WESLEY HUGHES

                                                                                                  ...

I'd spent the majority of my life living in apartments and the occasional trip to my grandparents' house. As a child, I remember thinking their home was gigantic because it had more space than I was used to.

But Davina's mansion made that memory look laughable. The sprawling estate was lit up like a Christmas tree, with chandeliers glowing in every window and finely dressed guests milling about on the enormous front lawn. The driveway itself could have doubled as a racetrack, and I was certain I'd seen at least three Lamborghinis parked in the circle.

I'd barely processed the scale of everything when Manolo leaned in close, his voice low but firm. "Stay close. If anyone asks, we're here as a couple."

I stopped dead in my tracks, staring at him. "Excuse me? A what?"

"A couple," he repeated, as though he were discussing the weather. He kept walking, forcing me to catch up.

"Why the hell do we have to be a couple?" I whispered harshly.

"Because it's the easiest explanation for why we're together," he said, adjusting his tie. "No one will question it, and it gives us an excuse to move through the crowd without too much scrutiny."

Before I could argue, we were already at the front door. A sharp-looking security guard gave us a once-over before nodding us through. As we stepped into the grand entryway, the hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and soft classical music hit me all at once.

I felt like I'd walked onto the set of a movie. The room was filled with expensive suits, glittering gowns, and enough champagne to fill a swimming pool. I turned to Manolo, but he was already in full performance mode. He wrapped an arm around my waist like it was the most natural thing in the world, his expression unreadable but perfectly composed.

"You're stiff," he murmured in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "Relax."

"That's easier said than done," I grumbled under my breath.

Manolo's lips twitched, the barest hint of amusement breaking through his otherwise calm demeanor. "Try harder," he said, his voice low and steady as his hand lingered just a bit longer at my waist. "We've got eyes on us."

I forced myself to loosen up, straightening my posture and letting out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. I could feel his warmth through the fabric of my suit and my heartbeat automatically sped up. Fortunately, Manolo didn't seem to realize and if he did then he didn't say anything.

"Good," he murmured, his thumb grazing my side briefly before he pulled away. "Now, don't do anything stupid."

I wanted to snap back, but before I could, a woman's sharp, commanding voice cut through the air like a knife.

"Well, well, if it isn't Manolo."

The voice belonged to none other than Davina Wright. She approached us with an air of effortless control, her fiery curls bouncing with each step and her glittering dress catching the light.

"Davina," Manolo said smoothly, his expression transforming into a charming smile. His hand slid from my waist, but he didn't move away completely. "It's been too long."

"Far too long," she agreed, her eyes narrowing slightly as they flicked to me. "And who's this?"

"My partner," Manolo replied, his tone as casual as if he were introducing an old friend. His hand found my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

I swallowed hard and mustered up a smile. "Wesley."

"Hmm." Davina's gaze lingered on me, calculating and sharp, before returning to Manolo. "Interesting choice."

Was that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?

Manolo's smile didn't falter. "I think so."

Davina's lips curled into something resembling a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Well, Wesley," she said, turning her full attention to me. "Tell me, what do you do for a living?"

The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated for a split second too long. Before I could respond, Manolo smoothly interjected.

"He's in consulting," he informed. "Very successful at it too."

Davina raised an eyebrow and gave a soft, almost condescending laugh. "Oh, Manolo, that's sweet, but I wasn't asking you." Her eyes shifted back to me. "So, Wesley, consulting, was it? What kind, exactly?"

"Business consulting," I said, keeping my voice even. It wasn't entirely a lie—I had consulted on plenty of cases before, just not in the way she was imagining.

"Business consulting," Davina repeated, her tone dripping with faux interest. "And do you come from a family of consultants, or is this a solo venture?"

"Neither, actually. My family isn't really in the business world."

She tilted her head, as though studying a particularly fascinating insect. "Ah, I see. Self-made, then? Admirable."

I knew a loaded statement when I heard one. There was no way she meant that as a compliment.

"He's very resourceful," Manolo cut in. "One of the many reasons why I admire him."

Davina didn't even glance at him this time, her focus entirely on me. "Resourceful is an interesting word. Tell me, Wesley, how did you and Manolo meet? I'd love to hear it from your perspective."

I stiffened, my mind scrambling for a plausible answer. "We—"

"Work," Manolo interrupted smoothly. "We crossed paths professionally and hit it off. The rest is history."

Her lips twitched. "Hmm. How romantic." She sipped her champagne, her eyes flicking between us. "You must come from quite an interesting background to have caught Manolo's attention. Wealthy? Prestigious?"

"Neither," I said before Manolo could speak again. "I grew up pretty normal. Apartments, public schools, nothing special."

Davina's expression didn't falter, but her interest sharpened. "Normal. And yet, here you are. How... unexpected."

Before she could ask anything else, another guest approached, momentarily drawing her attention.

Manolo leaned in close to me, his voice low. "You did fine," he murmured.

"She's relentless," I muttered back.

"She's worse with people she doesn't trust," he said, his eyes flicking to her briefly. "You're doing better than most."

"What if she talks and this gets back to—"

"She won't. They aren't on speaking terms and haven't been for years."

I wanted to question Manolo more on why Lionel and Davina weren't talking, but I knew enough to know this wasn't the place and we definitely didn't have the time.

Davina had finished with her distraction and turned back to us, her smile now sharper than ever. "Shall we move to the main hall? The real fun is just getting started."

Manolo nodded, his hand returning to the small of my back as he guided me forward. I let him guide me, trying to ignore the way his touch sent sparks skittering down my spine. Focus, I told myself. We had a job to do, and the last thing I needed was to get caught up in whatever strange tension had settled between us.

The main hall was even more extravagant than the entryway. High ceilings stretched above us, adorned with elaborate chandeliers that scattered light like stars. Waiters glided through the room with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, their movements seamless and efficient. A string quartet played in one corner.

Seeing it all made me realize just how out of my league I truly was.

Manolo kept me close, his body angled slightly toward mine as though shielding me from the crowd. It was subtle, but not enough for me to not notice.

"Don't wander off," he said quietly, his tone making it clear that it wasn't a suggestion.

"I wasn't planning to," I replied, scanning the room. Davina had already disappeared into the throng of guests, her fiery hair the only marker of her location.

"Good." His gaze flicked around the room, assessing, calculating. "Stay alert. And if anything happens, follow my lead."

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure what "anything" entailed.

A sharp laugh drew my attention, and I turned just in time to see Davina reappear, flanked by a small group of equally well-dressed individuals. She was in her element, commanding the space with ease. But even as she smiled and laughed, her eyes kept darting back to us, sharp and probing.

"She's watching us," I murmured to Manolo.

"I know. Let her. It's what she does."

I frowned and asked, "You think she suspects something?"

"She always suspects something," he said, his tone laced with dry amusement. "But that doesn't mean she knows what."

"If she's going to be staring then how am I supposed to get away?" I questioned lowly.

"You'll do so when I create an opening for you."

"An opening?"

Manolo didn't say anything else, instead, he led me straight toward Davina and the circle of people around her. A smile was plastered on his face and I did my best to match it.

Davina's gaze flicked to us the moment we approached, her lips curving into a knowing smile. The people in her circle parted just enough to allow us in, their polite chatter continuing as if we were all simply exchanging pleasantries.

"Manolo, it's a pleasant surprise to see you back in town. I was just telling my friends about your...unique skill set," said Davina.

"Always a pleasure to be discussed in such flattering terms," Manolo replied and maybe I was imagining it, but he seemed to tense slightly at her words.

I didn't get the chance to mull over it because Davina's eyes shifted my way. "Wesley, you must have an interesting perspective on things, coming from such a normal background. I do love hearing stories of those who've risen beyond their beginnings."

"I suppose it's not so different from anyone else who's worked hard. It's all about the hustle," I lied.

"Of course," she said, eyes narrowing in on me. There was something there, something almost predatory in the way she studied me as if I were a puzzle piece she was trying to fit together. "And do you ever miss...the simpler life?"

"Not really," I said quickly, trying to redirect the conversation. "I'm focused on what's in front of me now."

"I can tell," Davina said, her gaze moving from my face to the way Manolo had positioned himself so closely beside me. "It's fascinating how quickly one can change, given the right circumstances."

There was something about the way she spoke that told me the last comment was directed at me. Not really, and judging from the way Manolo quietly scoffed, I could tell he picked up on it as well.

There was clearly something I was missing but that was a feeling I was unfortunately overly familiar with by now.

As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted, and more guests began filtering in, breaking up the tight circle of Davina and her entourage. Manolo was immediately hounded by a few familiar faces and once he shot me a glance, I knew it was time for me to sneak off.

I waited until Davina was distracted before weaving my way through the crowd in hopes of putting enough distance between us so I'd be out of her view before she realized I was gone.

I was halfway through the crowd when a voice cut through the air, smooth and confident.

"Where are you off to in such a rush?"

I paused just as a tall, golden-skinned man with Asian features emerged from around the corner. He wore a charming smile which I immediately recognized from the pictures Manolo had shown me.

Vance Trevors.

"Just heading to the bathroom," I politely replied.

I thought back to Manolo's words and remembered what he said about Vance enjoying playing with people. I wasn't going to be another pawn in his games.

"'The bathroom,'" Vance repeated as if my words somehow amused him. "What did you say your name was?"

"Wesley," I told him warily.

"Manolo's date." He pointed out and when I nodded he continued, "What a lucky man he is. Even with his...less than desirable reputation he still managed to pull someone as stunning as you."

His comment about Manolo made me frown inwardly, but I tried to mask it with a laugh. "They do say love makes you blind."

"'Love', huh?" Vance repeated as if the word amused him. "Pretty bold statement. How long have you two been together?"

"Long enough to know I couldn't live without him," I replied.

Vance nodded. "I'm sure, but if you ever decide that what he's offering isn't enough...give me a call." He closed the small gap between us a slid a piece of paper into my pocket, that fake smile of his never dropping. "I'll let you go the bathroom now."

I blinked twice and muttered a quick goodbye as I brushed past him like an idiot, trying to figure out what the hell just happened.