girl, Foquette?” Faron shouts loud enough to cause everyone in the vicinity to stop talking and turn toward the interruption.
Faron grabs my hand forcibly, jerking me from Casper’s hold, and I smoothly and covertly slip the card into his palm.
And that is teamwork.
“You lying, cheating whore. You were going to fuck him, weren’t you? Had I not shown up, you would’ve slept with him.”
All eyes are on us, as Casper stares appallingly between Faron and me, wondering what the hell is going on.
“Mr. Blake, I think you’ve misinterpreted what’s going on between Madeleine and myself.”
“Shut the fuck up, Foquette,” Faron growls, pushing Casper with a palm against his chest, sending him reeling backwards.
As if he’s one of those inflatable advertisement signs used in front of car washes and oil change places, Casper reestablishes his balance and puffs out his chest like he’s about to beat on it Tarzan style, ready to stake his claim.
He wrenches my arm back from Faron’s grip and stands with a protective hand in front of me shielding me from Faron who steps into a fighter stance, aggressively pressing his nose right into Casper’s face.
“I will not have you speaking to this woman in such a disrespectful manner. I do not need for any lover’s quarrel to be aired publicly in the midst of my own party. I think the lady should decide what she’d like to do.”
We are now the center of attraction with all eyes on us, leaving it wide open for Rome and West to collect the access card from Faron, as they step up behind him, under the guise of rubbernecking with the rest of the crowd, and make the transfer.
From there, the tactical part of our plan is in full swing, as Faron continues to escalate with the name calling and yelling, until finally Casper realizes he can’t handle our lovers quarrel and Faron’s belligerent outburst.
He calls in for reinforcements, which is exactly what we’d hoped he would do.
With the three security guards removed from their posts and the entire party focusing their attention on what’s happening in the center ring, Rome and West are free to blend into the crowd and make their way into Casper’s private quarters, where they will gain access and steal what they came for.
Big Head #1 and Big Head #2 surround us, but not before Casper offers me a chivalrous alternative.
“Madeleine, I think we could still salvage this evening if you’d like to stay here with me. Otherwise, you’re free to go with this monster and never return here again.”
As Faron is dragged out of the party by the two gigantic bodyguards, I clutch my purse and act as if I’m giving his offer some serious consideration.
“Thank you, Monsieur Foquette. I deeply regret the trouble we’ve caused.” I place an apologetic hand on his arm, a rueful smile to demonstrate my sincerity. “But I’m afraid I must go.”
I step onto my tiptoes and place a chaste kiss on Casper’s cheek, noticing the heavy scents of whisky, sweat and a strong aftershave. Nothing like Faron’s intoxicating scent.
“Bon nuit, Madeleine. Another time then. Be safe.”
Speaking of safe, as I walk away toward the front entrance, out of the corner of my eye I notice Rome and West have already returned and are having a drink at the bar. An indication they got what they came for without problem or interference.
Our job here is done for the night and I’m filled with a feeling of pride for having contributed to their scheme. Even a small part of it.
And now I’m looking forward to the rest of the night’s celebration.
Chapter 18
Faron waits for me in the Uber he ordered, his phone lighting up in his palm as I open the door and slide in next to him. His devastating smile unlocks something inside my heart that has never been opened before.
Love. I’ve fallen in love this man.
The minute the car begins to move, Faron is on me, his mouth crashing against mine, lips tasting and devouring me, his fingers stroking my cheeks in a velvety caress.
His deep voice cutting through the silence as he breaks our kiss. “You were perfect, Gem. Absolutely perfect.”
I suck in a breath, acknowledging that the hard part is now over, and we accomplished what we came to do. The knowledge of what comes next ignites and stirs my blood and body. I want Faron in a desperation so deep it penetrates my soul.
“Thank you,” I whisper breathlessly. “Are we meeting up with Rome and