desk.
“You okay?” he asked.
“No. My ex is still ruining my life.”
Rhys cupped her jaw. “We’ll get you through this.”
Maybe. But Haven wasn’t sure what the bigger danger to her was—Leo and his criminal troubles, or Rhys Norcross.
“I’m not sure I’m in a party mood.”
Gia leaned forward, dabbing makeup on Haven’s face.
“You deserve some fun.” Gia made a humming sound. “Your bruising is looking much better.”
“It is not. It’s green and yellow. I look like a zombie.”
“It’s easier to cover now. There.” Gia turned Haven toward the huge, well-lit mirror in Gia’s swanky bathroom. The gorgeous space looked like a spa.
Gia had almost hidden all the bruising completely. Oh. She’d also given Haven sexy, smokey eyes.
“My brother will want to drag you out of here and into his bed to do naughty things.”
“Gia!”
Gia wrinkled her nose. “Which I never want you to tell me about in detail, because ew.”
“I told you I’m not going there.” Haven couldn’t go there. “Look what the last man I let into my life has done. I’m a mess, my life’s a mess.”
“Let Rhys make it better.”
“I need to make it better.”
Gia cocked her hip. She looked gorgeous in a red dress that showed off some wicked cleavage. She was like a pocket-size Sophia Loren.
“You don’t have to do it alone,” Gia said quietly.
“I do.” Haven’s heart squeezed. “I’m always alone.”
Gia cursed in Italian. “Your stupid father.”
“Gia.”
“No. You’re not alone anymore. You’re my best friend. And whether you want to admit it or not, you and my brother are a thing.”
“We are not.”
“Where did you sleep last night?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Where?” Gia persisted.
“There were extenuating circumstances—”
“Where?”
“Fine. At Rhys’ place.”
“Where exactly?”
Haven sighed. “In Rhys’ bed.”
“Was he in the bed?”
Haven’s teeth clicked together. “You are a pain. Yes.”
Gia smiled like a queen who was well-pleased with her subjects.
“I hate you,” Haven muttered.
“No, you don’t, you love me.”
Haven sighed. “I do.”
Gia hugged her. “Come on, let’s get some champagne. Good champagne makes everything better.”
Haven let herself be dragged out of Gia’s bathroom and bedroom.
In the living area, Gia’s brothers were in the kitchen around the huge island. They were all holding beers, and huddled around the platters of food that Gia had done up for the party.
“Why do they have to be so hot?” Haven said.
“I’ve bemoaned the same thing lots of times,” Gia said.
Easton—in one of his expensive suits—was rocking the hot-businessman look. Vander was in a suit as well, but he’d lost the jacket, and had his shirt sleeves rolled up, showing off the tattoos on his muscular forearms. He had the “mouthwatering badass” look cornered.
And Rhys…
Haven’s belly went hot and melty. He’d changed into dark jeans, with a forest-green shirt that fit him like a glove. His sleeves were rolled up as well, and his hair was shaggy like he’d just rolled out of bed. He looked like a sexy rock star.
He smiled at her, his gaze heating. It skimmed over her silver dress, which had long sleeves, and although he couldn’t see it yet, dipped low at the back. Very low.
He grabbed two glasses of champagne off the island and handed one to his sister, then one to Haven.
“You look good enough to eat,” he murmured.
She quickly took a sip of her drink.
The doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.” Easton strode that way.
A moment later, Saxon entered. He was in suit pants as well, with a crisp, white shirt. He looked like a sexy, wealthy Norse God. Move over, Thor.
Haven watched Gia’s eyes flash, then her face smoothed into blank lines.
“Mr. Buchanan has graced us with his presence,” Gia drawled.
His green gaze skimmed over Gia, something predatory on his face. “I wouldn’t miss out on free food and drink.”
“No surprise there. You’re richer than God, but like mooching off me.”
He nabbed an olive off a platter. “You do know how to make good food.”
Gia arched a brow. “And a woman’s place is in the kitchen?”
Saxon smiled at her. “Ah, there are those sharp claws of yours, Contessa.”
Contessa? Fascinated, Haven watched the pair. They’d completely forgotten anyone else existed.
“And no, my woman’s place is in my bed.” With that comeback, Saxon turned and headed towards the fridge.
Hmm. Haven watched Gia struggle with her temper and shoot daggers at Saxon’s broad back. Holy smokes, the sexual tension was turning Haven on a little bit.
The doorbell rang again, and more people arrived. Most were connected to Gia’s work. Someone put some music on.
For a little while, Haven forgot about Leo, the painting, everything.
Anytime she looked up, Rhys was watching