Watching Arden pouring coffee, ruffling Zoe’s hair, falling into a rhythm with Lexi again, I realize this is the weight she agreed to let me carry. It’s not just her; it’s this entire, beautiful, messy life.
I find a seat at the island, feeling out of place in my tailored suit against the backdrop of half-eaten pancakes and a child’s chaos, but for the first time in my life, I don’t want to be anywhere else.
When breakfast is over and Zoe is off to school, the mood shifts again. The table that held pancakes and playful banter has now stiffened into something like a briefing station. I sit back as Arden lays it all out: thegala, the horror show of an after-party, everything Jaxon said, and why we’re back in Vegas even though our work is nowhere near done.
Lexi listens intently, clenching her coffee cup between white knuckles as her best friend gives her the play-by-play. Only interrupting to ask questions or beg for the juiciest details.
When Arden finishes her story, there’s nothing but silence. Then Lexi leans forward, eyes sharpening. “Well then, what’s our first move?”
Chapter 29
ARDEN
After explaining to Lexi that I appreciate her willingness to help, but there’s no way in hell I would ever take it, she reluctantly agreed to only help me pick the clothes I’ll wear for my ‘accidental’ run in with Luke. It has tolookaccidental, at least. But more importantly, I have to look like I belong in the same high-roller lounge as him. Without Locke.
And I’ll need a damned good story if this plan has any hope of working in my favor. But that’s Locke’s job to figure out. He’s been on the phone all day, coordinating the details.
Hours pass as we burn through one outfit after another. I pace the length of Lexi’s bedroom, my bare feet almost silent on the polished concrete, trailing discarded silk and hangers in my wake. My reflection keeps changing, but none of the versions of me feel right. They’re either too desperate or too forgettable.
Lexi bounces around, her energy infuriatingly contagious, tossing a pair of designer pumps onto the bed while I struggle to toe the line between effortless and unforgettable. Each look ends with the same frustrated sigh and a pile of fabric on the floor. My thoughts flick back and forth between the current moment and the task ahead.
Locke confirmed the name of the lounge Luke frequents with some of his connections around town. In true douchebag fashion, Luke prefers the most exclusive club in the entire city. Tucked away on the second floor of a lavish casino in the middle of the strip, reserved for only the most elite players. It should be easy enough to get his attention, but if he gets suspicious? I’m not sure how that will end for me. My chest tightens at the thought.
The realization hits me as I’m standing in Lexi’s closet. She zips me into a blur of red lace and silk. A dress far too scandalous for anormal day. It hangs off my frame with the suggestive appearance of lingerie, making me feel exposed even though I’m technically dressed.
“This is heavy, Lex,” I mutter, watching my reflection. “If I mess this up, if he catches on to what we’re doing… he has the kind of pull that can make people disappear from the map. Not just Jaxon, but all of us.”
Lexi stops adjusting my shoulder strap and meets my eyes in the mirror. She doesn’t look panicked or nervous; she just looks focused. “He’s a predator with a publicist, Arden. That’s all.”
She turns me around, gripping my shoulders firmly. “Yeah, he’s clearly deep into some dark, twisted shit. That party? I can’t believe what you told me. That’s exactly why he’s going to fall for this. He thinks he’s untouchable. He’s arrogant enough to think you’re just another girl he can put under his spell.”
I swallow hard, my pulse thrumming in my temples. “I just need to get it right. Jaxon could lose everything. I can’t let myself be the reason that happens.”
“You won’t,” she insists, her voice steadying me. “You’re doing this because men like Luke Holloway deserve to be exposed for the pieces of shit they really are. Don’t let the fame intimidate you. He’s just another mark, Arden. And you’ve never missed a mark in your life.”
She lets go with a final, encouraging pat and turns to hunt for the right earrings. I try to match her confidence, but my mind is still racing. Luke Holloway is an international icon.
I know Locke has my back; he’s made that clear. But as I examine my reflection, I feel the heavy weight of that promise. If this goes south, I’m not just risking myself anymore. I don’t want to be the reason Locke goes to war.
My spiral ends abruptly when Locke himself walks through the door. He slows his pace, his gaze traveling over the dress with a heavyintensity that makes the air in the room feel thinner. “Did Lexi help you find the right weapon?” he asks, his voice low.
“I think so,” I reply, forcing my voice to stay level. I smooth the silk over my hips and meet his eyes. “We’ve got the look. Now, I just have to make sure he notices it. If I can get him talking at the lounge, do you think he’ll take the bait and invite me up to his suite?”
Locke drags a hand through his hair, his eyes lingering on the low dip of the neckline with a look that is equal parts heat and pure frustration. “With you wearing that? There’s no doubt in my mind.”
“He’s in a comped penthouse on the top floor. It’s guarded, invite-only. You won’t get anywhere near the elevators without his clearing the way. We’re banking entirely on the run-in at the lounge.”
I give him a silent nod. My eyes shift to gaze out the window. Neon lights bounce across my reflection, the city blurring like a dream.
He steps in close, coming up behind me to wrap his arms around my shoulders. I place my hand on his wrist. “I know a guy, a hacker, one of my dad’s old buddies. He’s been at this for a long time, and he agreed to help us out. We have all the tech details sorted; all you have to do is gain Luke’s trust enough to get close to his electronics. I’ll give you all the tools you need tomorrow.”
I nod again. “We’ll be in your ear the whole time, and we’ll be able to hear, too. I pulled some strings and got a room on the same floor. If you need me for any reason, I can be there in minutes.”
I turn my back to the window, moving his hands to rest on my hips, and look up into his eyes. “I’m okay, Locke. You don’t need to worry about me.” I say it with a shrug, unsure if I’m trying to convince him or myself. Either way, I don’t think it’s working. “I’m just ready to get in there and get this done. We can’t let Luke release a video of Jaxon doing God-knows-what while he was blacked out. We can’t let his fans think it’s something he chose.”
Locke strokes a hand down my spine. “We’ll get it taken care of. I know you said I don’t need to worry about you, but I will anyway.”
I look at him, my brow furrowed, ignoring the shiver that travels through me. “I told you, I’m perfectly fine.”
