"Maybe I'm just not very good at this social stuff."
"Or maybe you're very good at something else.”
The words hang between us, loaded with implication. His grip on my waist tightens slightly, and I fight the urge to lean into his touch.
This is insane. I'm supposed to be seducing Blake, not getting distracted by his protective groomsman. And definitely not wondering what West's hands would feel like on bare skin.
Focus on the mission.
"I should go," I say.
"Yeah," he agrees. But he doesn't let go. "You should."
Neither of us moves.
The moment stretches, taut with something I don't want to name. His eyes drop to my mouth, then back up. My lips part involuntarily.
And then his phone buzzes.
The spell breaks. He steps back, dropping his hands, and pulls out his phone.
"That’s Blake," he says after glancing at the screen. "Something about family photos."
"Right. Family photos." I smooth down my dress, trying to regain my composure. "I should let you—"
"Jane."
I stop. The way he says my name, low and rough, does things to my nervous system that should be illegal.
"Be careful," he says. "Blake's not... he's not what he seems."
There's something in his voice—warning, maybe, or regret. Like he wants to say more but can't.
"Neither am I," The words come out more stubborn than intended, with enough edge that his eyes narrow.
Good. Let him wonder what he's dealing with.
His mouth curves in what might be a smile. "I'm starting to figure that out."
He disappears into the crowd, leaving me standing behind the decorative screen, heart racing and completely off my game.
Step One: Don't get arrested.
Step Two: Don't fall for the target.
Step Two-Point-Five: Don't get cock-blocked by a six-foot-five wall of suspicious muscle every single time I try to do my damn job.
I'm starting to re-think the next step. Step Three: Don’t lean in for the man who smells so good while he’s in your way.
Because that way lies madness.
And fifty thousand dollars in lost income.
Chapter 4
The Deal
January 24 | Day 1 Anguilla | T–7 to Wedding
