.”

She winked at Marcus who towered over her.

“How much is that going to set me back?” Cormac asked.

“Just one million,” she said airily.

“Fuck that. See, that’s why I’m never getting married. Hey, if Gavin isn’t cock-blocking, I have a friend who’s bugging the hell out of me about you. You want to meet the asshole?”

Marcus did not look happy. She beamed at him. He was so dang cute.

“I’m with someone, but thanks,” she said.

“Not surprised. Only a matter of time before someone picked you up. You coming to my next fight?”

“Sure. Just let me know when and where.”

“Will do. Gotta go, babe.”

“Bye, Con.” She hung up and scrolled through her messages.

She had missed calls from Lyla, Mom, Maddie, Kiki, and Luci. Maddie was done with her test and wanted to do something. She sent her a quick text, saying she wanted to do nails and hair before she texted Shonda.

“Cormac Hart asked what kind of jewelry you want?” Marcus asked.

“Some reporter asked him about us. There’s a picture of us on the internet from that party where you and I fucked in the laundry room. He was messing around, asking what kind of engagement ring I want.”

“He calls you often?”

“No, but we party from time to time. Con and I go way back.”

Marcus sat. “How far back?”

“I sponsored him when no one else would.”

His brows shot up. “You sponsored a fighter?”

“I believed in him. He had heart.” She shrugged. “I met him in my stripper days. He came in, and we clicked. He’s a good guy although he acts like a douche. I have a thing for underdogs.”

“A stripper who invests in fighters, dates one of the wealthiest men in the state, is behind the most successful clubs and restaurants on The Strip, knows how to handle a gun, and looks like a supermodel …” Marcus shook his head. “Like I said, you scare me.”

“You should be afraid,” she said loftily as she popped grapes in her mouth. “I’m a kamikaze with a cause.”

He grinned. “That you are.”

“My parents let me be who I wanted.” She ignored the dull ache in her chest. “My dad was an enforcer, so I know the good, bad, and ugly of Las Vegas. He kept me from it as best as he could. He told me I was a princess.” She smiled sadly as she stared out at The Strip, which lacked the punch and magic that it had at night. “He was a great dad. The best. If you think I’m a brat, blame him.”

“I think he did a damn good job.”

She rose from her seat and leaned down so they were face to face. “You’re sweet.” She kissed his lips, but pulled away before he could open his mouth. “You’re sexy.” Another kiss, this time on the corner of his lips. “And you fuck like a porn star.” One last kiss before she looked into his eyes. “And you’ll always have a friend in me.”

His hand curled around her nape. “Promise?”

She nodded. “Promise.”

Marcus was just as much a part of the family as she was. No matter what, they would find a way to remain friends. No man had been able to put up with her for long. What he thought was sexy and exciting now would fade. He needed order and routine and control—those words weren’t part of her vocabulary. She would ride the wave for now and try to find herself before it ended.

“I guess I’ll let you use my body then. That’s what good friends do, right?” he murmured.

She ran a hand down his chest. “Yep. Whatever’s required. It’s in the best friend contract.”

“What about the family contract?”

“That means you put up with my craziness. You’re doing a damn good job so far.” Her phone beeped, and she straightened. “I have to pick up Maddie.”

“Your future stepsister?”

She shrugged. “She’s my sister now even though we’re waiting for them to get married.” She tucked her clutch under her arm and headed toward the exit. She paused beside the large lion fountain and bobbed her brows at Marcus. “We could have done crazy shit on this lion.”

His eyes gleamed. “Next time.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“Everything’s all right at the house?” he asked.

“Everything’s great. Now that I’ve settled in, I can focus on other things. I want to start my pole classes again, see my friends, spend time with Lyla, get her out and about …”

“You’re supposed to stay out of sight,” he reminded her mildly as they boarded the elevator.

“I’ll leave that to Mickey and Frederick.” Because he looked concerned, she added, “I won’t take unnecessary risks.”

“Good.”

The elevator doors opened, and Frederick and Mickey stepped in.

“Hey, boys,” she said.

Frederick didn’t respond, but Mickey winked at her. They stood in front of them as they traveled down to the ground floor. They strolled through the casino with Frederick and Mickey flanking them. They were passing the bar when someone called out to Marcus. He paused as a handsome, exotic-looking man held out a hand.

“Best birthday bash ever,” he said as he shook Marcus’s hand.

“You’re welcome. Khalid, this is Carmen Pyre. Carmen, this is our guest of honor. He’s visiting from Dubai and interested in some Pyre Casinos projects,” Marcus said.

She shook Khalid’s hand. “Happy Birthday. Your bash had quite the guest list.”

“Pyre?” Khalid echoed.

“I was married to the former COO,” she said.

Khalid nodded. “I see. Very nice to meet you. Where are you off to?”

“I have an appointment,” she said.

He gestured to the bar, which was packed with men. “Have a drink with us. I’m sure your appointment can wait.”

She retracted her hand and gave him a plastic smile. “Sorry, I’m busy. I’m sure Marcus can find you some companions for the day.”

Khalid handed her a black business card with gold script. “When you’re finished with your appointment, call me. I’ll be in town for the rest of the week.” He cocked his head. “Have you ever been to Dubai?”

He was forward as fuck, not surprising since he was a billionaire. He thought she would fall at his feet or rearrange her life for a day with him. If he wasn’t a potential investor for Pyre Casinos she would have told him to shove it. Instead, she took the card and slipped it into her back pocket.

“I haven’t been to Dubai yet. It’s on my list.” She elbowed Marcus. “We should go someday.”

“Maybe we will,” Marcus said.

Khalid looked between them before he inclined his head. “I’ll let you get to your appointment.”

“And we’ll let you get back to celebrating,” she said and took Marcus’s arm. She waved at Khalid’s entourage who were watching avidly and continued along the heavily carpeted path. “We really should go to Dubai. You need to travel, and I can add another destination to my list.”

“Does that happen a lot?”

“What?”

“Hitting on you?”

She glanced at him. “Of course.”

“Must get annoying.”

She sighed dramatically. “A cross I have to bear.”

“Gavin’s here.”

She looked ahead and saw Gavin cutting a path through the crowd with Alice at his side. She was half running to keep up with his long strides. Gavin clearly wasn’t going to shorten his stride for her, the jerk. Alice had a clipboard in hand and wore a long, hideous jean skirt with black leggings and a sweater vest. When Gavin spotted them, he stopped in his tracks, and his eyes narrowed to slits. Alice stopped and looked to see what had captured Gavin’s attention. She spotted them, and her mouth dropped open.

Carmen gave him a broad smile. “Hey, psycho!”

Marcus snickered while Gavin bared his teeth. “What the fuck is this?”

“What’s what?” she asked, playing stupid and enjoying every moment.

Gavin’s finger drifted between them. “This.” His voice dripped with venom.

“We’re friends,” she said, sounding bewildered.

“You’re touching him,” Gavin said through clenched teeth. “You used to avoid him, and now you’re touching him, and it’s morning. What are you doing here so early?”

“Didn’t Lyla tell you we’re living together?” she asked.

Gavin looked like he was going shit a brick. “What the fuck, Marcus?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Marcus said.

“Don’t worry?” Gavin stepped up to Marcus and hissed, “You don’t know her like I do. She’ll ruin your life.”

His words speared straight to her gut. Did he mean if it hadn’t been for her, Vinny would still be here? She raised her clutch to bash him across the face, but Marcus pulled her back.

“I’ll take care of him,” Marcus promised. “I have business to discuss with him, and you have an appointment.”

She glared at Gavin over Marcus’s shoulder. “You’re going to pay for that,” she promised before she wrapped her arms around Marcus and gave him a long, deep kiss. “Thanks for last night, baby.”

She turned and found Alice staring at her with bulging eyes. She hooked her arm with Alice and announced, “We have things to discuss. She’ll be gone the rest of the day.”

“What? No, I—” Alice squeaked.

“You need to talk to me about the auction, don’t you?” She turned to Marcus and Gavin and said, “All the proceeds for my donations will go to the Pyre Foundation. Alice and I haven’t discussed the details, which we’ll do at the salon. Toodles.”

She dragged Alice toward the exit with Mickey leading the way.

“Good news, you have some time off,” she said brightly to Alice. “I cleared it with your bosses. Don’t worry.”

“Carmen, I couldn’t possibly—”

“You can and will. We do need to talk about my donation, don’t we?”

“Well, yes. I was just talking to Mr. Pyre about it before he noticed you and … Wait, you and Marcus?”

Alice’s incredulous excitement raised her spirits again. She grinned. “Yup. He’s the best fuck. I’ll tell you about it while we get our nails done.”

She ignored Alice’s scandalized gasp as they walked out of the casino and waited for their car to be brought around.

“We’re swinging by the university to pick up my sister and then we’re going to the salon. You guys can get whatever you want done,” Carmen said to Frederick and Mickey before she called Lyla. “Heya, I’m doing a girls’ day. You should come. You need to meet Maddie.”

“Gavin’s calling me, and it hasn’t even been an hour since he left,” Lyla grumbled.

“It’s about me. I just told him I’m fucking Marcus, and he said I would ruin his life.”

“He what?” Lyla snapped. “Who you bang is none of his damn business!”

“No worries. Marcus is tougher than you think. So, hair? Nails? Gossip? Salon?”

“I’ll be there,” Lyla said before she hung up.

“Excellent.” She texted her mom and Janice. “You know what Janice’s schedule is?”

Alice shook her head as their SUV pulled up. Mickey opened the back door, and they climbed in. She let Maddie know they were on their way and turned to Alice, who was biting her nails.

“What?” she asked.

“You can’t just tell Marcus and Mr. Pyre that I’m going to get my nails done!” Alice burst out.

“Why not?”

“Because they’re my bosses.”

“Technically, I’m also your boss,” she said casually. “I inherited Vinny’s shares, which means I own a piece of Pyre Casinos. I let them do what they want, but I can make their lives hell if I want to.” She shrugged. “But they know what they’re doing, so I don’t intervene.”

“Y-you own a part of Pyre Casinos?” Alice asked faintly.

“Yup.”

“You and Gavin don’t seem to be on the best terms. I mean, if you wanted to, you could do major damage to …” Alice stopped, looking horrified. “I mean, not that you would—”

“Hmm.” Carmen tapped her lips. “You know, that’s a great idea.”

“Oh, my gosh! I didn’t mean it like that!”

“You’re right. I should make his life a living hell. How dare he say I’m going to ruin Marcus’s life? I have a good thing going, and he’s trying to take away my sex on tap. What an ass, right?” She pulled out her phone, which Alice snatched and hid behind her back. “Alice, give.”

“Obviously, you know how to handle Mr. Pyre. You two have history. You’re family! Don’t take my advice.”

“Fine. Noted. Now, give me my phone.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Sell my shares or blackmail Gavin into saying sorry.”

Alice’s eyes bulged with panic. “You can’t! Oh my God!”

Carmen burst out laughing. “Alice, I’m kidding.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I am. If I really wanted to hit him where it hurts, I’d just take Lyla on vacation without telling him and set up cameras to watch him combust.” She held out a hand. “Gavin’s an ass, but I would never mess with Pyre Casinos. Business is business, and we both know that. Now, give.”

“You promise?” Alice asked.

“Yes.” When Alice extended the phone, she snatched it and saw that Janice and her mom were gonna meet her at the salon. “Girls’ day! Woohoo! I am feeling good, baby!” She leaned between the front seats. “What about you two? Feeling good?”

“Fletcher put us up in a room. Nicest bed I ever slept on,” Mickey said.

“What about you, Freddy?” she asked, poking him in the arm.

“Fine,” he grunted.

“You guys gonna get pedis?”

“No,” Frederick snapped. “We’re trained guards, not pansies.”

“Suit yourself.”

She sat back and rolled down her window as they pulled up to the university. Maddie sat on the stairs with ripped jeans, a baseball cap, and her nose buried in a book.

“Maddie!” she hollered, making a bunch of college kids look around. She winked at a cutie who could be a double for Justin Bieber before she moved over so Maddie could get in.

“Hey, baby,” she said as she tossed an arm over her shoulders. “What’s shakin’?”

Maddie eyed her. “You’re happy.”

Alice leaned forward so she could inform Maddie, “She’s dating Marcus.”

“Banging, not dating,” she corrected as she took off Maddie’s cap and ran her hands through her hair. “You’re a virgin, aren’t you?”

Maddie jerked. “What?”

Alice elbowed her in the ribs. “Leave her be, Carmen. I am too, Maddie. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I meant her hair is virgin,” Carmen said and elbowed Alice back. “You want to do something to your hair?”

“Do something?”

Carmen fluffed her own blazing red hair, which needed a touch-up. “You want to be a mermaid, a unicorn, a Playboy bunny? What are kids doing these days?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Maddie said.

“What do you mean? You’re in college. You’re boarding, surrounded by your peers. What are your classmates doing?”

Maddie shrugged. “I don’t really pay attention. I just study.”

“You don’t have friends?” Carmen asked and got another elbow in the ribs, which really fucking hurt. “Will you cut that out? I’m already sore.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Alice said, instantly contrite. “What happened?”

“Marcus is a beast. That’s what happened.” She turned back to Maddie. “So what’s the deal?”

“Marcus hit you?” Maddie looked outraged. “Dad will kill him.”

She wanted to throw her hands up in exasperation. Mickey turned in his seat to watch the drama. The grin on his face said he knew exactly why she was bruised and couldn’t wait to hear the juicy details.

“He didn’t hit me. We just went at it like a bunch of animals. It was fabulous,” she said airily.

Alice made a faint wheezing sound. Maddie looked relieved.

“So? What kind of hair or nails do you want?” Carmen persisted.

“I don’t know.” Maddie picked up Carmen’s hand and examined her nails, which were grown out. “What are you going to do?”

“I still love the red, but I may add highlights or something. We’ll see what Shonda says. She’s the hair queen.”

“I guess I’ll get a trim,” Alice said.

“Whoa, calm down,” Carmen said dryly. “You don’t want highlights? What about layers?”

Alice shifted uncomfortably. “No, I think a trim will be just fine.”

Carmen badgered her all the way to the salon because she enjoyed seeing Alice riled, and sooner or later, Alice would give in to a makeover. When she entered the salon, she found it empty. Shonda had cleared her schedule for them. She did air kisses with Shonda and Keenan and had a glass of champagne in her hand within five minutes. Mom and Janice arrived at the same time, followed shortly by Lyla, Blade, Nora, and an entourage of no less than ten guards.

“Marcus told me I had to attend a meeting with you two,” Janice said, eyes sparkling. “What’s the deal?”

“I wanted a girls’ day, my treat,” Carmen said.

“But what we really need to discuss is the art items she donated to be auctioned off,” Alice said primly.

“Those pieces are amazing. I can’t believe you’re giving them up,” Janice said.

“It’s for a good cause.” She hugged her mom and snatched Nora who wore adorable overalls with a white long-sleeve with tiaras and diamonds on it. “Oh, my baby! Why are you so cute?!” She gnawed on Nora’s neck, which made her shriek in delight.

“Hey, girls.” Lyla hugged Alice and Janice before turning to Maddie. “Nice to meet you, Maddie.”

Maddie looked a little dazed as she shook her hand. “Nice to meet you too. You’re married to Gavin Pyre.”

Lyla’s mouth curved. “That’s me.”

Maddie’s eyes flicked to all the guards. “Is that why you have so much security? Because you’re rich?”

Lyla’s mouth twitched. “Gavin’s over the top.” She slipped an arm over Maddie’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “You’ll meet him later, when he’s not on edge and psycho.”

“Psycho?” Maddie echoed warily and glanced at Carmen with big eyes.

“He’s a lot, but you’ll get used to him. Carmen tells me you’re going to school for hotel management and business.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll tell Gavin to give you a spot if you’re interested. I used to work for his father, Manny. He was amazing.”

They were directed to two chairs side by side. Alice, Janice, and her mother were deep in conversation, which left her with Nora. She hugged her goddaughter close.

“Pretty girl,” she cooed and nibbled on her fingers.

“I thought we would get action with this job, but nothing’s happened,” Frederick grumbled.

She turned and saw Blade standing near the door with Frederick and Mickey while the other guards milled around outside.

“This job may be over soon,” Blade said in his neutral tone. “Roman’s been rounding them up quicker than expected.”

“I heard it’s not just the Black Vipers he’s been working on, but several gangs,” Mickey said eagerly.

“He hasn’t wasted time declaring war on the city,” Blade said. “He also had a group of men arrive from New York, and they’re proved to be very effective.”

“And we’re missing out,” Frederick grumbled.

“I’m fine,” Mickey said.

“Don’t get complacent. Carmen’s a handful. If it wasn’t this thing with the Black Vipers, it would be something else,” Blade said. “She’s a magnet for trouble.”

“Blade, you know you love me!” she called.

Blade walked over to her and crossed his arms. “I heard it took you two shots to put him down. You need to train more.”

She glared. “Do I get to use you as practice?”

“If it would improve your aim. Two shots is pathetic. Your father would be embarrassed.”

“Don’t talk about my father!”

“Then don’t give me something to talk about. You need to come to the house for more training.”

“I got the guy in the desert with one shot!”

“At point blank range. A blind man could have taken him out.”

She bared her teeth at him. “I’m busy.”

“Fucking around with Marcus?” He shook his head. “It’ll never work out.”

“Since you and Gavin share the same brain, I’m not surprised you think so. But both of you fail to realize that we’re not in a relationship. We’re just friends.”

“Friends,” Blade repeated in a flat tone of voice that said he didn’t believe her.

“Yes, friends with benefits. You should look into it. I think you’re going numb below the waist.” She dipped her eyes down to his crotch and then back up again. “That would be a shame. Women could write sonnets about that cock. You’re packing.”

His eyes narrowed. “It works fine.”

“How would you know? When’s the last time you got laid?”

“I find the time.”

Carmen leaned in close and stage-whispered, “Is it the cook?”

A muscle clenched in his cheek. “She’s fifty.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

“Carmen, you ready?” Shonda called.

“Yeah!” She handed Nora to Blade and patted his chest. “Take care of the baby, Daddy.”

She skipped over to her seat and jumped when Janice shrieked. She came running across the salon wearing a cape with her hair dripping wet.

“You and Marcus?” Janice shrieked.

“Friends with benefits,” she clarified.

“With Marcus Fletcher?” Janice pushed.

“Yes.”

Janice jumped up and down on her and nearly fell because stilettos weren’t built for exercise. “Holy shit! I’m so happy for you.”

“Friends with benefits, Janice.”

“Is he good?”

“Good? You think I’d bother with just good? I’m insulted.”

Janice clapped her hands together. “I knew it! He’s a god, isn’t he? Tell me he’s raw and sexy and tells you to call him daddy.”

She grinned. “Yes, yes, and we’ll work on the last.”

Keenan stomped over. “Missy, you’re dripping everywhere.”

“Sorry, I had to get the scoop.” Janice winked at her. “I want details later.”

“New man?” Shonda asked with a broad grin.

“Yep.”

“Tell Shonda all about it.”

* * *

Carmen moaned as she climbed into the steaming bathtub. Spending the day at the salon with friends and family was just what the doctor ordered. It didn’t take long for Maddie to relax. Her dad and brothers had neglected the girly parts of Maddie’s upbringing, so she and Mom were happy to help her catch up. They chatted, ordered in food, and gossiped. Because Alice felt so guilty for taking the day off, a portion of their time was dedicated to discussing the upcoming auction. Carmen noted the date and would send out some emails to people she knew who coveted those pieces. She wondered if Alice realized that they could easily raise half a million dollars with what she’d given. Janice would handle the press, and it would be good all around. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to attend the event. The memories connected to each piece were still there, and she was trying to move on.

Her body still ached, but the champagne had gone a long way to making her forget about it. Janice grilled her mercilessly about Marcus’s performance. She didn’t give a blow-by-blow, but she told her Marcus was more than up to the challenge of keeping up with her. Marcus was extremely private, and she didn’t want to betray his trust. He might be one of the most complicated men she had ever met, which made him so interesting to her. She liked layers and the different facets of a person’s personality. It was what made everyone unique. In her experience, men were simple creatures, but Marcus wasn’t. Unlike most men, he didn’t try to assert his dominance, and he wasn’t interested in being acknowledged for all his accomplishments. He kept everything close to his chest, and she liked that. It meant he could be trusted.

She soaked until she was in danger of falling asleep. She fluffed her hair and examined it in the mirror. Shonda had outdone herself. Her hair was now a swirl of ruby and rose that was dreamy and romantic. She was obsessed with it. Her nails were a matching dusty rose that suited her mellow mood.

Her phone rang as she slapped on moisturizer. She answered with her elbow. “Hey, Luci.”

“Please tell me you’re coming to visit.”

“Not yet.”

“Ugh. New York’s so dull without Angel, and now he’s so busy I barely hear from him. It’s not fair that he’s having so much fun. Distract me. Tell me something exciting.”

“Hmm. Today, Cormac asked me what kind of ring I want.”

Silence.

“Luci?”

“Excuse me?” Luci wheezed. “I didn’t hear you right.”

“You did.”

“But I thought you were banging the COO.”

“I am.”

“You’re doing both of them? You can’t have two! That’s not allowed!”

“Says who?”

“Me! You can’t do my Cormac like that.”

“He’s a whore.”

“Don’t talk about my man like that! He’s my whore.”

She laughed. “A reporter asked about us, and he was joking around.”

Luci let out an audible breath. “What’d you ask for?”

“A six-carat pink diamond.”

Luci whistled. “If they’re gonna ask what you want, you should definitely ask for the best.”

“Amen, sister.”

She chatted with Luci as she finished her nighttime routine and climbed into bed in a pair of lacy hipsters. She bit back a moan as she slid between the luxurious sheets.

“I’ll visit, I promise,” she said before she hung up. She tossed her phone on the nightstand, hugged a pillow to her chest, and yawned.

She awakened a couple of hours later when a body wrapped around her.

“It’s me,” Marcus rumbled.

She relaxed instantly and allowed herself to be drawn against his bare chest. “What time is it?”

“Two.”

She groaned and tossed her leg over his and got comfortable. He ran his hand over her body and kissed her neck.

“You’re okay?” he murmured.

She grunted in reply, and he chuckled.