Page 25 of Black Mark's Heart

"Don't worry about it, Cassie," I smiled, taking her hand and leading her to the lounge with everyone else. "Those two made their choices and I've made mine. Now they are both stuck with having to live with it."

Cassandra didn't smile, but she nodded in understanding. I refused to think about it any longer. Jasper patted his lap when I approached, so I slid onto it and let him direct my mouth to his for a short kiss. Cassandra's eyebrows went up a little. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Cassandra Green," she introduced, holding out her hand.

Jasper smiled, putting out his hand. "Jasper Jones, Mora's friend."

"Just her friend?" Cassandra raised a brow, taking the seat Zander vacated.

Jasper grinned, "Friend, fuck friend, boyfriend. Whatever it suits us to be at the time. We've been seeing each other for years," Jasper winked.

Cassandra's eyes brightened. "Oh my gosh, you're the threesome guy."

"Hey, family are present," Alex reminded, sticking his fingers in his ears while everyone else laughed, including Jasper.

I laughed as Marshall covered his face with his hand, and I could hear the muttered curse he said to himself.

"Honey, are you putting your foot in it again?" Jeremy asked with a laugh and patting Marshall on the back in sympathy.

"Please! How much worse could it get then with you telling me you tried to sleep with my daughter after she had sex with your wife and friend?" Marshall shook his head and sat on the arm of the lounge chair.

Jasper laughed and I elbowed him in the ribs. "Don't you dare give my father a heart attack," I scolded quietly. "And, to clear that up..." I spoke clearly. "I only went down on Cass. She's the one who did Jeremy and his friend."

"Wait, you do chicks?" Sophie asked, astounded. "All these years I could have been scoring with you and you didn't tell me?" Sophie winked.

"Anytime, Soph."

Jasper smirked, "As long as I get to watch."

"Me too!" Warren and Zander agreed.

"Done. We'll sell tickets," Sophie laughed and winked at Warren.

I stopped and watched. I thought it was Zander she was moving towards, so it surprised me to see her do her flirt thing with Warren. I looked at Zander to see if he caught it. He watched Sophie toss her hair and smirked to himself before his eyes met mine. I raised an eyebrow at him to see if it bothered him. He shrugged before his eyes went to Jasper and the smile faded from them.

"Changing subjects," Jeremy chuckled. "Denial will be off to Asia next week for another six-week tour. When they get back, they'll be heading straight to the Solstice Carnival tour. That means no more recording until August for them, but I have Betty Box on my books and she's suffering a touch of writer's block. I was hoping if I put her in a studio with you, Mora, you could help her like you did Ewan."

I tilted my head, confused. "I'm not a songwriter, Jeremy, just a cellist."

"You know you are getting paid nearly triple your contract for your contribution towards the new Denial album, and that's not counting the recording still to happen, right?" Jeremy raised a brow teasingly.

I shook my head.

Jeremy laughed, "You are being listed as one of the songwriters, Mora, and that means you get paid for that job, as well as performing on the recording."

"Oh." I raised my brows, not realizing it. "Okay, well, I guess I can meet with Betty and see if I have anything to offer her."

Jeremy nodded, pulling out his Blackberry. "Good, now let’s discuss Guy Fawkes Day..."

"No," I answered shortly. Everyone looked at me, surprised. "Remember, I'll be away through October and November." I met Jeremy's gaze pointedly.

Warren frowned. "Where are you going?"

"Mora's grandparents are going on another cruise and asked Mora to house-sit for them," Marshall answered quickly.

"Honey, how about you call Mora tomorrow? You can both sit there with your calendars open and discuss contracts instead of doing it at a party," Cassandra purred.

Jeremy smiled, putting away his Blackberry. "Hint taken, Cassie."

"So," Warren smiled, standing up, "Who's going to give me the tour?"

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