Sloane takes up the mantle. “He was really hot, Blanche. And he seemed very well dressed. Was he interesting? Maybe you could play pickleball with him sometime.”
“Maybe a private match? Is one-on-one pickleball a thing? Strip pickleball?” Kat laughs at her own joke, feeling much better, or just distracted from her nausea.
“I don’t think any of us would mind if you left dinner early, Mom,” Margot says in a more serious tone. “We have plenty of time to pick pinks, and I think it would be a lovely thing for you to spend some time with a man.”
“Well, that’s very kind of you, Margot, but—”
“And it would damn sure be lovely for you to get dicked all the way down!”
A delicate cough from behind Margot signals the arrival of the serving staff with our food, and the blush across their cheeks tells me they heard everything.
Kat can’t help but giggle, and before long, we’re all laughing as we dig in. Finally, Blanche addresses her potential paramour.
“I appreciate that all of you girls are so interested in my love life, but I assure you, I have no interest in that young man. You know how busy I am. It’s just not something I’m prioritizing right now.”
Hunting young meat isn’t on your radar because you already have a stallion to ride.Ugh, I wish I could burn the image of my de facto Mom riding my father-in-law like he was the last horse out of town out of my brain. Finding the cache of Blanche and Ivan’s sex tapes wasn’t expected, and I’ve seen zero clues from the two of them that they’re in a relationship. Maybe it’s just sex, but something tells me it’s more. I’m not sure why Blanche keeps him a secret, though.
Sasha’s dad might be a tough Bratva boss, but he’s great with all the children and has been nothing but kind to me. Perhaps Blanche doesn’t want to bring any more danger to the family. Not sure what difference it would make, though, since we’re already surrounded by discreet security every time we leave the house thanks to my marriage to Sasha. In any case, Blanche and Margot have gone back to pink discussion while Sloane and Kat discuss pregnancy as I eat my steak. If Blanche doesn’t want the world to know about her paramour, that’s her business. I know she’s never stopped loving her husband, so maybe it’s just too hard.
Chapter two
“Oh, stop it, Blanche. We’re celebrating your new job theright way.” Pam hands out shots to our group of girlfriends, then takes one for herself. “Withtequila! Cheers!”
We all turn back our glasses, and I relish the burn as the liquor slides down my throat before chasing it with a lime. She’s right, I’ll be working soon and won’t have as many opportunities to go out. I need to have some fun tonight. Placing my glass back on the table, my attention catches on the most attractive man I’ve ever seen. And he’s looking right at me with a predatory gleam in his eyes.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who notices.
“Damn, are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“Holy shit, Blanche, he’s totally checking you out!”
Everyone around the table is talking over each other, but I can barely hear what they’re saying. My eyes are locked on this siren of a man. There’s an energy about him that I can’t seem to turn away from, a pull I’m having to fight to resist.
A smack to the back of my shoulder brings me out of my daze. “Go say something to him! I dare you,” Pam slurs.
God, do I want to. I’m no stranger to one-night stands, but a woman in society has to be careful about when and where to engage in such activities. I’ve fared much better infriends-with-benefitssituations. And I always keep several at a time. Relationships have just never been my thing, plus I’m only twenty-two. I have plenty of time for the mundane monogamy bullshit. Maybe when I get a wrinkle or two, I’ll settle down, but while I still look this hot, there’s no way in hell I’m not riding as many stallions as possible.Why have one when you can have them allhas always been my opinion.
“Seriously, Blanche, go for it! Nobody here knows who you are. This is a new city.”
“New city withnew meat!”
We all laugh like the crazy brood of hens we are until Pam hands me another shot. “Do it, Blanche. He’s eyeing you like you’re going to be his next meal.”
I shoot the second shot of tequila for the night with determination. “Oh, he’s going to feast on me, alright. I’ll see you ladies later.”
Standing, I straighten my dress and strut toward the bar where my ride for the night stands, eyeing me up and down. The closer I get, the better he looks. Dirty blond hair, gray eyes, andtall. His style is effortlessly elegant with pinstripe trousers and a crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the collar. All I can think about is taking it all off.
“You look hungry. Do you need me to order you something, handsome?” I gently place my hand on his chest and pick a nonexistent piece of lint off his collar before seductively cutting my eyes up to his.
His chest rises and falls beneath my touch as we stand lost in each other. His eyes darken a split second before a giant hand wraps around my wrist and squeezes. It doesn’t hurt, but there's a power in his grip, letting me know itcouldif he wanted it to.
“I know exactly what I want, baby, and I don’t doubt that you’ll help me get it.”
I try to remove my hand, but his grip tightens, sending tingles straight to my core and almost stealing the breath from my lungs. Summoning my confidence, I calm my heart and raise a brow. “And how will I help you get it, Sir?”
He leans down so that his mouth is level with my ear, crowding my space. “The only meal I want tonight is between those pretty legs of yours, and you’re going to be a good girl and spread them nice and wide while I eat my fill.”
Alright then. The sexy man at the bar has potential.
