Power and Possession(15)

“You weren’t invited to this party,” Rafe said, stepping out of reach. “So why don’t you be a good girl and move. I have things to do.”

“Anatole was invited.” There was a faint irony to her smile, as if she were helpless against his demands. “And I’m his guest.”

Rafe sighed. “Then go talk to him, not me. Or have a drink, fuck the DJ—you remember him. Last year, Capri? Just stop breaking my balls. I’m not in the mood.” He was trying to avoid a scene. Bianca loved scenes. But then she was seriously messed up, like so many people he knew. Himself included.

Understanding what Rafe was in the mood for, Bianca looked at Nicole for the first time, lips pursed, head slightly askew, as if she were unacquainted with what she saw. “You’re not his type.” She looked at Rafe, brows arched in derision. “Since when did you fancy wholesome?”

“Jesus, Bianca, how would you know what the hell I fancy?”

“Actually, I’m not sure Rafe has a type,” Nicole interjected, her smile sweet as pie. “I know I don’t. So I was thinking Rafe and I would just use each other for mind-blowing sex. No mercy, no remorse, until we run out of breath or collapse or both.” She glanced up at Rafe. “You’re good with that, right?”

He smiled down at her. “Sounds lovely.”

“Apparently hard core runs in the family,” Bianca sneered, her glittering gaze on Nicole. “I saw you with your uncle in Cannes this spring.” Her mouth twitched into a malicious smile. “Dominic prefers subversive kink too. Or maybe your uncle’s already shown you the kind of kink Rafe likes.”

Waylaid and impatient, Rafe hadn’t been listening. Instead he was scanning the crowd for one of his security men, but at the words subversive kink, his gaze returned to the women and he heard the last sentence. “Jesus, Bianca, shut the fuck up!”

“Really, Rafe, you of all people, suddenly virtuous. Aren’t you on video in every private sex club in the world?”

“We’re done here.” Glancing up, Rafe finally caught the eye of one of his security staff. “Apologize to Miss Parrish.” He spoke with such aggression, Bianca started.

Then her eyes narrowed. “Fuck you, Rafe.” Flipping him off, Bianca turned to Nicole. “I was married to Dominic you know—Oh… you didn’t know? He always did live by his own set of rules, didn’t he?” she added, sly and artful. “We were married in Fiesole. Ask him.”

Nicole shot a shocked look at Rafe. “Who is this?”

“Nobody.” Rafe grabbed Bianca’s arms and began dragging her aside.

Struggling to free herself from Rafe’s grip, Bianca hissed at Nicole, “Ask Dominic about his marriage to Bianca! He can’t deny it! We had a child!”

Nicole gasped at the word child, cringing at the thought of Dominic married to this woman. Told herself a bitch was a bitch and this bitch was lying.

A large man who looked as though he could bench press a truck suddenly appeared and Rafe shoved Bianca at him. “Lock her up until we’re gone. Then escort her ashore. And tell Anatole Regnier if he brings her onboard again, I’ll personally beat the shit out of him.”

“You goddam son of a bitch!” Bianca raged as she was being hauled away. “I’ll make you sorry for this! I swear I will!”

“Too late,” Rafe muttered, leading Nicole to the stairway. He gently squeezed her hand. “Sorry about that. Bianca’s a total head case.”

“It sounds as though she really liked you in Rome.”

“Trust me, she likes any man with a beating heart and money.”

“What did she mean about my uncle? She’s lying, right?”

“That’s all she does is fucking lie. Believe me, she was just trying to get a rise out of you.” He’d never heard that Bianca had had a child. He also knew a lot of people named Dominic, although, with Bianca, that was probably another fabrication too.

“Jeez, I hope so. She’s a major skank.” Nicole angled a pointed look at Rafe. “I could ask why you were with her, but I think I know the answer.”

“Won’t happen again, believe me. It was a onetime deal, short and sweet. I’m guessing I was drunk. Now watch your step,” he said, handing Nicole into the sleek tender, hoping like hell the conversation about Bianca was over. “Hey, Jules. We’re going to the car.”

“I’m done with this,” Nicole said, watching Rafe jump down.

“Good.” He was fucking grateful. “Come stand with me up front.” He held out his hand. “You don’t see much when you’re sitting.”