After I Fall (Immortal Billionaires #1) - Melissa Sercia Page 0,50
she lived on a diet of whiskey and cigarettes. And it was sexy. The only type of entertainment in Maplewood was either karaoke nights at the Rusty Nail, or the sad pathetic cries, falsely advertised as love songs, from Miller Wyatt, busking in the town square.
As Max murmured in my ear about having to use the bathroom, I spotted a familiar blonde, making her way over to our table. As soon as Max wandered off, she approached.
“Raven is it? So lovely to see you again. We met at Ozi’s party a few nights ago.” Camille. The mystery woman who got under Ozi’s skin and disappeared shortly after he pulled her aside to discuss “business.”
“Yes, I remember. Nice to see you again too.”
Her skin was flawless, suggesting she was around my age, but the layers of emotion in her eyes reflected someone older. It was impossible to tell.
“May I join you?” Camille asked.
“Well, actually my friend will be right back.”
The way she slithered into the booth ignoring my response let me know that she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
I scooted over so that I could face her directly instead of being nestled against her side by side. “How long have you known Ozi—I mean Mr. Fabiano?”
Her red stained lips curled into a smirk. “It’s okay, Raven. You don’t have to put on an act. I saw the way he looked at you. Anyone with half a brain can see that you two are sleeping together.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Is it that obvious?” I stammered.
Camille rested her hand over mine. “Relax, dear. I, of all people, understand the magnetic pull to that…man. He has a way of making every woman feel like they are the only one in the room. Trouble is, there’s always another woman in the room. Just be careful. I’d hate to see you end up like me.”
I jerked my hand away from hers. “What are you implying? Were you two together?” I was suddenly feeling out of my league, realizing this drop dead gorgeous woman had to be one of Ozi’s exes.
“Yes. A long time ago. I don’t like to talk about it often.” She dipped her eyelashes down and stared into her dirty martini.
My curiosity was piqued. Between the way he manhandled her at his party to the sad look on her face now, I had to know more. I had to know who I was getting involved with. “I don’t mean to pry, but can you tell me what happened?”
“I trusted him and he betrayed me,” she spat.
“He cheated on you?” I asked a little too loudly. A couple patrons turned their heads in our direction for a split second before going back to their conversations.
Camille studied my face for a minute before letting out a sigh. “Sadly…yes. He is not the one woman type, Raven. If I were you, I’d reconsider spending time with him. He is sexy and charming and extremely good in bed, but he will only break your heart.”
I felt crushed. Like someone knocked the wind out of me. Maybe she was just jealous? Maybe she was lying? “Well, thanks for the heads up. You should probably go. My friend will be back any second.”
She smiled and nodded as she slid out of the booth. “I know it’s none of my business, but next time you see him, ask him about me. His answer will be all the truth that you need. Ask him if he betrayed me.” She turned to leave but stopped, turning back around. “Oh and Raven, if you ever want to leave Dolce Sale, I can offer you a position at my new restaurant. I’d love to have someone as talented as you on staff.” She tossed a business card at me before strutting off.
When Max came back twenty minutes later, I had polished off two more old fashions. “What took you so long?”
He groaned. “Aside from the line to the restroom being a mile long, I ran into an ex on the way out. Sorry, girl. What did I miss?”
“Exes must be the theme of the evening,” I replied curtly.
Max’s eyes widened and he began looking around. “Your ex is here?”
“No. Not mine. Ozi’s. The blonde from the party the other night. She took it upon herself to issue me a warning.”
Max signaled to the server for another round. “Ooh spicy. Did she try to stake her claim on him or something? Tell you to back off? I love a good catfight.”