Page 10 of Release Me
‘She would’ve too,’ Scarlett says dryly, sliding my drink across the table. I accept it gratefully as she flags down a passing barman.
‘Let’s get four more Dirty Martinis. Drink up, Rebekka. You’re playing catch up. We’re out for a good time, not for a long time!’ Ivy winks.
The barman takes our order, then drifts away. ‘I’m lucky to have made it, Beks.’ Scarlett tells me. My heart warms at her easy abbreviation of my name. ‘Between the girls and James Junior, I nearly didn’t. The baby decided tonight was the perfect time for a screaming contest.’ She exhales, but there’s no missing the affection in her tone. ‘Three kids under four—I’m running on caffeine, champagne, and sheer bloody stubbornness.’
I lift my glass to my lips.
‘Don’t forget the orgasms.’ Avery winks, slapping the table. ‘We all know your husband can’t leave you alone.’
I almost choke on my drink, but eventually manage to down it in four huge mouthfuls.
‘Go, girl!’ Ivy puts her hand out for a high five. I hit my palm off hers then dab the corner of my mouth.
‘Those Beckett brothers certainly know how to deliver on the orgasm front,’ Avery snorts, leaning across to clink Scarlett’s glass. Her blue eyes glitter.
‘They certainly do,’ Ivy laughs, tossing her hair.
What I wouldn't do to find out. I glance around the bar for any sign of our cocktails. I need another one now.
Or ten.
Chapter Four
RIAN
Elixir is mine. Another jewel in the Beckett crown. I managed to convince my brother, Sean, to tear himself from his new fiancée to come and celebrate with me.
‘You can’t walk into a bar without needing to buy it,’ he teases as we step through the glass doors. It’s packed already.
‘I’ve had my eye on this one for years,’ I call over the music. Just like I’ve had my eye on Rebekka.
I finally closed the deal yesterday—on the bar, not Rebekka—unfortunately. Though I’d give up every bar I own to close that deal.
Stop, Rian. For fuck’s sake.
Not helpful.
I haven’t been able to get her out of my head since the awards. I even rang Anthony twice since, hoping he’ll let slip some sort of minor detail about where she is, more importantlyhowshe is. But the daft bollocks is in Paris with his latest PA. Such a cliché.
I am a lot of things—none of them particularly redeemable, but one thing I’m not is unfaithful. Never have been. Never will be. It’s just not how we were raised.
‘You’re like a dog with a bone.’ Sean twists his head towards me and smirks. ‘You have to have every pretty thing you see, don’t you?’
‘Says the man who shacked up with a princess,’ I shoot back as we make our way towards the main bar. There are a couple of vacant high-backed stools free. ‘How’s domestic bliss with Her Royal Highness?’
His face splits open in a full-blown grin. Turns out the quietest of my brothers isn’t gay, he just has exceptional taste. Domestic life suits him more than any of us could have imagined.
‘Has the press attention died down yet?’
His grin fades to a grimace. ‘Not yet. We’ve doubled security at Blackstone. The response to her stepping down has been challenging. Avery invited her out tonight for drinks, but she prefers to keep a low profile for another few weeks.’
‘But the press are eating up your romance like a fucking fairytale.’ I reach the bar, leaning an elbow on it as I scan the selection of whiskey on the mirrored wall.
He arches his eyebrows. ‘We both know our family has been associated with far too many scandals for me to pass as Prince Charming. And that’s just the ones they know about.’
He’s not wrong. We’ve had our share of trouble along the way. A vicious rivalry with another affluent family. The suspicious death of Caelon’s first wife, Isabella. James’s sex scandal. I’m just grateful I haven’t starred in any of my own.
Yet—a little voice warns me inside. Obsessing over my best friend’s wife is pretty scandalous. Even if I have no intention of acting on it.
