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I lean forward to take a sip and notice Stella subtly rolling her eyes.
As I lower my lips to the rim of Juliette’s glass, I force my gaze to lock with Stella’s. Her finger rubs through the condensation on her glass, and she matches my unwavering eye contact. There’s a buzz that hangs between us that makes everyone else disappear.
Once the sour, fruity drink hits my tongue, I pull back and watch Stella’s eyes drop to my mouth as I swipe my tongue across the remaining bit on my lips. I sit back, and her gaze drapes down my bare chest.
Having her attention is such a heady feeling. I get stuck on how the sun highlights her stunning cheekbones. I’ve forgotten the bartender until he clears his throat and nods to the drink. “So, one of those?”
“Yeah, thanks, man.” I rest an elbow on the bar, trying to act much more casual than I feel. “So, Juliette, what kind of performance are we in store for?”
I feel Stella’s scrutinizing gaze assess me as Juliette is coy with vague responses to our questions. Stella isn’t one to keep her emotions off her face. She’ll let you know exactly how she feels with a single look.
So it makes me curious why she seems to be trying to conceal her assessment of my interaction with Juliette. The part of me that craves her attention hopes it’s out of jealousy. And let’s be honest, that’s a very big part of me.
“If you enjoy the show, you can give me your card.” Juliette’s dark brow arches.
“My card?” I ask, and I can’t help but match her flirty tone just to see how Stella takes it.
“Your Libidine member’s card.” When I look at her in question, she elaborates, “Members get access to different rooms and amenities depending on their tier. The cards control that access.”
“Like slipping your room key to someone at the hotel bar.” I nod, intrigued. This is news to me, but I’m sure Stella’s already memorized the fine print.
“Exactly.” Juliette continues, “But they also have your preferences, kinks, limits, things like that. So if you find someone you want to get to know better, you give them your card. See if your interests align.”
I’m hardly listening to Juliette’s further explanation, yearning to know what’s behind those beautiful, amber-soaked eyes watching me. Wondering who she sees. The kid brother who lives life on a whim, acts dangerously and recklessly? A flirt, a player? Or can she see the man I’m trying to become? A man who doesn’t take life for granted anymore. An adventure seeker who’d willingly settle down if she’d let me. Loving her would be my greatest adventure yet.
Stella laughs at something Juliette says, breaking my train of thought, and my stomach sinks from feeling the gravity of my own desires. The bartender slides my drink across the shimmering bar, and I take a large, refreshing sip before pushing off my stool.
My shoulders cut through the water as I glide into the center of the pool. I float onto my back, and the pop country song playing on the pool deck and the chatter of guests disappears as my ears sink below the water. I can hear my breath echo in my ears as my lungs inflate and I bob on the surface.
I close my eyes, my face angled toward the sky. As the sun’s warmth soaks into my skin, I’m reminded how surreal it is that I can feel something so tangibly that is so far away. The sun is a fucking ball of fire in the sky, the moon a floating rock. Life is merely a game, and my entire lifetime will only be a blip in the vast, endless ripples of the universe.
I’ve always known life is a fickle thing. My brother opens a door and my mother dies. A gun is fired and my father bleeds out in prison. A single nail rips through my tire and I’m almost flattened by a train.
I’ve never taken life seriously because it’s never been mine to keep. My clock was always ticking, but I never bothered to hear it. Now, it’s a blaring noise that constantly reminds me that I only want one thing out of my fleeting time on earth: to love and be loved by Stella Wright.
The intensity of that realization is enough to make me scared of death for the first time in my life.
1. Play “Breathe” by Kansh
2. Play “I Want More” by KALEO
Chapter 8
Someone Else
Stella
We return to our villa, and despite being practically dragged to the pool, I had a great time. It’s not like I never have fun. But Lochlan was right in that I’ve barely taken a day off in ten years. Working hard is my comfort zone.
As the oldest of my siblings, I’ve always felt pressure to pave the way. Ruby is only a year younger than me, and Andre was born less than two years after her. Even though we grew up close in age, I still shouldered the older sibling responsibilities. I’ve always felt like I had to set a tone of success.
Maybe that’s why I connected so easily with Cash. Like recognizes like.
I knew by the way he cared for his brothers that despite his shady background, he was a good person. And I think he trusted me because he saw that same commitment and loyalty reflected.
Managing the Den is more than just running the pub. We host private parties, events, and do catering. Not to mention dealing with all the interpersonal Fox brother drama I get pulled into. Still, taking over Summerland is a huge leap from what I’ve been doing, and I don’t want to let anyone down. I don’t want to just do a good job. I want to exceed expectations.
I slip into a pair of slides, the last piece of my outfit. Now that I’m ready, I step out of my private room and into the living space of the villa. Lochlan is leaning against the kitchen counter, ankles crossed and eyes on his phone. He’s wearing a tan suit with a pinstripe button-down, gold rings on his fingers as he types.
