Page 25 of Beauty & Chaos

“Ugh, Tony is the worst wingman in the world. Tell him I will pay him back for this.”

“I heard you.”

“Am I on speaker?”

“Yes,” they both answer.

“Having my two best friends marry one another really is a nuisance.” I huff, lift my coffee, and take a sip as I decide what to tell them.

“His name is Travis Warner. He’s...he bumped into me at the bar and decided to play Lancelot. It was just a stupid joke between us.”

“Lancelot? How corny.” Tony groans.

“Sounds sexy to me.” I hear Jasmine’s voice trail off and go all seductive.

“Gross. Please don’t do sexy stuff while I’m on speaker. I had to watch you two flirt the entire time at college, and I’m still working through it with a therapist.”

Tony laughs.

“My point is, it sounds like he was flirting,” Jasmine says.

“Oh, he was flirting.” I take another sip of coffee then realize how wrong I am. Travis wasn’t flirting with me. He was like a predator playing with his next meal.

Me.

And I’m not entirely sure I’ll say no to him should the opportunity arise again in the future. The fact he owns a sex club is a giant red flag, which is perfect. He’s not someone I’d date or get serious about.

So if we bump into each other again...

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WHEN MY PHONE beeps a few hours later, I initially think it’s the grocery delivery company. Saturdays are for doing chores,and with an injured ankle, I can’t do my usual darting around Manhattan.

I ordered online and propped my ankle up while I did some work.

Swiping my phone, I shuffle to the edge of the sofa, preparing to push the button to let them into the building.

But it’s not my order.

Waiting for your call, milady.

A blush hits my cheeks as I reply.How did you get my phone number?

He rings instead of replying.

“How’s the patient?” His masculine voice fills my apartment.

“How did you get my phone number!” I ask a second time.

“Lancelot database—”

“Cut the shit, Travis. I never gave you my number.” I bite my lip, wondering if I should be worried.

“I took note when you filled out the documents at the hospital,” Travis replies. “I apologize.”

Blowing out a breath, I calm myself down.

Of course, he did.