Page 18 of The Rookie's Sister

I almost choke on my drink as the group erupts in laughter. I fight back a flush, impressed at how easily she plays the coy girlfriend. But that heated look she throws me makes my mouth run dry.

We extricate ourselves a few minutes later, after Emma charms them utterly. As we stroll toward the bar, I lean in close. “You’re a natural at this. Quite the little actress.”

Emma lifts one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “I was captain of the high school debate team. I know how to think on my feet.” Her eyes flick to mine, softening. “Besides, it’s easy when I have you next to me.”

Before I can think of a response, a hush ripples through the crowd. I glance up to see Rachel gliding through the arched entrance on the arm of my rival, Mark Collins.

Showtime.

I straighten my shoulders and fix a casual smile on my face. But my gut twists at the sight of Rachel looking radiant on Mark’s arm. Her scarlet gown clings to her frame, and a massive diamond necklace drips down her throat. Classic Rachel, dialing up the drama. Mark soaks up the attention, leering around the room like he owns the place. Pompous jackass.

Emma’s fingernails bite into my arm, and I cover her hand with mine. “It’s okay. We’ve got this.”

She nods tightly. I know seeing my ex rattles her, even if she won’t admit it. Rachel pretends not to notice us at first, breezing by in a cloud of Chanel No. 5. But I know this game. Any minute now...

Right on cue, she whirls around with mock surprise. “Xavier! Darling, I almost didn’t see you.” Her heels click over as she air-kisses my cheek. I fight the urge to wipe it off.

“Rachel,” I reply flatly.

Mark saunters up, reeking of arrogance. Rachel clasps his hand possessively. “Have you met my boyfriend, Mark Collins? Such a dear.”

I force a civil tone. “Good to see you, man.”

We size each other up with fake smiles. Rachel turns to Emma, eyes flickering with mischief.

“And who is this lovely creature?”

I curl my hand around Emma’s waist. “My girlfriend, Emma Thompson.”

Rachel’s smile sharpens a fraction. Bingo. “Of course. Lovely to meet you.”

They exchange frosty cheek kisses. Mark pulls Rachel closer, nuzzling her neck in a juvenile show of possession. “Johnson. Hell of a season you had last year.”

I force a tight smile. “Appreciate that, Collins.”

His hand migrates to Rachel’s hip, staking his claim. She leans into him but keeps her predator’s gaze fixed on me and Emma.

“You surprise me, Xavier. Rebounded from our little breakup, straight into this delightful creature’s bed.”

Emma inhales sharply. Before the red haze can descend over my vision, she grabs my arm, expression politely neutral. “Can I steal you for a minute, hon?”

Not waiting for a response, she steers me toward the bar with surprising force. I follow mutely, pulse hammering.

Emma doesn’t breathe again until we’re seated at the polished marble bar, a fresh martini pressed into my hand.

“Just inhale slowly,” I murmur. “Rachel wants us to lose our cool. Let’s not give her the satisfaction.”

She nods tightly, rage and humiliation churning in my gut. In my periphery, I see Rachel watching us as she’s fawning over Mark, angling her body suggestively against his side. Baiting me. And goddamn it, I’m falling for it.

Emma’s fingers wrap around mine, drawing my eyes back to her.

“We can’t let her win, Xavier.”

Before I can ask what she means, her mouth crashes against mine in a searing kiss. Shock ricochets through me, followed swiftly by a desire so strong that it was almost painful. After a stunned second, I kiss her back hungrily, the rest of the ballroom fading away. I lose myself in the taste and feel of her.

When we finally break apart, her cheeks are flushed, eyes glittering. She leans in close, lips grazing my ear.

“How’s that for a show?” she whispers wickedly.

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