Page 64 of Wicked Dares
Arthur chuckles and looks at her. “Or the only kind worth it.” He taps his glass lightly. “Tell me this, Piper, how do you handle a man like Levi?”
I let out a small breath, glancing at Levi before answering. “I don’t let him think he’s always right.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Levi agrees.
“But when he’s right, I listen. At least I hope I do.” I’m referring to the career. Yes, we have this arrangement, but he reminded me of how badly I wanted my own business. Working for other people wasn’t going to cut it.
Something sensual creeps into Levi’s gaze as his eyes stay locked on mine. “I appreciate that, Butterfly.”
Arthur grins. “Butterfly. I like that.”
“It was the first thing I thought of when she drifted into my club with that fiery hair and that glittering smile.” That’s not him acting. I can tell. Those words are real.
“You two are a treasure,” Arthur gloats, then nods at Levi. “I really misunderstood you, son. You’re exactly the kind of man I want handling my business.”
Under the table, Levi squeezes my hand.
It’s working. Our act.
But it feels like we’re only convincing Arthur Lockwood because most of what we’ve said is real.
* * *
“We’ll head home in ten minutes,” Levi whispers into my ear.
“Thank goodness. My feet feel like they’re gonna fall off.”
He grins and pulls me closer, swaying slowly to the soft jazz music.
We’re back in the hall again, dancing amongst the sea of guests.
Couples glide across the floor beneath the chandeliers while laughter and music drift through the room in soft waves.
We’re finally free of the Lockwoods. They’re around somewhere, but we’ve been let off the hook.
The dancing is the final touch.
My feet are so numb, I can’t even dance properly, but I take comfort in knowing tonight was a success and we’re one event down. Five more to go. There’s another black-tie event next week, but everything tones down after with more casual events like beach parties and wine tasting.
“You did good tonight, Butterfly.”
The praise warms me. “I was so scared I was going to mess things up,” I whisper back.
He turns with me and shakes his head. “You were a real pro.”
“So are you. You sounded like you really knew me.”
“Maybe I know you more than you think, Butterfly.” His gaze lingers on me, the heat in his eyes reaching out to me.
I try to look away but find I can’t. I’m lost in his blue gaze, then the music changes to something more upbeat.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Levi says, resting his hand on the small of my back.
“Sure.”
We head outside. Just as we reach the bottom step of the building, we’re bathed in flashes from camera lights.
The sudden brightness is blinding. Voices collide over one another in a frenzy of cameras and shouted questions. A group of reporters swarms us next, and I get another taste of Levi Vale’s world.
