“I’m not making you do anything. I don’t have a gun to your head, do I?” I need to get out of here. Life’s too short to waste on someone like him. Besides, he has nothing on me. I’m not one of those women who send their boyfriends nude selfies. My worst flaw might be that I can be a slob and I eat too much ice cream when I’m upset. I might possibly snore too. “I have to go.”
“No, you don’t!” He grabs me again.
A tingle of fear shivers through me. It’s broad daylight, we’re on a sidewalk, and it’s unlikely that Shaun’s going to do anything serious. At the same time, he’s never grabbed me like this in public, and there’s a new hint of anger and manic zeal in his gaze. Then there’s the paparazzi. I don’t want them taking photos of us and concocting some bullshit story.
“Let me go, or I’m calling the cops.” I keep my voice firm and strong. I’d prefer not to, but I will if I have to.
“Is this man bothering you, miss?” comes a soft voice that reminds me of a starless night.
“Fuck off. It’s none of your business,” Shaun says at the same time I say, “Yes.”
“You heard the lady. Why don’t you fuck off instead? Unless you’d like your legs broken.”
Shaun finally glances at the man, and they have one of those testosterone stare-downs. Whatever Shaun sees in the other man’s gaze makes him snarl a cuss word and stomp away.
I let out a breath. “Thank you.”
My savior is tall, with neatly trimmed dark hair. He’s young, probably no more than thirty, and his cool green eyes assess me. He’s in an impeccable pale blue dress shirt and black slacks, with shoes that gleam in the LA sunshine.
“You’re welcome.” His expression warms, and he looks around. “Things sure change a lot when you’re not in town.”
“I guess so,” I answer vaguely, not sure what he’s talking about. Then I notice another man behind him. It’s TJ, the bouncer from Z. I almost didn’t recognize him. Unlike at the popular club, he’s in a dark suit and wrap-around shades cover his face, but nothing can hide the thick lines of muscle. I’m quite certain he is carrying as well, even though his jacket is too well tailored to show it. What’s he doing, standing like an oak by my savior?
“You’re the infamous Paige Johnson,” the man says. “Ryder’s bride, right?”
I flush. “I see you’ve read the papers.”
“I try to keep up. He’s a good friend of mine.”
“I see.” I smile, happy to meet Ryder’s friend, even though a part of me is embarrassed and rattled that he saw me in a scene with Shaun. I shake myself. The situation wasn’t my fault. I have nothing to feel bad about. “Are you coming to the engagement party this weekend?”
“I’m afraid I didn’t get an invitation. I don’t think Ryder knows I’m in town, and I haven’t been able to get in touch with him. His number’s changed. I should probably just drop by his place sometime soon and say hello.”
Ryder changes phones like most people change their underwear, and the handful of people who have his current number would never reveal it to anyone. “That won’t do. What’s your name?”
“Anthony Blackwood.”
He hands me a business card. It has the Z logo on it, and underneath is the word Owner. “Wait. You’re the mysterious owner of Z?”
He laughs. “The one and only, although I can’t claim to be that mysterious. The club’s ownership has never been a secret.”
Except nobody’s ever seen him or anything. “It’s one of my favorite clubs,” I gush. “How come you’re never around?”
“As I said, I’ve been out of town. For the past three years or so at least.” He smiles. “I can’t even remember anymore. At any rate, we’ll have to make sure you get in for free next time at Z.” He glances at TJ, who nods once.
“Awesome. I’ll definitely make sure you’re on the guest list.” I put the card in my purse. “I’m sure Ryder would love to catch up with an old friend.”
“As would I. Thank you, Paige.”
TJ holds open the door to the restaurant for Anthony. Before following him in, TJ gives me a brief nod, and I wave. He’s a long-time bouncer at the club and we know each other a bit. Apparently he’s also Anthony’s personal bodyguard when he’s in town.
The door closes. I drop my hand.
Despite the fact that Anthony helped me out, I feel a little shadow has been cast over the day. Something about the man tells me he’s the last person you’d want as an enemy…and that just because he smiles at you, doesn’t mean he actually likes you.