CHAPTER THREEâIn Vino Veritas: A Nessian Story
âIn wine lies the truthâ
Summary: Nesta Archeron is convinced she has everything she wants: a law degree from an ivy, a prestigious job, a gorgeous boyfriend, and excellent taste in wine. However, when she wanders into her local wine vendor and meets a handsome stranger unafraid to play her quick-witted games, she begins to wonder if the life sheâs built is really the one she wants.
Cash Kahukore worked his entire adolescent life to become a sommelier, ignoring the slurs his mixed heritage have always earned him as he fought his way to the top. However, after five years abroad buying for Michelin star restaurants and dealing with rich white assholes, heâs grown bored with his life. When a gorgeous lawyer comes in to his uncleâs shop one afternoon, he immediately recognizes a worthy opponent in her. Undaunted by her sharp tongue and possessive boyfriend, heâs determined to be her friend, andâas time goes on and their circumstances changeâpossibly something more.
This a prequel to Navy Suits and Chelsea Boots that takes place three years before. If you love Elriel (and donât mind finding out how this story ends) check it now.
Check out the masterlist for In Vino Veritas here!
Chapter Three: Bollinger
This time, Nesta didnât bother lying to herself; sheâd made the trip to Merchant because she wanted to see Cash.
It was perfectly innocent, though. Sheâd had a good day was all, and the truth was she didnât have an over-abundance of friends in San Francisco. It would just be nice to see a familiar face. Besides, TomĂĄs was out of town, which made this...easier than it might have ordinarily been.Â
The old bell chimed as she strode in, and Cashâwhoâd be pouring over what looked like an inventory report behind the barâgrinned when he saw her, eyes glittering. His hair was tied up in its usual style at its crown, but today he also wore a pair of dark-rimmed glasses that made him look more distinguished, if no less roguish. She found it vaguely irritating that he seemed to get more handsome every time she saw him.Â
âLet me guess,â he said in greeting. âAnother dinner party.â
âNo,â she said primly, setting her bag down and perching on a stool. âToday weâre celebrating.â
He grinned, teeth bright against his bronze skin.
âAre we?â
âWe are,â she said. âI just won a huge case.â
âCongratulations. Unlessââ he narrowed his eyes. âYou werenât defending a murderer, were you? Tell me he didnât do it.â
âIt was a civil case. Police brutality.â
Cashâs eyes softened.Â
âNot just a supermodel, then. A superhero, too.â
Nesta let the comment glance off of her, unsure the sort of damage it could do her if she let it sink in. Instead she pursed her lips.
âThe officer broke my clientâs back during a rough ride. A man whoâd done so little wrong that he was never even charged for the supposed crime he was arrested for. He was only in police custody so long because he ended up in surgery.â She shook her head. âFifteen hours on the table, and heâll still never walk again. I pushed for criminal charges but couldnât get the government to prosecute, so I took the case to civil court instead.âÂ
She flashed a dour smile.
âI made sure there wasnât a cent left on the table.â
Cash let out a low whistle.
âYou sort of scare me, you know?â
Nesta shrugged, feeling oddly pleased by this observation.Â
âNormally I only take on criminal defense cases pro-bono, but this wasnât one I was going to let slide.â
âYou fascinate me,â Cash admitted, and Nesta huffed, not wanting to let that sink in, either.Â
Unfortunately, it was harder to ignore, and Nesta felt her cheeks warming.
âMaybe you just need to get out more.â
Cash laughed, eyes glittering from behind his frames.
âIâve been out plenty, trust me.â
âGross,â she sniped, and he laughed again.
âI didnât mean it like that. Youâre just determined to make me a philanderer, arenât you?â
She glanced at her watch to give herself something to do.
âYouâve yet to prove you arenât one.â
âI canât prove a lack of something. As for proving the oppositeââ he shrugged. âMaybe Iâll surprise you.â
âI donât care for surprises,â she said, needing to change the subject.
It felt too much like they were flirting again, and it was a line she knew she couldnât cross. TomĂĄs would be beside himself if he ever found out.
âAlright,â Cash said, seeming to read her body language. âEnough witty banter. What kind of champagne do you like?â
âBollinger,â she said. âIf you have it.â
Cash grinned, the gold in his ears winking at her as he propped his chin on a fist.Â
âAre you sure youâre not a international super spy? Thatâs James Bondâs favorite, too.â
She couldnât stifle a short laugh.
âHow do you even know that?â
âWhen are you going to accept that when it comes to wine, thereâs nothing I donât know?â
âNever,â she said in challenge. âBecause someday youâre going to make a mistake, and I vow to be there to roast you for it when you do.â
Cash raised his eyebrows, leaning in slightly.
âThen Iâll be sure to make said mistake in the shower.â
âCash,â she warned, even as she fended off another laugh.
âYouâre the one making threats!â He said, holding up his hands. âI canât help it if you occasionally fall victim to your own hubris.â
âIââ she began, still trying to avoid imagining what Cash looked like in the shower. His thick hair slicked back, skin glistening as water ran down the arched grooves of his Adonis belt towards his thickâ
She cleared her throat.
âFine. You win this round.â
âPart of me is afraid that youâre only giving ground as some sort of tactic, but Iâll take my wins where I can get them.â
âThen I have you just where I want you,â she said, glad to have made her way back to more familiar terrority.
He laughed, going to get the champagne.
âYou can have me wherever you want, Archeron,â he called, but before she could censure him for it, heâd disappeared into the back.
He came back carrying the Bollinger and two antique glasses that reminded her of Downton Abbey.Â
âNice touch,â she said, gesturing to them.
Cash flashed a self-satisfied smirk.Â
âThought youâd like these. Be gentle with them, these are Devâs babies.â
He popped the bottle with a expert kiss of sound before pouring a measure for each of them and pushing one of the glasses to her.Â
He held his up to her.
âTo the justice we can get.â
She raised hers in answer.Â
âEven if it isnât the justice thatâs deserved.â
Their glasses sang as they touched, and Nesta paused before taking a sip so she could watch him take his. As always, his reaction didnât disappoint.Â
His brows drew together as he gave a hum of appreciation, biting his lip as he let the flavor linger. She hurriedly took a sip herself, not wanting to get caught admiring him. She could feel him studying her in return as she did.
She let her eyes flutter shut as the satiny bubbles caressed her tongue.Â
âWhat do you taste?â
Her eyes snapped open to find he was still watching her, head cocked slightly to the side.
âYouâre the expert,â she said archly. âYou tell me.â
He laughed.
âI already know the profile. I want to hear what you think.â
âIs this your way of putting me in my place after all my dress-downs?â
His grin faded, something she couldnât quite name softening his hazel eyes.Â
âNever. I justââ some of the tension melted from his shoulder as he gave a laugh that didnât feel entirely genuine. âYou obviously have a great palette. I just want to know what it is you like about this vintage in particular. Think of it asâmarket research, if you want.â
She considered this, and him, because taking another sip.Â
âIâd know it was champagnois even if Iâd never had it before. Itâs nuttier than a Prosecco or a Cava. Not as finely-edged. And the fruit in it is lightly spiced. Apple, definitely. And...pear, maybe? It reminds me of Christmas.â
She glanced up to find him looking at her.Â
âWell?â she said, feeling oddly embarrassed. âHow did I do?â
âSpot on,â he said. âThough no surprises there. You would have made a great sommelier. A big part of the job is painting a picture that makes people fall in love with the wine. That description was painfully charming.â
âDonât be obsequious,â she warned, even as she felt herself preening a little from the compliment.
âNo idea what that means,â he said with a grin. âBut I will do my best. How did things turn out with your sister and the Riesling?â
Nesta flashed a feline smirk, one she knew sent most men running for the hills.Â
âBetter than I could have hoped,â she said âGraysenâs mother wouldnât stop raving about it. Her new favorite, she said. Even better than the bottle Graysen got here for her birthday last year.â
Her smirk widened as he shook his head, laughing.Â
âYouâre gonna put this poor kid in therapy.â
Nesta sniffed, taking another sip.
âHeâs made Ellie cry more than once; he can burn in Hell for all I care. Besides, he couldnât be less worthy of her if he were were a clown car mechanic. Iâm going to throw a gala they day they break up for good.â
âIf you could invent a perfect man for Elain, what would he be like?â
âQuiet,â Nesta said immediately, and when Cash laughed, she added, âIâm serious! Graysen is constantly talking, and she can never get a word in when theyâre together. She has so many interesting things to say; she deserves a guy who wants nothing more than to listen to her all day.â
âA wallflower, roger that. What else?ïżœïżœïżœ
Nesta considered.Â
âSomeone who does sweet things for her. Elainâs love language is acts of service. Men always want to buy her expensive things or spouts odes to her beauty. What she really wants is someone who will pack her a sack lunch or get her car washed. Also dark-haired. Grown men shouldnât be blonde.â
Cash grinned, eyes slight.Â
âHe sounds like a dreamboat. Maybe I should let you find me someone, too.â
Nesta was surprised at how much the comment ached. Not that she begrudged Cash meeting a woman; he certainly deserved it. She justâdidnât want to have to imagine it.Â
âI donât know you well enough to make an accurate assessment,â she sniffed, trying not to seem too desperate as she poured herself more champagne.Â
Cash opened his arms in invitation.Â
âWhat would you like to know?â
Nesta narrowed her eyes as she considered.Â
âHow do you feel about BeyoncĂ©?â
Cash laughed.
âIs this a trick?â
âAnswer the question, please.â
âThe Lemonade album deserves a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian as a pillar of human achievement.â
She nodded in approval.
âGood. At least I know I can trust you now.â
âThatâs your litmus rest?â He laughed. âWhat were you going to say if I say no?â
âLeave and never come back, obviously,â she said.Â
âFair enough,â Cash allowed. âWhat else?â
âBest Hogwarts house?â
âAlright, this one is too easy. Gryffindor.â
Nesta feigned a gag.Â
âThat is the most offensive thing youâve ever said to me.â
âDaring and chivalrous! Those arenât favorable traits to you?â
Nesta sniffed imperiously.Â
âSelf-important and braggadocious, you mean. Besides, thereâs nothing more dangerous that a person whoâs convinced theyâre right.â
He shook his head, chuckling.Â
âI feel so foolish. Everything about you screams Slytherin; I should have seen that question for the trap is was.â
âYou know why Iâve been so successful in the courtroom?â
âBecause youâre brilliant?â
She dismissed the compliment with a flick, even as it warmed her from the inside out.
âBecause most of the time Iâm going up against self-righteous prosecutors whoâd rather waste their time beating their chest and waxing dramatically to the jury about my clientâs character, instead of arguing the facts. It makes mounting a defense and tearing them to ribbons almost comically easy.â
âLike I said,â Cash offered, studying her with unchecked appreciation. âFascinating.â
âIâll change your mind before this is all over,â she said. âMark my words.â
He leaned in slightly, enough that she could smell his clean scent again.Â
âLooking forward to it.â
They studied each other for a moment, and this time it was Cash who looked away, chuckling quietly to himself.Â
âWhat else?â
âTell me secret. Something no one else knows about you.â
He considered this before turning over his forearms to show her his tattoos.
âI cried like a baby when I got these.â
She put her chin in her hand, if only to resist the urge to trace the slightly-ridged ribbons of ink. The designs were exquisitely tendered; whoever the artist was, theyâd known what they were doing.
âWhy?â she asked finally.Â
He laughed.Â
âBecause they fucking hurt!â
She pursed her lips to indicate she wasnât buying it, and he laughed again, glancing down at his forearms.Â
âGrowing up, I just always felt likeâI donât knowâa mongrel. When youâre a kid all you want to do is fit in, and being mixed, I never really felt like I did. I wasâweirdly resentful I couldnât just be like everyone else. I had my gran in my ear always spouting all this MÄori stuff, but I just wanted to be Hawaiian. It wasnât until she took me back to Waitomo when I was in high school that I got to see my culture for what it wasâmine. I wanted to wear that pride on my skin.â
âSo when you got the tattoos...â
He nodded.
âWhen I got the tattoos, I felt like I was reclaiming something Iâd lost. Not just a sense of belonging, but a connection to my dad, who I never got to meet. It wasâreally emotional.â
âDid you take anyone with you?â
âMy friend Ro. He was the only other MÄori kid in my neighborhood growing up, so our families were always close.â
Cash laughed, adjusting his glasses.Â
âYou should see him. His tats cover almost the whole left side of his damn body. If he hadnât wanted to be a cop, Iâm pretty sure heâd have gotten them on his face. We had to convince him to stop mid-neck.â
Cash glanced down at his own again, and Nesta couldnât resist. Gingerly she reached out to follow the band on diamonds that studded along his wrist. She watched his skin pebble under her touch, and she pulled her hand back, knowing she was being unfair.Â
âThat soundsâintimidating,â she said instead, trying to shift the conversation back.
Cash shrugged.
âHeâs a sweet dude underneath all the gruffness, but yeah, heâs pretty terrifying with all that ink. I suppose it doesnât help that heâs also 6â6 and looks like a jacked Anderson Cooper.â
She had to laugh.Â
âWhat does that even mean?â
âHe started going grey when we were still in high school, and now heâs completely silver. Itâs annoyingly dashing.â
Nesta snorted.Â
âThe silver fox trope is such a double standard. If I was completely gray, no one would be gushing over it.â
Cash considered.Â
âI feel like you would be very striking as a silver vixen. Besides, I thought women dying their hair gray was a thing now?â
âHow do you even know that?â
Cash laughed.Â
âMy friend Rhys is a...great lover of females.He loves to opine on all the various trends.â
âIs that your polite way of saying heâs a playboy?â
Cash shrugged.
âHis dadâs a billionaire. Az and I think he didnât hear the word ânoâ enough as a kid, and itâs made him restless and hedonistic. When he meets the right girl, though, itâs going to be game-set-match. I know it.â
âThats...charming, I suppose.â
âYouâd like him,â Cash said before pausing to laugh. â...I think. His cousin I think youâd definitely like. In fact, Iâm having a friend from Paris in next week to host a tasting, and Mor will be there. You should come and meet her.â
Nestaâs heart leapt at the opportunity. She loved getting dressed and going out, and she was in rather desperate need of female friends. Still, there was TomĂĄs to consider.
âI know that look,â Cash said. âSo let me beat you to the punch: you can bring your boyfriend, and whoever else you want.âÂ
âElain would love it,â Nesta said, not wanting to admit that TomĂĄs wouldnât, especially when he saw Cash.
Still, she was reasonably confident she could convince him.Â
âMaybe Iâll tell her to bring Graysen, and your friend can embarrass him in front of everyone.â
Cash shook his head, giving a resigned chuckle.Â
âYou are terrible.â
Nesta admired her long nails self-importantly.Â
âPlease, you love it.â
She immediately regretted saying it. She wasnât oblivious to the way Cash sometimes looked at her, and she didnât want to blur any lines by being over-flirtatious. It wasnât fair to him, and it definitely wasnât fair to TomĂĄs. And if he ever found out sheâd been saying things like that to another guy behind his back, heâd never let her step foot in the Merchant again.
âI admit Iâm morbidly curious about this guy,â Cash admitted. âThough I donât want your sister to hate me for humiliating her boyfriend.â
âSheâll love you,â Nesta blurted, and realizing her misstep, forced herself to add, âmaybe Iâll set you two up once she gives Graysen the boot.â
The idea made her stomach roil, especially when Cash smirked.
âFirst you accuse me of philandering, and now you want to set me up with your precious baby sitter? Pick a lane, Archeron.â
Nesta shrugged mechanically.
âAt least Iâd know she was being treated the way she deserves.â
Cash laughed, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back on the bar.
âI donât want to date your sister, Nes.â
Nesta ignored the way something in her black heart fluttered at the declaration, pursing her lips in feigned annoyance instead.
âWhy not? Gorgeous and brilliant arenât your type?â
Cash laughed.
âIâm going to go out on a limb and say that gorgeous and brilliant are every guyâs type.â
âSo whatâs the problem?â
Nesta had no idea why she was pushing the issue. She had less than zero desire to see Cash pursue Elain.
Cash only laughed again, an edge of exasperation souring the otherwise rich sound.
âMaybe Iâm too afraid of you. I can only imagine what kind of cruel and unusual torture youâd cook up for me if things didnât work out.â
âIâd flay and barbecue you at a low heat,â Nesta affirmed, and Cash grinned, his expression easing slightly.
âExactly. Besides,â he paused, eyes glittering from behind his frames as he studied her again. âI wouldnât want to risking messing up our friendship.â
She sniffed to disguise the way that touched her.
âBold of you to assume weâre friends. We hardly know each other.â
âI know you better than you think, my thorny Slytherin queen. And we are friends, so donât be like that.â
âFine,â she said. âI admit I find your company enjoyable in an...annoying sort of way.â
âPlease,â Cash said, grinning. âYou love it.â
âDonât push it,â she warned, and he only grinned wider.
âWouldnât dream of it. So about next weekend: are you in? Iâm trying to firm up the guest list for my friend HĂ©lion.â
Nesta felt her cheeks warming as she admitted, âI...have to discuss it with TomĂĄs. Heâs been out of town.â
Cash looked like he wanted to say something, but instead he said, âWell if you do decide to come, I have only one requestââ
âThat I donât bring my friend Claire,â Nesta finished for him, and he laughed.Â
âShe was in again last week and left me her number on a receipt. I donât know what to do with that.â
âCall her?â Nesta made herself suggest.
Cash frowned.
 âI told you: not my type. Everything I said, she agreed with. I donât want a woman who only ever tells me what she thinks I want to hear.â
Nesta couldnât help herself.
âWhat do you want, then?â
Cash sank his teeth into his plush lower lip as if he were trying to suppress a smile before finally glancing at her.
âSomeone whoâs quick on the draw, and who isnât afraid to dish it back. I donât want a admirer; I want an equal. Besides,â he paused, biting his lip again. âI prefer brunettes.â
Nesta felt her heart beating in her throat as he studied herâher dark hairâbefore meeting her gaze again.Â
âIf you know anyone like that, then...â
âI donât,â Nesta said automatically before adding, âsorry.â
Cash continued watching her for a second before shrugging.Â
âBeing single isnât all bad.â
âI wouldnât really know,â Nesta admitted in a soft voice. âItâs been a while.â
Cash nodded, adjusting his frames as he looked down into his glass.
âHow long have you two been together?â
âSix years.â
âThatâsâa long time.â
âIt is,â she agreed, wishing they could change the subject.
âNo ring yet?â
Her eyes snapped up, he shook his head.Â
âSorry. None of my business.â
She thought about biting out that no, it most certainly wasnât, before realizing she didnât want to sour things with an unduly harsh retort. Instead she shrugged.Â
âIf he had his way, weâd be married already. Iâm the one whoâs insisted on waiting.â
âWhy?â
She didnât know why she answered. She knew she really shouldnât, but somehow she couldnât help herself. Cash was so easy to talk to, and the fact he didnât know TomĂĄs personally somehow made it feel like less of a violation of their privacy.Â
âWeâve been through a lot together, but I donât knowâIâm not ready. I guess Iâm just waiting for a sign to show me that I am.â
âDidnât have you down as a person who believed in signs,â Cash admitted.Â
Nesta fidgeted in her seat, looking down at her bare left hand.Â
âIâm not usually. But this is...too important not to be completely sure.â
Cash nodded but didnât push for clarification, even though she could tell he wanted to.
âIâm happy, though,â Nesta added, needing to hear herself say it out loud. âHe makes me very happy.â
Cash gave her a smile that was warm, even if it didnât quite touch his eyes.
âYou deserve that,â he said.Â
âHow would you know?â
At this Cashâs smile widened to show pearly teeth.Â
âBecause Iâm an excellent judge of character. Besides, doesnât everyone deserve that? Someone who makes them happy?â
âYou do,â she blurted, and her cheeks caught fire as she realized sheâd said it out loud.Â
Sheâd clearly drank more champagne than sheâd thought; she was being embarrassingly loosed-lipped. Cash only smiled again, politely ignoring her insidious blush.Â
âYou think?â
âPer your logic, everyone does,â she pointed out, drumming her nails on the oak bar top. When he dimmed a bit, she softened.Â
âBut yes, I think you deserve it more than most.â
Cash gave a sheepish laugh as he looked down at the scuffed chukka boots her wore, and Nesta found herself adding, âSheâs a lucky girl, Cash. The woman you end up with.â
It was truer than he even knew, and harder to bear than sheâd expected. She had a sudden image of Cash in the arms of some unknown brunette beauty, and she felt her hands curling to fists.Â
She was on dangerous ground, and she knew it. She couldnât figure out for the life of her why she hadnât retreated to safer territory yet.Â
âI should get home,â she said, draining her glass. âThank you for celebrating with me.â
He grinned.Â
âThank you for an excuse to drink champagne on a Tuesday. And before you embarrass us both by trying to pay for this bottle, let me make a proposition instead.â
Nesta huffed and made to protest, but he cut her off.Â
âYou know itâs nothing like that, so donât get shirty with me. Justâcome next Saturday. Tastings go much easier when there are people there who know what theyâre looking for in a good wine, and I promised Leo I would give him something to work with. Heâs French, so he gets fussy like that. And if you come, I can just put the bottle on his companyâs tab. He works for one of the biggest distributors in France, so they wonât mind.â
âHow long have you been cooking this scheme up?â She asked, and he grinned.
âSince about the word âcelebratingâ. Do we have a deal?â
He even extended a hand, and she bit her lip as she considered.Â
âI still have to talk it over with TomĂĄs. But yes, I willâtentatively be there.â
She slipped her hand into his, and he squeezed gently as his smile returned.Â
âBut you have to let me pay for the bottle if I donât end up making it.â
Cash rolled his eyes.Â
âIâll add it to your tab, I promise.â
âFair enough,â she said, rising to her feet. âIâll will let you know on Tuesday when TomĂĄs gets back into town.â
Cash laughed, though the sound was a bit hollow.Â
âHow? You donât have my number.â
Nesta bit her lip, resisting the urge to shift on her feet. She and TomĂĄs had given each other permission into their respective phones, and though it wasnât a privilege he often exercised, she knew that if he did and saw Cashâs number, heâd freak. It would certainly be the end to their coming to the tasting. Â
âIâllâcall the shop.â
All the playfulness melted from Cashâs expression as his mouth tightened.Â
âAre you serious, Nes?â
âWhat does it matter?â She shot back, needing to go on the defensive. âYouâre always here anyways.â
âThatâs not what concerns me.â
âI donât know what youâre even talking about.â
He crossed his bruising arms across his chest, his tone brittle in a way that belied he usual ease.Â
âOh really? Then look me in the eye and tell me thatâas your friendâI have nothing to be concerned about.â
âGoodbye, Cassian,â she said. âIâll be in touch.â
She turned to the door and heard him swear under his breath.
âNesta.â
She tightened her grip on the leather strap of her handbag, fighting the urge to turn back to him as she left the shop.
ââââââââââââââââ-
âWhatâs going on with you?â HĂ©lion asked from where he lounged on the sofa, watching as Cash straightened the collar of a fresh button-down in the mirror.Â
They were currently in in the apartment above the shop, which Devlon had bought when such things were still possible to afford in North Beach. Heâd agreed to let Cash stay there while he was in Hawaii, provided Cash didnât change anything.Â
So far, heâd had the place painted, replaced the dated backsplash in the kitchen, and bought a new couch. A contractor was coming the following week to talk about taking down a wall in the living room and gutting the master bath.
âWhat do you mean?â Cash said, shrugging into the burgundy blazer slung over a nearby armchair.
HĂ©lion eyed him critically for another moment.
âThatâs the third time youâve changed your shirt.â
HĂ©lion continued his brazen assessment before snapping his fingers in realization.
âThereâs someone coming you want to impress. Who is it? Investor for your mythical vineyard?â
Cash cleared his throat.
âNo, Iâmâstill working on that.â
HĂ©lion smirked.
âAh, okay. Who is she, then?â
Cash fought not to tense. This wasnât a conversation he really wanted to have right now. Despite the voicemail heâd gotten from Nesta on Thursday at the shop informing him sheâd be coming with two guests, he was terrified to get his hopes up knowing it was still entirely possible she wouldnât show.Â
âWho is who?âÂ
HĂ©lion rolled his eyes.
âThe woman youâre clearly trying to impress. And if you donât tell me, know that I can get it out of Mor when she arrives.â
Cash felt his palms beginning to sweat.Â
âItâsânot like that.â
HĂ©lion smirked.
âNo? Certainly seems like âthatâ to me.â
âSheâs got a serious boyfriend.âÂ
âA boyfriend isnât a husband, Cashish,â HĂ©lion said in a coo. âBesides, who could resist all this devilish charm?â
âDonât make it weird,â Cash warned.
âMe?â HĂ©lion said in mock offront. âNever! Come on, tell me more about her. She must be something if sheâs caught your picky eye.â
âIâm notââ Cash shook his head. âWeâre just friends.â
âNon,â HĂ©lion said. âYou like her. Youâre smitten, I can tell. Whatâs her name?â
âIâm not telling you.â
âWhat? Why not? I only want to know who I need to charm tonight. I will help make her yours.â
âFor fuckâs sake, Leo,â Cash said, unsure whether to be exasperated or warmed by his friendâs meddling. âSheâs bringing her boyfriend.â
HĂ©lion bubbled his lips and gave a dismissive flick of his wrist.
âI hate him already. Heâs a swine! A wretch! Totally unworthy of her!â
âI actually think he might be,â Cash admitted, and at his tone HĂ©lion straightened, setting down his glass.
âWhat do you mean?â
Cash blew out a breath, trying to keep his anger in check as he remembered the look on Nestaâs face when heâd suggested she take his number. Normally he might have taken it as a sign that she was more interested in him than she let on, but it hadnât been guilt heâd seen in her eyes; itâd been fear.
âAllĂŽ!â HĂ©lion said, snapping his fingers to get Cashâs attention again. âWhat does that mean?â
âHeâs totally controlling; demanding to know where she is all the time, I think going through her phoneâI donât know, it just doesnât feel right to me.â
âHave you met him?â
âNo,â Cash admitted. âBut Dev has, and he said the same. He said that heâs very territorial over Nesta, and that I should keep my distance.â
âNesta,â HĂ©lion said with a satisfied smirk. âThatâs very pretty.â
Cash flipped him a foul hand gesture before turning back to the mirror. He sighed before continuing.
âI donât know what it is about her, but I canât get her out of my head. And it would be bad enough knowing sheâs got a boyfriend, but this prickââ Cash shook his head. âI hate thinking of her in a bad relationship.â
âMaybe she just needs someone to show her thereâs a better way,â HĂ©lion said, and Cash huffed.
âDonât tease me. This sucks enough as-is.â
âNon,â HĂ©lion said. âNo teasing. She clearly likes you, Cash, or else she wouldnât be coming tonight.â
âSheâs coming with him.â
âThen she must like you very much, to risk upsetting him just to see you.â
âI donât want to put her in a bad spot.â
âBut...?â HĂ©lion prompted.
âBut what?â
âBut you do want her.â
Cash groaned, slumping down on the arm of the sofa.
âHow could I not? Sheâs brilliant, and thoughtful, and witty. And Godâso fucking gorgeous. She might honestly be the most beautiful woman Iâve ever seen.â
HĂ©lion gave an amused snort.
âThe manâs in love.â
âIâm not in love,â Cash protested before pausing. âAnd it doesnât matter, anyway. Sheâs got her sod of a boyfriend, and I just got her to admit weâre friends; I canât mess things up.â
âOkay,â HĂ©lion said, holding up his hands in submission. âI wonât say anything to her.â
Cash let out a breath he didnât know heâd been holding.
âThank you.â
âBut say the word, and I will seduce the boyfriend and clear the path for you.â
âJesus Christ,â Cash muttered, and HĂ©lion smirked.
âSo far as I know, youâre the only man whoâs been able to successfully to resist me, straight or otherwise.â
âAz,â Cash pointed out, turning to the mirror to pull his hair back.Â
HĂ©lion rolled his eyes.
âHeâs just being obstinate to spite me.â
âIâll let him know youâre onto him.â
HĂ©lion smirked and settled back into his seat.Â
âCan you imagine what he must look like naked?â
âAs his friend, I try not to. Shall we?â
HĂ©lion rose, straightening his immaculate heather gray slacks as he did. Cash shook his head.
âI donât know how youâre wearing that sweater. Itâs bloody August.â
HĂ©lion straightened the collar of the turtleneck self-importantly.Â
âIâm French,â HĂ©lion sniffed. âThe laws of nature donât apply to me.â
âThatâs not at all how that works,â Cash pointed out. âBut suit yourself.â
They descended the stairs to find the servers Cash had hired readying the place at Morâs direction. The dining table had been set with the appropriate glasses, and flutes were arranged neatly on trays, waiting for champagne.Â
âLooks good,â Cash told her in greeting, coming over to kiss her cheek. âAlmost good enough to justify flying you all the way out here from London.â
âPlease,â Mor said, batting his cheek. âI flew myself out here, you ungrateful plant pot.â She spotted HĂ©lion and shoved Cash back. âLeo, there you are! Come give me a kiss.â
Cash only barely managed to get out of the way as HĂ©lion slid a hand around Morâs waist and pulled her to him. She draped her arms over his shoulders and pecked him on the lips. Cash only barely managed to fend off a groan of disgust, and Mor only flashed him a quick hand gesture before her eyes settled back into HĂ©lion, who still had a possessive hand pressed to her low back.
âHow are you, mon cĆur?â She purred, and HĂ©lion gave her an appreciative up-down.
âBetter, now youâre here. Oh, and Cash has a woman coming tonight.â
Cash snarled.
âWhat part of âbe coolâ did you not understand?â
âYou are?â Mor demanded, turning to punch him in the arm. âWho?â
âSheâs got a boyfriend,â Cash said, feeling sour for having to repeat it out loud.Â
âSo? Never seen a defender you couldnât score on. Whatâs her name?â
âNone of yourââ
âNesta.â
Cash screwed his eyes up, rubbing his temple.Â
âLeo, for fuckâs sake.â
âWhy didnât you say anything?â Mor asked. âThis is so exciting! I havenât seen you interested in someone inââ she paused to think. âI honestly canât remember the last time.â
âSheâs got a serious boyfriend,â Cash said, annoyed at having to repeat himself. âAnd sheâs my friend, so please donât scare her off with your meddling.â
Mor toss her blonde waves off her shoulder.Â
âI donât meddle.â
Cash pursed his lips.Â
âTell that to Azâs love life.â
âThatâs different. Without my help, poor lambâs going to die alone.â
âI can think of someone I know who could make him feel properly loved up,â HĂ©lion said with a smirk, and Cash rolled his eyes.Â
âLeave him alone, both of you. Leo, if you want someone to flirt with, go back to London and bother Rhys. Heâll be more than happy to oblige you.â
âTempting,â HĂ©lion admitted. âBut heâll flirt with anyone. Besides, thereâs just something about that pouty mouth of Azrielâs that drives me crazy.â
âLetâs just get the champagne opened,â Cash said, not wanting to discuss his friendsâ love lives anymore.Â
He gestured to the servers, and HĂ©lion glanced at the label of the nearest bottle and frowned.
âBollinger? I thought weâd agreed on MoĂ«t.â
Cash shrugged.Â
âI changed my mind.â
HĂ©lion narrowed his eyes.Â
âFine,â HĂ©lion sniffed. âBut no more changes. I made these selections for a reason.â
Cash grinned.Â
âYouâre afraid Iâll pull something something you donât know, you mean.â
HĂ©lion gave him a dirty look, and Cash laughed.Â
âI havenât changed anything else,â he promised.Â
At this the door chimed, and Cashâs heart rate picked up. Forcing himself not the react in a way his friends might notice, he nodded towards the door.Â
âGo, minions. Be charming, make people feel welcome.â He grabbed HĂ©lion by the elbow as he made to strut off.Â
âNot too friendly. This is an elegant tasting, not a live sex show.â
Helion grinned, teeth bright against his dark skin.Â
âAfraid Iâll meet your Nesta and win her away from you?â
âNo, because you lay even one line on her and sheâs probably punch your lights out. Get out of here.â
HĂ©lion laughed, clapping Cash in the shoulder even as his eye snagged on fetching red head who was already smiling at him.Â
Cash found as people trickled in that he was too wound up to mingle, so he busied himself in the back instead, helping pull bottles and making sure the hor dâeuorvers looked the way he wanted.Â
When his phone buzzed, he pulled it out to find a text from HĂ©lion.
Come to the front.Â
Swearing under his breath, Cash did as a instructed to find HĂ©lion waiting for him at the bar.Â
âWhat is it?â
HĂ©lion shrugged.Â
âNothing. But you need to be out here. Itâs strange for your to lurk in the back like the hunchback in his tower. Have a glass of champagne and relax.â
âI am relaxed.â
âThatâs exactly what a tense person would say,â HĂ©lion said. âGo talk to people.â
âI will as soon asââ
He broke off as he watched HĂ©lion eyes skate over his shoulder and light up.Â
âWhat?â he demanded.
Helion smiled, eyes flicking back to Cash.Â
âI think your Nesta just walked in.â
Cashâs throat went dry. His first instinct was to whip around, and he forced himself to relax his posture.Â
âMerde, you werenât joking,â HĂ©lion said, gaze going over Cashâs shoulder. âSheâsâfetching. Whoâs the woman with her?â
âHer younger sister, I think.â
HĂ©lionâs grin grew sleepy and slightly wicked, and Cash shook his head.
âNesta will flay you alive.â
HĂ©lion only shrugged before looking back and cocking his head slightly.Â
âC'est intĂ©ressant...â he mused, tapping his fingers against his lips in mock bemusement.Â
Cash grit his teeth.Â
âWhatâs interesting?âÂ
HĂ©lionâs smile was a feral thing, one that reminded Cash of a fox.
âI donât see a gentleman with her,â HĂ©lion finished.Â
Unable to resist any longer, Cash turned, his pulse drumming a lulling beat in his belly as he drank Nesta in.Â
She was dressed more provocatively then heâd ever seen her, and it made his mouth dry as he took her in. The slinky navy cocktail dress she wore hung off her body as if it had been made for her, highlighting her gorgeous small breasts and lean legs.Â
Sheâs yet to see him, but his heart sped up as the woman next to her, who was undoubtedly Elain, turned her head in his direction. Elain gave him a delightfully unsubtle up-down before she leaned over to whisper in her sisterâs ear.
Something warm began to pool in Cash stomach as Nestaâs gaze snapped to him and she flushed.Â
He smiled in greeting, feeling pleased when she took Elainâs hand and started towards him.
âGo away,â Cash hissed to HĂ©lion.Â
âButââ
âIâll introduce you later. Buzz off.â
HĂ©lion huffed before retreating, and Cash fought not to fidget or look too eager as Nesta approached. She dark hair fell in a satiny curtain down her back, and he imagined bunching it is hands as he kissed her neck, peeling off that dress so he could...
âCash, hi.â
He flashed what he hoped as an easy smile. He wanted to kiss her cheek the way he might have with someone like Mor, but given everything, he doubted sheâd appreciate it.Â
âNesta,â he said, taking in the hint of her cool, sharp perfume as she came closer. âGlad you could make it.âÂ
She smiled, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. He admired the elegant line of her wrist as she did, marveling that wrists could even be attractive. Hers were, though. They were gorgeous.Â
âThank you for inviting us.â
At this she put a hand on her sisterâs back.Â
âThis is my sister, Elain. Ellie, this is my friend Cassian.â
Hearing her said the word âfriendâ had giddy delight crashing through him, and he forced himself to look at Elain instead.Â
She gave him a bright, easy smile, and he immediately liked her.Â
âLovely to finally meet you, Cassian,â she said as they shook hands
âCash, please. Honestly, I feel like I know you already. Nestaâs always bragging about you.â
Elain gave a sheepish laugh, doe brown eyes sparkling. Like her sister, Elain was beautiful, though hers was a much softer, more angelic thing: the fresh-faced Disney heroine to Nesta sultry villainess. She was of a curvier build as well, her figure voluptuous where Nestaâs was willowy.Â
If Az was here, heâd be drooling all over the floor. He was a sucker for big tits and brown eyes, even if he was too much of a gentleman to ever admit as much out loud.Â
âWell thatâs embarrassing,â Elain said. âItâs not like Iâm going to cure cancer or something.â
âNo itâs not,â Nesta said. âYou deserve it. Youâre brilliant, El.â
Elain blushed before turning back to Cash.Â
âIâve heard a lot of nice things about you, too.â Elain continued. âItâs good to put a name to the face.â
Cash grinned at Nesta, whose mouth has pinched into a pert frown.Â
âYou been bragging about me too, Archeron?â
Nesta sniffed in a way Cash now knew signified sheâd been caught off balance.Â
âHardly. Itâs Claire who canât shut up about you.â
Elain gave a delicate laugh.Â
âItâs true,â she admitted. âI think sheâs got a crush on you. She still hasnât stopped talking about that red Nesta served at her dinner party. No one could; did Nes tell you?â
Cash laughed when Nesta rolled her eyes.Â
âYour sister isnât in the habit of giving me compliments, unfortunately. But thank you, itâs nice to know you liked it.â
âI loved it,âElain corrected. âYou should come to the next party and listen to everyone fawn yourself.â
Cash glanced to Nesta to gauge her reaction, afraid to find her expression disapproving. She wore a sardonic smile instead.Â
âBefore you say yes, please keep in mind that Claire will be there, and there wonât be a bar or a stock room to shield you from her attentions.â
Cash grinned.Â
âYouâre not going to protect my virtue?â
Nesta pursed her lips to hide a smirk.Â
âAs if thereâs any left to protect.â
âI will,â Elain assured him, grinning as she touched his arm. âWeâve known Claire for ages, but she can get a littleâpredatory.â
âYes, a scrawny thing like you, who knows what she might do if she caught you alone,â Nesta added dryly.Â
Cash laughed, and unable to resist showing off a little, he crossed his arms across his chest and said, âArcheron, Iâm pretty sure I could bench your weight about five times over.â
âDoubtful,â Nesta shot back, eyes glittering with the challenge. âI weigh over 300 pounds.â
âWhat a coincidence; I bench 1,500.â
âWell congratulations on setting a world record, then. The last I heard, it was 1,075.â
Elain watched them, a grin on her face before she cut in, âWill you excuse me? I have to use the restroom.â
âIâll come with you,â Nesta said immediately, and Elain gave her a hard look.Â
âDonât need any help, thanks.â She brushed a friendly hand down Cashâs arm. âNice to meet you again.â
With that she slipped away, leaving them alone.Â
âSheâs cute,â Cash said when sheâd gone.Â
Nesta smiled, eyes softening in a way they only ever did for her sisters.Â
âIsnât she?âÂ
They watched in silence as Elain sauntered off before Nesta turned to give him a thorough once-over.
âYou lookânice.â
Cash laughed, basking under her careful attention as her eyes swept from his blazer to his caramel dress shoes.
âDo I not usually?â
She flushed before pursing her lips.
âThe joggers certainly gave me pause.â
He grinned, wanting to see if he could make her blush again.Â
âI try to avoid them in mixed company. Itâs unfair to the women present. Too distracting.â
She rolled her eyes.Â
âI managed them just fine.â
âOr so you claim. But you easily could have been checking me out when my back was turned.â
She rolled her eyes.Â
âGet over yourself. Your ass is not as cute as you clearly think it is.â
He flashed her a smirk, seeing the opportunity her comment presented and finding himself unable to resist.Â
âAnd how would you know?â
She flushed, and he felt his belly tighten, even as he grinned.
âGotcha.â
She rolled her eyes again but didnât offer a retort, and the realization she had been checking him left him feeling giddy. That was, until he remembered whoâd she was supposed to have with her that evening.Â
âSo,â he said. âNo TomĂĄs?â
He tried to keep the hopefulness from his tone, unsure if heâd succeeded as Nesta straightened.
âHeâs running late. But heâll be here, donât worry.â
Cash felt his heart sink.
âI canât say that I was,â he admitted quietly.Â
âWas what?â She said, tone flatter than before. Â
âWorried heâd be here.â
He hated the way her face pinched at that, the light in hey eyes dimming.Â
âDonât start, Cash.â
âI didnât say anything.â
Her expression darkened.Â
âYou didnât have to. Please, promise me youâll play nice. I think you two might really hit it off.â
Cash knew he would never like this prick and that the feeling was certain to be mutual, but afraid of pushing her away, he only smiled.Â
âIâm sure we will. You look lovely, by the way.â
Nesta looked down under the guise of smoothing her skirt, but he suspected it was really to hide another blush. God, she was killing him tonight. He wanted to kiss her so bad it hurt.Â
âThank you,â she said finally. âItâs new. I donât usually like this color, butââ
âIt suits you,â he said, and though he wanted to push the issue, he knew heâd gone as far as heâd dared.
Reaching behind her, he grabbed a forgotten tray of champagne, passing her a flute and taking one for himself.
They were silent a moment as they both took a sip, and Nesta nodded in approval.
âBollinger,â she said. âShould I be flattered?â
He shrugged, sure she was seeing through him.
âIâd forgotten just how good it was until you reminded me. I figured Iâd help remind everyone else, too.â
âGood,â she said with a small smile. âI would hate to think you were just trying to impress me again; you know Iâm immune to your charm.â
âBut you do admit Iâm charming,â he said with a grin. âIâll take it.â
She considered this, eyes sparkling.
âI admit nothing,â she sniffed, taking another sip.
He laughed.
âOf course you donât. Itâs fine, my ego can take it.â
She snorted.
âThat I donât doubt.â
They lapsed into comfortable silence as Nesta turned to survey the room. Cash watched her in profile, admiring the narrow bridge of her nose and the dusting of freckles sheâd clearly tried to conceal under her makeup. She was so lovely it made his chest ache.
Knowing he had to stop staring before she caught him, Cash turned to watch the crowd milling around instead.
âSo no Graysen either, huh? Iâm oddly disappointed.â
Nesta huffed.Â
âElain was going to bring him, but they got in a tiff earlier and now they arenât speaking.â
âWhy donât you seem happier about that?â
âBecause this happens all the time. I canât emotionally invest in the hope theyâre actually break up; the disappointment is too bitter. Please just tell me thereâs someone here to distract her. What about your friend Azriel? Vanity Fair seems to think heâs single.â
Cash laughed.
âAz is still in LA; he generally avoids mingling with strangers, even for my sake. And my friend Leo was practically foaming at the mouth when she walked in, but I donât think heâs the kind of guy you want dating your baby sister. Heâs something of a...philanderer.â
âIâm not concerned,â Nesta said. âOne thing I will say for Elain: sheâs not easily wooed. I think she honestly gets hit on so much it doesnât phase her anymore. Besides, sheâs annoyingly loyal to Graysen. Tell your friend to do his worst; heâs not going to win her over.â
âWhy do I get the sense that pleases you?â
She flashed him her Disney Villainess smirk again, and he felt his skin prickle in arousal.
âBecause it makes me feel like I raised her right; weird blind spot for Graysen aside, Elain knows who she is, and doesnât let others try and tell her differentâespecially men.â
âWhat about Feyre?â
Nesta expression grew more devilish.Â
âFeyâs more like me. She didnât need to be taught how to shred men to ribbons. Itâs instinct for her, and sheâs damn good at it.â Nesta pursed her lips. âI just wish sheâd use it a bit more often.â
âSheâll get tired of kissing frogs eventually,â Cash offered. âYou remember what it was like at 19.â
âI didnât date until I was 19.â
Cash smiled.
âWhat was your first boyfriend like? Iâm imagining either a geeky engineering major or an uptight Shakespeare nerd.â
âNeither,â she said, taking another sip of champagne. âHe was a gorgeous Portuguese exchange student.âÂ
He chuckled, even if some of his amusement had soured.
âYou really have a type, donât you?â
When she gave him a pointed look, he felt his heart sink.Â
âTomĂĄs was your first boyfriend?â
It explained a lot. The blind loyalty, the way she seemed to capitulate to him when she didnât for others.Â
âSome people are just lucky, I guess.â
âIn what way?â
She shrugged.
âTo get it right on the first try.â
It hurtâphysically hurtâto hear her say it, and he had to bite his tongue to keep from blurting something petulant. Instead he forced himself to shrug.
âI guess I wouldnât know. My first girlfriendâs name was Becky, and she was the actual worst.â
âThe fact she chose to go by Becky didnât tip you off?â
âLooking back, it was the first of many warning signs.â
Nesta laughed, and Cash felt some of his bitterness fading. They were friends, he reminded himself. Sheâd claimed him as her friend, and as far as he was concerned, that made him the luckiest guy in the world. Her relationship with TomĂĄs wasnât any of his business. If she was happy, heâd be happy for her.Â
Over Nestaâs shoulder, Cash spotted HĂ©lion trying to get his attention by tapping his watch.
âI should probably start getting people settled,â he said. âDo you want us to wait for TomĂĄs?â
Nesta bit her lip. He knew she hated when people did her favors, and he suspected she was embarrassed that it was her boyfriend holding things up.Â
âItâs fine,â she said quickly. âIâm sure heâll be here sooââ
The doorbell chimed, and Cash didnât need to look up to know who it was. He fought down a searing stab of annoyance as Nesta raised her hand in greeting, choosing to glance at his own watch instead.Â
âQuerida,â a smooth voice called. âThere you are.â
Cash thought about trying to use the opportunity to make his escape, but he knew Nesta would see that for the cowardice it was and be annoyed he wasnât playing nice like heâd promised.Â
Instead he turned, watching the well-dressed man making his way towards them. He was of rather average height and build, Cash noticed with satisfaction, though his face was classically handsome. Between the way his dark hair was pomaded away from his face and the fact he wore no socks in his Armani loafersâdespite being dressed in slacks and a blazerâCash thought he probably worked at a hedge fund.Â
Of course he did, the little prick.Â
The minute he was close enough, TomĂĄs caught Nesta by the elbow and hugged her into him for a wanton kiss.Â
Cash bristled at seeing Nesta stiffen, clearly embarrassed. She should be, he thought sourly. It was like the beginning of a bad porno.Â
After a second Nesta pulled away, flushing a little as she dabbed at her lips. TomĂĄs kept a proprietary hand on her low back.Â
âWhereâs your phone?â TomĂĄs said in Portuguese, ignoring Cash entirely. âI called you twice.â
âItâs on silent,â Nesta said. âIâm sorry.â
TomĂĄs pursed his lips in unveiled irritation before finally seeming to take note they werenât alone. Cash felt a grim satisfaction when TomĂĄs had to tilt his chin up to meet Cashâs eye.Â
âTomĂĄs, this is Cassian. He owns the shop.â
Not friends anymore, Cash noted with disappointment. Acquaintances, if best. The fact she wasnât willing to admit to any degree of familiarity in front of TomĂĄs was monstrously telling, and it made him hate the asshole even more.
TomĂĄs tossed a casual glance in Cashâs direction, and though his smile was placid, his gaze was cold.Â
âNice to meet you,â he said, shifting Nesta in his arms so he could extend a hand.Â
Cash could tell she was uncomfortable that he hadnât released her, and he fought the urge to break TomĂĄsâs fingers as they shook hands.
âI suppose I have you to thank for all the exquisite wine Iâve been drinking lately,â TomĂĄs said, smiling down at Nesta before letting his eyes drift back to Cash.Â
Cash shrugged. If Nesta wanted or needed to downplay their interaction for the sake of her relationship then heâd oblige her.Â
âI guess. Though Nestaâs got great taste on her own. She doesnât need my help.â
âShe doesnât need anyoneâs help. Right, querida?â
Nestaâs laugh was tinny and hollow as she finally extricated herself from Tomasâs grip until the pretense of looking around.Â
âIâm going to go find Elain,â she said, leaning over to peck TomĂĄs again. âIâll be right back.â
âOkay,â TomĂĄs said, and Cash wanted to punch him for the tone he used, as if he were granting her permission. âCome right back.â
Nesta nodded her agreement and headed off, and though Cash expected TomĂĄs to follow, he stayed, flashing a much cooler look as he took Nestaâs abandoned glass from the bar.Â
He raised it, and when Cash raised his, TomĂĄs said in Portuguese, his tone light as if he were making an actual toast, âI donât like you.â
Fucking coward.Â
Cash only flashed a grim smile, clinking his glass to TomĂĄsâs and replying in English, âI donât really give a shit.â
TomĂĄsâs oily, self-satisfied smirk curled into a sneer, and Cash found himself bracing his feet a little farther apart on the floor. He guessed they were really doing this, then.
âStay away from Nesta,â TomĂĄs spit out. âSheâs none of your concern.â
âAnd sheâs not your property,â Cash shot back. âSo why donât you try treating her with a little respect?â
âFuck you.â
Cash let out a bitter laugh.Â
âDid I strike a nerve?â
âStay out of our business, bugre.â
Cash took a step in TomĂĄsâs direction, teeth bared.Â
âWhat did you just call me?â
It was a slur Cash hadnât heard since heâd left Brazil, but it wasnât one he could ever forget. It had gotten him into more than one fight growing up, and even now, it still made some part of him burn. Â
TomĂĄs had the good sense to take a step back, even as he bared his own teeth.Â
âStay away from Nesta,â he said again. âOr I will make you very sorry.â
Cash snarled.
âFirst you insult me, and now youâre threatening me? Tread lightly, caralho. You donât want to fuck with me.â
âWhatâs going on?â
Both men looked up to see Nesta approaching, brows drawn.Â
âWeâre leaving,â TomĂĄs said, reaching for her hand. âLetâs go.â
âLeave? You just got here.âÂ
Nesta spared Cash the briefest glance as TomĂĄs tried to pull her along behind him.
âI have a headache,â TomĂĄs said curtly. âGet your things.âÂ
âI have Elain with meââ
âGive her your keys; she can bring your car home.â
People had begun looking now, and Nesta tugged her hand from TomĂĄsâs, flushing.
âYouâre embarrassing me,â she said quietly.
âI have a headache,â he said more forcefully. âAre you expecting me sit here and suffer?â
âNo, butââ
âGood, then letâs go.â
Unable to stand by any longer, Cash intervened.Â
âNestaââ
âStay out of this,â TomĂĄs snarled. He turned to Nesta. âLetâs go. Now, please.â
Nesta looked rather helplessly towards Elain, who was trying to make her way over to them.Â
âI need toââ she gestured to her sister, and TomĂĄs mouth tightened.Â
âDo what you need to and letâs go. Iâll be waiting in the car. Two minutes, querida.â
With a final sour look he stormed off, slamming the door as he left.Â
âPrick,â Cash muttered, and Nesta whirled on him.Â
He expected her to snap at him, but instead she pursed her lips, looking down at her feet for a moment before glancing back up at him.Â
âIâm sorry,â she said tightly, and he realized what heâd been interpreting as annoyance was actually her attempting not to cry. âI have to go.â
âNo,â Cash said, touching her chin gently to win her gaze back from the floor. âYou donât.â
She brushed him off immediately.Â
âYes, I do. Have a nice evening, and please make sure my sister gets home safe.â
âNestaââ
By now Elain has arrived beside them, and Nesta pulled out her keys and stuffed them into her sisterâs hand.Â
âDonât drive if you feel like youâve had to much to drink. I can come get the car tomorrow if need be.â
âIâll come with you,â Elain offered, but Nesta was already shaking her head.Â
âNo, you stay. TomĂĄs just isnât feeling well, so Iâm going to take him home.â
âFor fuckâs said, Nes. You donât have to do this!â
Nesta flashed Cash a searing look.Â
âPlease donât make this worse. Ellie, Iâll see you back at the house. Have a good time.â
She brushed a hurried kiss to Elainâs cheek, and before Cash could protest again, she was striding for the door.Â
âIâm sorry,â he called, and she only raised a hand in salutation before disappearing.Â
âItâs not your fault,â Elain said from his side. Her voice was quiet but bitter. âItâs always like this. Iâm going to try and smooth things over. Heâsâless harsh when Iâm there.â
Cash could hear his heart beating in his ears, every instinct roaring at him to go to the parking lot and beat TomĂĄs bloody. Nesta might hate him for it, but at least then heâd know sheâd be safe.
âIs she going to be alright with him?â He asked Elain, and she pursed her lips.Â
She knew what he was asking, and she nodded.Â
âIâll make sure she is.â
âWill you call me?â He asked, knowing he sounded desperate and not caring. âAnd let me know everythingâsâokay?â
She nodded, handing her his phone so he could enter his number. When he handed it back, she gave her another soft smile, this one edged in a sadness and regret and broke his heart.Â
âIt really was nice meeting you, Cassian. I hope Iâsee you again sometime. âÂ
She patted his arm before she too was leaving.Â
He swore until his breath when theyâd both gone, furious and terrified in equal measure. Furious at TomĂĄs for the slur, and for dragging Nesta out like a rag doll, and terrified that despite Elainâs reassurance, something bad might happen to her because of him. Â
More selfishly than that, he was terrified that heâd never see her again. Sheâd been lying to TomĂĄs about coming to the Merchant before he even knew Cash existed. Now heâd be watching her even more closely. The thought made him sick, as did his powerlessness to help her.Â
âWhat the hell was that?â
Cash turned to find Mor behind him, brows drawn. HĂ©lion, he noted gratefully, had corralled the other attendees and was beginning a speech about the history of the Bollinger and itâs flavor profile.Â
âHer boyfriend is an abusive prick,â Cash grit out. âAnd I just lost my cool.â
âWhy didnât you go after her?â
âAnd make things worse? Iâm sure sure she hates me enough already.â
âAre you worried about her? Maybe you should call Ro, have him send over some unis for a wellness check?â
âI thought about it, but her sister said sheâd call me. If I donât hear from her in the next fifteen minutes, I will.â
His and Nestaâs friendship, he feared, was already destroyed. The least he could do now was make sure sheâs alright.
âIâm sorry, darling,â Mor breathed, lacing her fingers through his and resting her head on his shoulder. âI can tell you really like her. If it helps, she likes you, too. Thatâs why her boyfriend hated you so much.â
âIt doesnât. And I donât think it matters, anyway. I doubt sheâll be back after that.â
His phone buzzed, and he pulled it out.Â
Hi, itâs Elain Archeron. I just got to Nestaâs, and TomĂĄs is gone already. Guess his âheadacheâ worse than we thought.Â
Cash let out a breath.Â
Iâm glad. Please tell herâ
He paused. Tell her what? That despite the fact he hardly knew her, he couldnât stop thinking about her? That hearing her laugh was like hearing the voice of God, and seeing her with TomĂĄs had been like a knife to the gut?
He backspaced before trying again.
Thanks for letting me know. xx
Elainâs response came at once.
Thank you for caring about her. She deserves that. â€ïžÂ
Cash blew out a breath as he read it, something tightening in his chest.
âHow can I help?â Mor asked.
Cash straightened his blazer, forcing a broad smile as HĂ©lion introduced him and he waved.
âScout the talent,â he said, scanning the bevy of beautiful, eligible women who were now smiling in his direction. âI need someone to make me forget, at least for tonight.â
âForget what? Her, or the fight?â
Cash sighed.
âAll of it.â
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