Exposed: Laid Bare (Laid Bare #1)(13)

But not only was Lucien not ignoring me, he was now making his way down to the first floor.

“Shit,” I moved to hide behind a thick column of faux ice. “He’s coming this way, V. We have to lose him.”

Veronica peered in his direction. “Too late,” she said, sighing. “He can see you hiding, you crazy bitch.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me out from behind my icy cover. “You may as well give up on playing it cool.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I murmured.

Veronica’s eyes met mine. “Seriously, though, do you want me to get rid of him for you?”

I replied with an uncertain, “Yes?”

“Be cool, then.” Veronica squared her shoulders and encouraged me to do the same. “Just say hi, and then we’ll send him on his way.”

Like that was an easy task. It was laughable to think either of us could send Lucien Chambers on his way. I had the sense no one told him what to do…ever.

When Lucien reached us, he gave Veronica a curt nod and promptly zoned in on me.

“Miss Vaughn,” he said, “I wanted to stop down and personally wish you a very happy New Year.”

“Well, that’s nice of you.” I glanced at the time illuminated on my cell that was on the table. “But it’s not quite midnight yet.”

“No, it’s not.” His dark eyes seared into me, branding me. “However, if you’d be so inclined—and since it is close to midnight—I’d like to celebrate the ringing in of the New Year with you.”

He offered me his hand, and I took it without hesitation. His skin was so warm, so inviting. I flushed with excitement.

Wow. It was like we’d never even had that heated conversation the other day. It was like Lucien hadn’t heard me when I’d threatened him over the phone with the incriminating photograph. Or perhaps he didn’t care. Like how I no longer cared that he’d dismissed me so coldly. I was supposed to be mad at him, yes, but who could stay angry when gazing into such mesmerizing eyes?

Not me, apparently.

Veronica cleared her throat, and I glanced over at her.

She frowned, and I shrugged.

Curtly, she said to Lucien, “Would it be okay if my cousin and I had a minute alone?”

Lucien let go of my hand and stepped away. “Certainly.” He cleared his throat. “I need to freshen my drink, anyway.” He lifted his empty rocks glass, a lock of dark hair falling to his forehead. He looked rakishly handsome before he spun around and walked away.

“Hot,” I muttered to myself.

Veronica leaned into me and hissed, “Are you crazy? I thought you were planning on staying away from him.”

“I never said that,” I replied, in defense of my behavior.

“What? Five minutes ago, you wanted me to get rid of him, right?”

“Um…”

I thought I was done with Lucien too, after his terse treatment of me. But did I really want to stay away? “No,” I replied.

“No what?” Veronica questioned.

“No,” I stated more resolutely. “I don’t want to stay away from him, and I don’t want you, or anyone, to get rid of him for me.”

She shook her head. “What is wrong with you, Dahlia?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered. It was the truth.

“You’re acting so hot and cold.”

Veronica sounded frustrated, and I couldn’t blame her.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, eyes downcast.

I didn’t understand my behavior, either. Lucien had this hold over me, particularly in person. That was the only explanation I could come up with.

Veronica shot a furtive glance to where Lucien was making his way back to us, fresh drink in hand. In a hushed voice, she said, “Look, I understand you’re confused about your feelings for him. That’s to be expected under the circumstances.” She waved her hand around. “Losing your virginity to him and all. But I’m worried for you, Dahl. Sure, Lucien is gorgeous, rich, and successful, but there’s something off about him.”

“Appealingly off,” I retorted.

“Dangerously off,” she countered.

Lucien was well out of earshot, but I swear I detected a hint of a smile on his face. He was well-aware that there was something off about him. And that was what made him so damn fascinating.

Turning to Veronica, I said, “Look, V, I’ll be fine. I’m just going to talk to him for a little while, okay?”

She appeared skeptical. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I motioned to her friends in the bar area. “Go hang with your friends. I’ll re-join you guys later tonight.”

“Okay,” she said, relenting. “But for the record, know that I support you, Dahlia, but also know I really don’t like this.”

And with that, she walked away, giving Lucien a wide berth as she passed him.

He lowered his head and chuckled to himself. And then he came to me.

“Come, Dahlia,” he beckoned.

“Where are we going?” I inquired.

“Somewhere more private.”

My heart raced and my body immediately heated with desire. I was terrified, but so incredibly sexually excited. This man was going to be the death of me, I was sure of it.