Pierced (Lucian & Lia #1)(10)
Lucian stands, helping me to my feet so we are facing the newcomer. “Lia, this is my friend and work associate, Aidan Spencer.” Aidan is giving me a curious look as I gape back at him. “Aidan, this is Lia Adams, a friend of mine.”
Aidan takes my hand in his, brushing his thumb against my palm. The move has probably sent many women straight into orgasm, and it might have worked on me were I not firmly captivated by Lucian. At this point, Aidan is just sloppy-Luc-seconds. Lucian slides a possessive arm around my waist, seeming pleased by my lack of reaction toward his friend. Outside of Lucian, Aidan is probably one of the best-looking men I have ever met, but he’s not Lucian. “It’s an honor to meet you, Lia. Are you here with Luc?”
Before I can answer, Lucian tightens his hold on me, saying, “Yes, she is. Where is your date, or are you flying solo?” I’m not sure if it’s me or Lucian who groans when Monique walks toward us; she is one thing I remember vividly from our last evening together. “Who invited her?” Lucian asks, clearly unhappy.
Aidan smiles sheepishly. “That would be me, buddy.” Lucian shoots him a look of amazement to which Aidan just shrugs. “Hey, one man’s burger is another man’s steak.” The conversation ceases as Monique reaches us, going straight for Lucian.
“Luc…darling, there you are.” She leans in, pressing a kiss to both cheeks. I have no doubt she would prefer his mouth, but he isn’t offering. She then turns, looking me up and down before wrinkling her perfect nose. “Oh…Lucy, isn’t it? You’re Luc’s little…friend.” Great, she makes it sound as if I should be selling Girl Scout Cookies and playing hopscotch.
It’s obvious she is trying to belittle me. I’d love nothing better than to run for the door and never look back, but some part of me I didn’t know existed refuses to let her win. My dislike of her is stronger, and the need to get under her skin is even stronger. Without giving myself time to ponder the wisdom, I curve my body against Lucian’s and stick out a hand to the other woman. Giving her my best innocent smile, I say, “It’s Lia. I’m so happy to see you again, Mandy.” There, take that, smart-ass. I know I’ve scored a direct hit when her possibly-botoxed mouth tightens, and her handshake is hard enough to sever my fingers. Lucian’s arm tightens around my waist, and I have no idea if he is amused or pissed by our verbal bitch-slapping contest.
Unfortunately, Aidan appears almost intrigued with me now. As Monique settles back at his side, he asks, “So, Lia…how did you meet Luc? I’ve never heard him mention you before, so it must have been recent.” What is the saying, if you’re going to lie, add some elements of the truth to it? Since Lucian isn’t rushing ahead with an explanation, and both Aidan and Monique are looking at me expectantly, I forge on. “It was quite by accident. Lucian texted my phone…thinking I was someone else.” I smile, trying for a sexy grin. I have little practice in that area, so it probably looks more like I’m constipated. “It was a very enlightening conversation, to say the least.” Far from being angry, Lucian chuckles beside me.
“It was certainly that, baby.” There it is again, the warm feeling washing through my body at his easy use of the endearment. He’s good; I have to give him that. Even I am taken in by the intimate tone of his voice.
Monique looks as if she could spit nails, and Aidan appears to be deep in thought as he studies Lucian and me. No doubt the poor sap is wondering how his handsome, powerful friend has ended up with an average, cheaply dressed schoolgirl. He ponders us another moment before directing his next question at me. “I believe Monique mentioned you were in school. Where do you attend?”
This was one question I am at least comfortable with. “I’m in my last year at St. Claire’s.”
Aidan looks suitably impressed; it’s rare that anyone in Asheville hasn’t heard of the prestigious school. “Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment. What’s your major?”
“Business Administration,” I answer, suddenly shy at the attention focused on me. I thank God at that moment for the dreadful Public Speaking classes I have been forced to take. I am completely out of my element, and I damn well know it. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but Lucian seems just as interested in my answers as his friends.
Monique, not one to be out of the spotlight for long, gives a yawn before covering her mouth as if it were an accident. “Oh, that is just so…interesting, Lucy. I’m sure you’ll find a little job somewhere after you graduate. Now, since this is a party, shall we go have some fun?” I fight the urge to hold up one finger and yell, “Score one for Cruella,” but manage to control the urge. She has effectively put me in my place and reminded everyone I’m not of their social class. The only advantage I still have over her is that firm grasp that Lucian continues to have on my waist; I know it’s driving her out of her mind. With equal parts stupidity and bravery, I decide to press my advantage over her. Turning to Lucian, I let my hand rest on his broad chest and notice his eyes flare in surprise and something else…something exciting and possibly forbidden. I like it more than I care to admit.
“Luc, would you mind showing me around? I’ve never been here before, and it’s beautiful.” I hear Monique snort at my admission but ignore her. Lucian looks at me for a moment, humor dancing in his beautiful eyes.