Free Filthy Rich by Dawn Ryder Page A

Nartan did. She slipped into the building and headed toward the ladies’ room to check her lipstick.
    That was all. Just a reaction to his skill level.
    Rationalizing always broke down extreme feelings. At least for her it did. Taking solace in logic might be cold, but she was far less likely to end up in the sort of disaster her marriage had been.
    ***
    The wedding reception was in full swing when Nartan reentered the building. The cake had been cut and was being delivered to the tables. Tarak had retreated to the bar and scowled at Nartan when he joined him there.
    â€œSome wingman you are,” Tarak growled. But he frowned and narrowed his eyes as he stared at his friend.
    â€œThat’s not a good shade of lipstick for you, Nartan.”
    Nartan reached for a napkin and wiped it away. “Tasted good.”
    Tarak took a sip of his whisky while brooding. Nartan signaled the bartender and soon found himself nursing his own drink.
    It wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted the taste of a woman’s flesh on his tongue.
    Hard, blunt, but honest.
    His gaze searched the crowd until he found Celeste. The bridesmaid dress was reserved enough in design, but all he saw was the way it flowed over her curves, fluttering and settling against her body to give him a tantalizing glimpse of what her thighs looked like, then swishing and shimmering and hiding what he craved. He got a glimpse of a trim ankle and a brief side look at one mouthwatering breast before Tarak chuckled and distracted him.
    â€œDon’t be so amused,” Nartan warned.
    Tarak set his drink down. “There is nothing on this planet that could keep me from enjoying the sight of you right now. Payback’s hell.”
    Nartan smiled and let out a word in their native tongue. His grin covered the fact that he was telling Tarak to go fuck himself in the middle of a wedding reception.
    â€œUnlike you, my bed is occupied,” Tarak answered. “But I am curious what your next step is going to be. She’s not going to make herself available for you.”
    â€œActually…” Nartan’s voice trailed off as he contemplated Celeste and the way she’d turned her back on him.
    He liked the view.
    â€œI think it’s time for me to do a sight check on the lodge.” He tossed the last of his whisky back and set the glass down. “I wouldn’t want you to think I let your wife’s best friend stay in questionable accommodations while she’s on her vacation.”
    â€œOf course not.” Tarak narrowed his eyes. “But if all you’re interested in is fun, find another toy. She’s family now.”
    It might not have been the most logical of decisions, especially with Tarak’s warning, but Nartan felt a burning in his gut that he knew too well. It was a feeling he trusted, one he’d followed in business, and he’d been rewarded with success for doing so.
    He wasn’t finished with Celeste Connor. Leaving her behind would be a mistake.
    Nartan’s grandmother walked right across the crowded dance floor. She was all of five feet tall with long, gray braids. She had plump cheeks and wrinkles around her eyes when she smiled. The guests parted, making way. It might have been because of the way age and wisdom seemed to radiate off her, or it could have been the ceremonial buckskin dress she wore.
    Celeste found herself mesmerized by the sight, time suddenly blurring as the old woman took the wedding celebration back to traditions that had stood the test of centuries. She looked frail but latched on to Celeste’s hand with a strength that was surprising. She pulled Celeste off the dance floor and right back to Nartan’s side. She had to be the only living soul on the planet who could have accomplished it, too. A pleased glimmer appeared in her blue eyes as her lips set into a very satisfied grin.
    She started chattering in Apache.
    Celeste’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.