Page 26 of Closer

“He’s one of my best friends. Isn’t that a given?”

“I guess it’s fine.”

I scan the room again.

There she is. My princess in an emerald dress that hugs her curves like a second skin. I down the rest of my whiskey, relishing the burn. It’s nothing compared to the fire Lil ignites in my veins.

I hand my empty glass to a passing waiter, my gaze never leaving her. She’s standing alone at the bar on the other side, stirring her drink, gaze distant.

“Bash?” Serena asks. “Who’s that?”

I tear my eyes away. “No one important.”

“Oh, I see.” Brandon smirks. “Juliet has arrived.”

Serena tilts her head. “Juliet? Who’s he talking about?”

“An old friend.”

“Old friend?” Brandon asks. “Is that what we’re calling her now?”

I shoot him a warning glare, and he holds up his hands in response.

“I hope you’re more convincing in the future,” Serena says.

“I will be. Don’t worry.”

Lil’s big eyes meet mine. A flush rises on her pale cheeks, and her lips part.

Fuck. She still has the same effect on me. How do I get rid of that?

She almost married that bastard Jason, whom she assured me was a friend. And during our night, she said, it was just physical.

Was it really, princess?

I turn my back on Lil, focusing my attention solely on Serena, my hands settling on her waist. “Serena.”

She blinks up at me. “Pardon?”

“Smile and laugh on cue,” I say. “Pretend we’re utterly enchanted with one another for the evening. Can you handle that?”

“For the right price, I can handle anything.”

“What do you want?”

“I want your public support for my charity. Something big—an event, donations, whatever it takes to make an impact.”

“You got it. Now play along,” I murmur.

“Good,” she says. “But if you’re going to put on a show, at least do it properly.”

Before I know what’s happening, she crashes her mouth against mine. There’s no spark, no fire—just emptiness.

I pull back from her, my eyes flickering over to where Lil was standing. As in, she’s gone. Fuck.

I snap my head to Serena. “What the hell was that?”

“Just giving the people what they want, darling.” She lifts her shoulders, a trace of amusement flickering on her face.

---