Trace isn’t here, but cameras peer down from tiny black globes amid the mosaic art work on the ceiling. Maybe he’s watching.
I cue up my set list on the sound system, flip on the stage lights, and climb atop the eight-foot-wide circular platform. Half the tables in the restaurant sit empty, but they’ll fill up by dinnertime. Those who are already seated stare at me expectantly.
Standing at the center of the stage, I wait for the tempo of Whenever, Wherever by Shakira to build. Then I move. Abs, ribcage, hips—the energy gathers in my core and ripples outward to my head and limbs. God, I missed this.
A silver lace half-circle skirt hangs low on my hips, with extra draped panels attached to a mini underskirt. Crystals, beaded appliques, and fringe on the matching bra shimmy and sparkle with my movements.
I love all forms of dance, but belly dance is the core of my passion. I shake and sway for the next two hours, scanning the growing crowd for the one who holds my future captive.
When his towering shadow finally emerges in the entrance, my hips falter and my breath stutters. Those trance-inducing eyes narrow on me to the exclusion of all else, but his hand… His hand rests on the lower back of the black-haired woman from last night.
Jealousy hits me like a vicious slap across the face. I can’t hear the music over the ringing in my ears.
This is what it feels like—the helplessness, the agony of watching someone I love with another person. To think he endured this every time he saw me with Cole.
He guides the woman to the table closest to the stage, and they settle in, side by side, watching me dance as the server takes their orders. His date doesn’t even glance at the menu.
She must come here often.
With him.
Bringing her here while I’m dancing, putting her right in front of my face… He’s punishing me. Except that’s not his style. His discipline comes in the form of a red ass, not a cruel revenge game.
Something feels off, and dammit, it’s hard to dance with the force of his cryptic gaze pressing against my senses. As the song ends, I steel my spine. I’m not backing down. As much as I want to run out of the restaurant, I’m going to continue to dance. If he wants to crush me, he’ll have to try harder.
The next song begins, and I meet his compelling eyes.
He lifts a hand and curls a finger, beckoning me to the table.
I obey instantly, my windpipe caught in a stranglehold. Sliding off the stage, closing the distance, I don’t look away from those eyes.
Beneath the stuffy suit and tie is a happily ever after. Behind the neat row of buttons is the heart that beats in sync with mine. The expensive threads hide my territory, where all my thoughts lie, where my future awaits.
Palms sweaty, I take the empty seat across from them.
“Hi, Danni.” The woman gives me an easy smile and extends a hand across the table. “I’m Alexis.”
I wipe my damp palm on my costume and clasp her fingers. Strong grip, toned arms, intelligent green eyes… I hate her already.
Anger rises in a hot wave, but I keep my tone quiet. “Are you fucking him?”
Her eyes widen. “I beg your pardon?”
“Answer the question.” Good lord, I sound like Trace.
“Danni.” He leans toward me, his scowl threatening in its intensity. “Put the claws away.” His gaze shifts to the woman at his side and softens. “Alexis is your boss.”
Blood drains from my face, my voice a reedy whisper. “What?”
“I’m the new CEO of The Regal Arch Casino and Hotel.” She folds her hands together on the table and tilts her head. “And no, I’m not fucking the owner.”
“I’m sorry for assuming.” Embarrassment trickles into relief as I lift my gaze to Trace. “You resigned as CEO?”
“I still own the company and a seat on the board, but I handed off the day to day operations about four months ago. It took me a while to find a good fit. She runs this place better than I did.”
Is that the good news he and Cole were discussing on the phone that night? The timing is right.
“What are you going to do?” I ask him.
His expression transforms, the devil in his eyes. “Anything I want.”
He doesn’t glance down at my body, but he doesn’t have to. His tone is pure sex, gliding over my skin and stoking a deep burn.
“I’m going to get my dinner order to go.” Alexis rises from the table, her attention on me. “I’ve seen the financial statements. You used to bring a lot of revenue to the restaurant. I don’t care what you do with him, just keep it behind closed doors and bring the money in again.”
With that, she strides toward the kitchen.
I turn to Trace and find him watching me with a smirk on his lips.
“You’re an asshole,” I say without heat in my voice.
“I think we’ve established that.”
“Why did you let me believe you two were an item?”
“You were so fired up to fight for me I wanted to give you an opportunity to do that. Until I saw your discomfort on the stage. I couldn’t let it draw out another second. There’s no reason for it.” His timbre drops. “You already have me.”
An overwhelming feeling of belonging and promise bursts inside me. I stand and circle the table, taking the seat Alexis abandoned. A foot of space separates us, but he feels closer the moment our eyes connect.
“It’s been seven months.” My throat tightens. “Don’t go easy on me, Trace. I want to prove to you that you were never second choice. Or any kind of choice. It was always you. I just…I had to do a lot of growing up to figure that out.”
His expression softens. “What would you have done if I was fucking her?”
“If it was just sex, I would’ve sabotaged the relationship.”
“You don’t have the ruthlessness or skill to do that.” He stares at my mouth.
“I’ve been taking notes, learning from the best. How many men have you chased from my house?”
“Touché.”
No part of him touches me, but the warmth of his brilliant blue gaze is enough to make my heart thunder out of control.
He turns his chair, angling his body to face me. “You’ve already proven your feelings, Danni. The day I left, the devastation on your face, it nearly destroyed me. I don’t have to imagine how hard it was for you to go through that again with Cole. Just knowing you did it, because you love me, is enough.”
“I made it so much harder than it—”
“Shut up and listen.” His jaw flexes. “You needed the journey to discover who you are and what you want.” He straightens. “You’ve suffered enough. I love you, and I will not put you through hell for another minute.”
“You haven’t put me through hell.”
“Haven’t I?” He pulls in a breath and slowly releases it. “I proposed to you knowing Cole might return. He and I manipulated and deceived you while you were being pulled in two directions.” He lowers his voice. “When you gathered the courage to leave, we dragged you back illegally, against your will. Have you forgotten this?”