Page 8 of Heartbreaker

“Come to Rico’s party with me,” I blurt out. “I’d like to talk to you some more. I have so many questions…”

He looks away, his eyes suddenly hooded. “I don’t do parties.”

“Rico has the guest list locked down. No cameras, no press, just a group of close friends and their dates. I—” I nibble at my bottom lip. “Please come with me. I’m not ready to stop talking to you.” It feels a little awkward, putting it out there like this, but what choice do I have?

He gives me another of those penetrating stares.

He’s thinking about it.

And I’m practically holding my breath.

I’m not usually so bold with men, but there’s something about him that makes me want to know more.

“I could come for an hour, I guess,” he says in a gruff voice. “I’d like to talk to you more too.”

“Jade?” Rosie sticks her head in the door. “There you are. Are you ready to go? Limo’s here.”

“Yes.” I turn to Royal. “Come in my car? My driver can take you home whenever you’re ready.”

A nod. “I just need to text my assistant to make sure she gets home all right.”

“Perfect.” I grab my purse and move toward the door as he types into his phone.

Glee fills me and it’s all I can do not to skip my way over—well that,andthe miles and miles of dress weighing me down. It’s just…

Holy guacamole.

Royal Ewing is coming to a party.

Withme.

CHAPTER THREE

Royal

I don’t likethe hungry way her assistant is looking at me as we hurry down the hall, the sparkles from Jade’s dress scattering rainbow-filled reflections on the walls as we move.

But I just ignore it as we push out into the night air and quickly move into her car.

My phone buzzes and I glance at the screen as they shut the door behind us.

Rosie says something I can’t discern to Jade, but I don’t try to eavesdrop as I respond to Briar’s message.

Briar: You found someone to fuck when I left you alone for three minutes?

Royal: I’m socializing. Which you wanted. So fuck off.

Royal: And give Tater Tot a hug for me. You know she misses her favorite uncle.

Briar: You’re lucky I love you, you giant pain in my ass.

Briar: And, just so you know, I’m telling Frankie you’ve promised SIX books and just as many songs the next time you put her to bed.

My lips twitch, but I just thumb back a response.

Royal: Make sure Quentin gets you home safe and text me once you’re inside and the alarm is set.

Briar: Overprotective, much?

---