Page 104 of Love Thief

“I thought you both wanted to lay low, not crank it up. You’ll not be able to go there unnoticed if it’s packed with celebrities all year round.”

“Oh, Kitten,” says Carter—Oh, God, not him as well—“you must be the only person we know who tries to keep us out of the limelight. Everyone else is trying to shove us in it.”

Before we head out, I’m treated to a full makeover courtesy of Gary, who is a wizard at hair and makeup. Has recently started his own makeover show.

“You have the most amazing eyes, so unusual. Has anyone ever told you that?”

I nod and whisper, “My husband.” My overactive tear ducts are back on form and crank up the pipes.

“Hey, don’t cry. I love your husband. Those two are just jealous of his looks,” he tells me.

I smile, feeling perfectly comfortable around him. He’s funny and easy going, making gentle fun of Kasey and Carter. He picks me out a dress I never would have chosen at twenty five weeks pregnant, but he pairs it with other stuff in my wardrobe, and it looks chic and sexy. “I feel amazing,” I tell him, “thank you so much.”

“Anytime, Kitten. You are so gorgeous. And you look amazing pregnant. You need to show it off. Let other ladies see how wonderful they can look.”

His eyes are appraising me, the honesty shining through, and I know I look amazing. Even better, I feel amazing, confident. But I’m also not sure if I’m being sized up for an appearance on his new show.

I try to keep my smile steady, but I bristle at him calling me Kitten. It’s too familiar. Kasey and I are going to have words.

We hit Vincenzo’s to a storm of paparazzi. Tommy is protecting me, and the boys have not bothered with caps or glasses tonight.

Kasey takes me in his arms, and says, “Own medicine, Kitten, don’t forget.” I smile for the cameras.

Vinny is kissing me all the way to a booth. “You are my favourite for life. My mamma is loving the signatures. I can get Carter’s and Gary’s now.” He goes off smiling at all the diners, and I feel invisible as the waitresses are glued to my friends.

“The usual, Evie?” they ask me. I nod, then back to Kasey they go.

Our night is funny, chatty, and with Carter, very bawdy. My phone is ringing. I take a breath in when I see the name on the screen. Xander.

Pain lances through my chest. Please let Kellen be alright. My mind spins on. Oh God, he’s died of a drug overdose, or choked on his own vomit. Xander wouldn’t ring unless it was urgent.

“Xan, is he alright, is he okay?” No one says anything. “Xander, can you hear me, is Kell okay? Are you okay?” My attempt to play it down fails and all eyes turn to me at the panic in my voice. “Xan, oh my God, it is bad. I’ll come, I’ll get a flight, what is it? What’s wrong?” I’m practically screaming into the phone.

“It’s not Xander, it's me, Kitten.” His cool voice hits my ears, my nerve endings starting to come alive.

I close my eyes and flop back into my chair. “Are you both okay?” I finally get out.

“Yeah, we’re fine.” His voice sounds husky, low, and my lady parts yawn and start to sizzle. He pauses for a second, then goes on. “Just wondering why you’re out with Kasey Becker and Carter Maywood.”

It’s my turn to be silent for a minute. “You’re kidding me, right?” I ask him. “That’s why you’re phoning me?”

“Is that him?” Kasey’s imperious tone is one of triumph as he snatches the phone out of my hand. His face is smug. “Why don’t you fuck off back with a model, Marcus. What’s up? You're done with her already? It’s like mid-day there, no one on their knees for you?” Kasey is snarling into the phone.

I hear Marcus snarl back, loudly. “Pass the phone back to Evie and stay the fuck away from my wife.”

“Your wife! Your wife! That's a joke. If you want to claim her as your wife, start treating her like one.”

He goes to hang up, but I snatch the phone back. He waves his hands at me, mouthing, ‘medicine.’

And I hang up.

I’m in shock. He’s phoned because I’ve popped up on the web, out with these three, and Carter is gay, which the whole world knows.

Kasey is smiling at me. “I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist you with us. He’s so predictable. Evie, you really need to stop being nice to him.”

The phone is ringing again, FaceTime this time. Oh boy. Kasey looks, smiles and nods. “You look amazing,” he says, and I answer.

“If you’re shouting, Kellen, I won’t pick up again.”

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