Heat punches through my chest with ruthless precision.
Before I know it, she's at our table. She tosses me a sultry look, ignoring Seraphina like she's not at the table. In a breathless voice, full of satin and steel, she oozes, "Dr. Mercer."
My cock springs to life. I try to stay cool, replying, "Blue. This is unexpected."
"Chicago's big, but not that big," she replies lightly.
"True."
She beams, "Look! We match!" She steps closer, her sweet scent intruding in my space, her hip too close for my comfort.
Fuck, she smells good.
Seraphina jumps in like a predator, interjecting, "Red. Are you going to introduce us?"
It takes another second before I break my gaze. I motion between the women. "Seraphina. Blue. We work together."
Blue's eyes spark. "Work. Interesting description."
Seraphina offers her hand. "Seraphina Vale."
Blue glances at it, then narrows her gaze. "Nice to meet you. Blue Ivanov."
Their eyes meet in a silent, razor-sharp assessment. Seraphina spots the threat. Blue spots the competition. I'm the loser in the room.
I take a sip of water and clear my throat. "How's your night?"
Blue returns to acting like Seraphina doesn't exist. She chirps, "Great. Girls' night."
Seraphina leans back, crossing her elegant legs. "Date night for us." She slides her hand over my forearm.
Blue's lashes lower. She stares at her fingers. Then her gaze finds mine again, slow and deliberate. "I have a quick question that can't wait until my next session. Could I speak to you privately, please?" She pins doe eyes on me.
I freeze.
It's a trap.
Don't go.
Seraphina shifts in her seat.
"It's best to discuss things in our sessions," I assert.
She blinks hard, then takes a shaky breath. "It's about...well, you know." She swallows hard and slides her hand over the arm she cut.
Panic hits me.
She's manipulating me.
What if she's not?
"I guess I'll text you later if you don't have a few minutes right now," she adds.
Seraphina's glare intensifies.
My heart thuds hard against my chest cavity. I rise and tell Seraphina, "Excuse me for one moment." I grab Blue by the arm and steer her toward the bathrooms, past them, and into the dark corner. I pin her into it and demand, "What's going on?"
"Is that your girlfriend?" Hurt flares on her expression.
