Jay slings his arm around her shoulders and leers at her. “Make sure your favorite band is on the guest list, babe.”
My glare is instantaneous, my growl trapped between my teeth as I fixate on how her tight body is pressed all up against my best mate’s. My fingers twitch at my sides. He’d better remove his arm or…
Or what, fuckface?
Dragging my hands down my cheeks, I’m confused by my reaction to her. It’s been over three weeks since I shared the same room as her, and I’m annoyed my body is already highly attuned to her presence. I don’t want to be attracted to her, and I’m sick of thinking about her. Maybe Jay is right, and I just need to fuck this stupid fixation away.
The only good thing is my muse is back after a worrying hiatus, and I’m writing tons of new songs. Conor and I are going up Killiney Hill tomorrow night for a songwriting session.
“My favorite band is Coldplay, and I’m doubting they’d accept the invite.” Vivien’s breathy tone coils around my body like smoke and fire, heating my blood and sending delicious shivers cascading up and down my spine.
“We have a few Coldplay tracks on our set list,” Ro confirms, edging closer to her. He shoots Jay some serious side-eye. “Dillon’s voice gives me chills when we play ‘God Put a Smile on Your Face.’ Invite us, and maybe we’ll play it for you.” He flashes her a flirtatious grin, and I visualize tossing my brother out the window.
“I doubt the management company would be happy with a live band blaring rock music around the building,” Ash says, grabbing my arm and trying to convey something with her eyes.
“Yeah, I don’t want to risk getting kicked out.” Vivien chews on the corner of her delectable mouth. “My mom went to a lot of trouble to get this place for me.”
Spoken like a true Hollywood brat. A pampered princess who doesn’t want for a single thing. This place must cost a fortune, and she’s hasn’t lifted a finger for it. Same as my twin. They get handed everything on a plate, and it makes me sick.
“I’m out,” I tell Ash through gritted teeth. “Call me if you need anything.” Leaning down, I kiss her cheek and pull her into a quick hug.
“Be nice, Dil,” she whispers. I draw an invisible halo over my head with my hand and purposely leave the apartment without acknowledging or speaking to Vivien Mills.
“Just let Aoife come,” I say, shrugging as I finish my beer and slam the bottle down on our regular table at Whelans. We finished our set two hours ago, and now we’re getting ready to leave for Ash andGrace’shousewarming party. I’m already pretty locked, and I have to remind myself Vivien is using her middle name here so I don’t slip up and give the game away.
“No.” Ronan shakes his head. “Ash was insistent she wasn’t invited. We can’t offend Grace by disrespecting her wishes.”
“It’s fine, Dil.” Aoife sidles up to me, preening and smiling because she thinks I’m going to bat for her. I only said it because it’s obvious Vivien—Grace—really doesn’t want her there, and I’m down to stir up some shit tonight. “I don’t want to go to that prissy bitch’s party anyway.”
“You’ve changed your tune,” Jay says quietly in my ear. “Thought you were done with Aoife?”
“I’m thinking she might still come in handy.”
Jay chuckles. “You’re an evil prick, O’Donoghue.”
“Takes one to know one.” I waggle my brows as someone wraps their arms around me from behind. Aoife instantly scowls, but that’s no surprise. She hasn’t been quick enough lately to hide her territorial ways.
“I’ll come with you, Dillon.” I have no clue who she is, though the whiny voice is vaguely familiar. From the way she’s pawing at me, it’s a safe bet she’s someone I previously fucked, so maybe she’ll do. Her hands are all over me before she ducks under my arm, pushes her body flush against my front, and smiles up at me.
Ah, fuck. Now I know why I semi-recognized her voice. Breda gives off Grade-A clinger vibes, and I already fucked her a couple of months back, and the sex was shit. I don’t go back for seconds, and I’ve been avoiding her for weeks, but she’s a catty bitch, and I think she’ll play her part perfectly, so I’ll bend my own rules this one time. “Okay, let’s go.”
Aoife opens her mouth to object, but Jay shuts her up with a hard kiss. “We’ll see ya tomorrow, babe.” He grabs her arse in both hands and devours her mouth for a few beats before pulling back. “Make sure you get a taxi home. I’ll talk to Mick outside and tell him to hold one for you.”
Aoife isn’t happy as we walk off, but she’s not following, so she got the message.
I’m fighting Breda and her grabby hands off the entire taxi ride to Ash’s new gaff, second-guessing my decision to invite her. Briefly, I consider ditching her when we get to the apartment building, but I’m not showing up without a bird on my arm, so I let her stay, hoping I don’t end up regretting it.
The crowd cheers when we enter the packed living room, and we lap up the adoration like the smug assholes we are.
“Yay! You made it!” Ash squeals, rushing towards us.
My eyes dart around the room, looking for my sister’s new roomie. Vivien is standing a few feet away, with her back to us, talking to some nerd wearing a jumper over a polo shirt and too-tight jeans. I bet his balls are constricted and sweating. Like, who the fuck wears that shit to a college party?
Slowly, Vivien turns around, and it’s a miracle I don’t fall flat on my arse. She looks incredible in a strapless lacy black and red top with ripped skinny black jeans and high heels. Fuck, her body is a work of art, and my hands are dying to explore every sinful curve. I suspect I’m being far too obvious. I’ve probably had one too many beers, and the joint we shared outside isn’t helping either. But fuck it. I don’t care if she notices I’m staring at her. She is so incredibly gorgeous, and I can’t drag my eyes from her. My lips twitch as I tilt my head to one side and blatantly stare at her. Let’s see how she reacts to my obvious attention.
Waves of lustrous dark hair tumble around her glistening bare shoulders. The golds and browns painted on her eyelids make her eyes seem bigger and wider. Her glossy red lips would look great wrapped around my dick. The instant that thought lands in my brain, all the blood in my body rushes south and my cock starts hardening. Breda has impeccable timing because she chooses that exact moment to shove her hands into my pockets from behind, her fingers brushing against my erection through my jeans.
Great. Now she’ll think I sprung a boner for her. I brought her here tonight for one purpose only—to piss Vivien off—and it seems to be working if the displeasure and disgust onGrace’sface is any clue. The challenge will be fending Breda off because I have no intention of fucking her tonight or any other night. Oneround of bad sex with her was enough for me. But, for now, she’s serving her purpose, and I’ll figure the rest out later.
