Page 30 of Dangerous Men

“Nowhere! It’s just…” Jade hesitates. “Look, it’s not your fault, but… But when you met Chase, it was like you just disappeared, a little. You were already having such a hard time after your parents, and then…when you met him, it’s like you vanished even more. Like a part of you was just lost.”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I keep quiet. I felt the same way, but I had no idea that anyone else could see it, too. I didn’t realize that I had changed that noticeably.

Jade exhales loudly and says, “I just mean… I missed you. It feels like you’re really coming back to life lately. And I love that. I loveyou.”

I know she means it, too. Jade has seen me through everything since childhood. She was there for me after my parents died, and later when I lost my grandmother. And she was there holding my hand after every fight with Chase. She knows me better than anyone.

I should have known I could never hide anything from her.

“It’s good to be back,” I tell her. And I mean it. But before she can get mushy on me again, I shoo her toward her date. “Now go! TakeVanessahome. I’m fine here.”

Jade looks unsure. “You’re sure? If you want me to stick around, I can tell her to leave without me.”

“I mean it, go!” I glance back at the bar, where Alec and Ashton are both watching me. “I’m … I’m interested to see what happens here. With them.”

“Girl,same,” Jade says with a chuckle. “Okay, well… if you’re sure?”

I have to physically push Jade toward her waiting date,laughing as I do so. She waves her fingers at me as the two of them disappear into the crowd.

“Love you,” she calls over her shoulder.

“To the moon and back!” I answer, waving.

“Was that your ride?” Ash’s voice asks from behind me.

The closeness of his voice makes me jump.

When I turn to look up at him, he’s grinning at me, bright blue eyes sparkling. It’s hard not to stare at him. It should be illegal for someone to be this good-looking.

“It was, yeah,” I admit. I work very hard to keep my voice sounding neutral. Nonchalant. “But it’s fine. I can always catch a taxi later.”

Ash’s grin widens. “Of course you can! Come on. Alec snagged us all a table.”

He steers me through the crowd with a hand on my shoulder to where Alec is waiting with drinks. When we reach the table, Alec hands me a long-stemmed champagne glass, the bubbling liquid inside a strange shade of pink.

“Champagne with pomegranate juice,” he informs me, seeing my confusion. “For a little extra taste. One of our signature drinks for the evening. I thought you might like to try it.”

I take a sip, the bubbles tickling my lips, and instantly I’m in love.

“It’s delicious,” I tell him with a smile. “What’s it called?”

Alec smirks. “Hades’ Bargain.”

Ash excuses himself to use the restroom, leaving Alec and me on our own. I sip at my champagne, trying not to blush at the intense way Alec is watching me. Trying not to think about the things he said to me before Ash interrupted us.

“Did you enjoy your dance?” Alec asks.

I pause before I answer, searching his face for any sign of anger at seeing me dance with another man. But I see nothing there. No jealousy, no irritation. He seems genuinely curious.

“I did,” I answer honestly. “But… don’t tell him, but you’re a better dancer.”

Alec’s lips curve into a smile.

“I have a lot more practice,” he assures me. “Ashton rarely attends these events, actually. He made an exception tonight. After he found out you were planning to come.”

I take an extra-large gulp of my drink, ducking my head to hide my smile.

“I never thanked you earlier,” I say. “For stepping in with my ex, I mean. Even if I didn’t need saving, it was nice.”