Page 90 of Empire State Enemies

Jim looks uncertain. “We’re not sure yet. But the guy knew his way around the garage cams.”

“Good work. Stay on it.”

And speak of the little devil herself—there’s Sullivan, thankfully not in a dress that’s a walking heart attack waiting to happen.

Her boss, Vicky, muscles her way through the crowd with her Vallure squad in tow, setting her sights on me. That woman gets under my skin like nobody’s business.

Sullivan’s hot on her heels, looking like a million bucks in some simple blue number. Damn, why does she have to be so easy on the eyes?

Wonder if she’s gonna hit me with the cold shoulder act again, like she did this morning.

Vicky flashes me her phony smile. “Connor, thank you so much for extending an invitation to us tonight.”

“You can thank my events team for that,” I reply drily. “The team invited all our vendors.”

Unfazed, she steamrolls on. “The campaign is going swimmingly, don’t you think? You and Willow are trending as New York’s hottest couple!”

“Thrilling,” I deadpan. “Trending’s always been a dream of mine.”

“We’ve even got cutesy monikers for you lovebirds making the rounds!” She’s all grins.

Are we even speaking the same language here?

“Come again?” I ask, completely thrown.

“Monikers, like Bennifer. Yours is Cillow! How adorable is that?”

Lexi makes this tiny, irritated sound. Like a kitten with a hairball.

“I’m perfectly content remaining blissfully ignorant about my nicknames,” I say, brushing off the topic.

I turn my attention to Lexi, giving her my undivided focus. “Lexi’s been my trusty sidekick, keeping me on a short leash, making sure I don’t misbehave.” My voice drops, a playful lilt creeping in. “Haven't you, Lexi? I’d be lost without my guardian PR angel.”

She bares her teeth back at me. It’s a smile in name only. “It’s just a pleasure working with such a professional and successful man like Connor. Watching your ‘love’ story unfold has been the highlight of my career.”

She angrily snatches an hors d’oeuvre off a passing tray. Well, well. Seems like someone’s still got her panties in a twist from last night. I decide to fan the flames a bit more.

“I can see it,” I say, cracking a smile. “Your happiness just explodes around you whenever we’re in the same space. It’s like working with a ray of sunshine.”

“That’s incredible,” Vicky gushes. “At Vallure, we pride ourselves on the deep, meaningful connections we forge with our clients. You’re practically part of the family.”

Lexi’s expression suggests she’d rather demonstrate our deep and meaningful connection by introducing her fist to my face.

Vicky’s no fool; she spots the tension crackling between us. But as long as my checks keep clearing, she’s all smiles.

Brooke, the red-head, leans in, intrigued. “Small world, isn’t it? You guys knew each other before this?”

Lexi freezes, an appetizer suspended in midair. Oh, this is just too good. I’m dying to hear what fairy tale she’s spun for her crew.

I smirk. “We go way back. Lexi told you the story of how we met, right?”

She chokes on a shrimp, mayo smearing her cheek. “Oh, well, uh, Connor knew my cousin Gigi from way back . . . Not much to tell, really.”

“Gigi,” I drawl, laying it on thick. “What a story there. Such a tragic turn of events.”

All eyes glue to me, hooked. I lean in, milking it. “Ten years behind bars for luxury car theft. Tough break.” I tsk, shaking my head. “She was quite the firecracker. Shame, really. She had so much potential.”

Vicky looks at Lexi accusingly. “You never mentioned any of this, Lexi!”