“That’s because you’re always half-naked,” Lex retorted.He turned as though to introduce Jillian, but Deedee interrupted him.
“Lucien avoids being alone with me.He says I’m irresistible.”
Jillian really didn’t like this woman.
“Aiden is a Brit, and I’m so over foreign men.Rake doesn’t count either.He’s a robot.And Dom...”She shuddered delicately.“I’m not sure how he ended up in your little group.Probably blackmailed his way in.He’s so weird and dark.”
Lex chuckled.“Very inventive as usual, Deedee.Jillian, meet Deidre Noelle, my friend’s bratty little sister and the owner of this.”He indicated the store with a nod.
Deidre’s mouth dropped.“Bratty?Sloan surrounds himself with the hottest bachelors in the world and you all treat me like your little sister.A girl must push boundaries to get some play.So far, I’ve been playing it safe.Not anymore.”She turned and gave Jillian’s outfit a sweeping glance before coming back to her face.“So you aretheJillian Finnegan,” she said, her eyes narrowing.
Did everyone in this store know her?Lex must have sent a memo or something.Mona seemed nice.Deidre was too damn free with her kisses.“Nice to meet you, Deidre,” Jillian said.
“Why?”Deidre asked, sounding genuinely curious.
“Why what?”
“Why is it nice to meet me?I’ve never understood why people say that.You know nothing about me.Thanks to Rod I know quite a bit about you.You’re stunning,” Deidre said.
Jillian had no idea who Rod was, but she recognized the annoyance in Deidre’s voice and cocked her eyebrow.“Do I need to apologize for that?”
Deidre nodded.“Damn right you should.Because of you, I’ll be one bachelor short for my summer auction.”One perfectly shaped eyebrow lifted.“Unless you’re generous and don’t mind a woman winning Lex for a night.”
“Hell no,” Jillian said before she could stop herself, and heat suffused her face when Lex chuckled.
Deidre rolled her eyes.“Jealous girlfriends are so tiresome, but,” she glanced at Lex and sighed, “I don’t blame you.He’s a keeper, and there’re piranhas out there masquerading as women.”She tilted her head as she went back to studying Jillian.“The pictures didn’t do you justice.”
The damned tabloids again.Jillian could either keep cringing every time someone mentioned them or she could own them.“Poor lighting and pool shots are never my selling point.”
Deidre’s lips twitched.“You’re funny.You’re going to need it to deal with him and the rest of the gang.Have you met them?”
“No,” Jillian said, trying to be polite.She still didn’t like the woman.
“We’re seeing them later today,” Lex said and glanced at Jillian.“If you’re up to it.”
“Do you think that’s wise, Lex?”Deidre said, sounding genuinely worried.“A few of you together is not so bad, but the whole gang?”
Lex just shook his head.“I hope we’ll see you tonight, Deedee.Don’t mind her,” Lex added as he escorted Jillian into the changing room.“She thrives on being outrageous.Mona, we’re ready.”He glanced at his watch.“We have another appointment in an hour.”
But Deidre wasn’t done.“Jillian, watch out for Rod.His mind is in the gutter twenty-four seven.I’ve seen him work a room, so he won’t care that you belong to Lex.”
“I don’t belong to Lex,” Jillian protested.
Deidre laughed.“Oh, sweetie.These guys are collectors, so whether you like it or not, you are his.”
Jillian glanced at Lex.He raised his hands in mock surrender.“I don’t know where she gets her crazy ideas.Rod would never cross the line, and I don’t collect things.”
Actually, he did.Jillian had noticed the works of art in the penthouse, and Douglas had mentioned his car collection.
Deidre laughed.“Don’t listen to him, but I’ll give you the heads-up.Rod never behaves because he can’t help himself.He says he’s naturally curious, but I think he gets bored easily.Cade will probably undress you with his eyes because he lets his gorgeous eyes speak for him.Lucien has a thing for blondes, but he’s mine and I have no intention of dying my hair.If you have a sister, keep her away from him or she’ll have to deal with me.I don’t share.Rake doesn’t say much, but he’ll study you when you’re not looking and know everything about you in under a minute.He’s Einstein-smart and so is Lucien, so they tend to have pissing contests, except with computers.Cute.Aiden is charming, but he can be an ass.Then there’s Dom.”She shuddered.“Avoid him.”
Jillian wasn’t sure how to react to such revelations.“Thanks, I think.”
“Don’t think.Watch out.They’re rich and get away with way too much.May I steal your man for a few minutes?”She didn’t wait for Jillian’s response before hooking her arm through Lex’s and leading him away.Jillian stared after them.
She still didn’t like that woman.Too entitled for her blood.
Mona waited patiently until Jillian focused on her and the room.The decor was simple, classy, and designed to make the guests feel at home—from thick luxurious carpet and plush chairs with a computer tablet to a selection of drinks—Perrier, iced tea, and water.Displayed around the room were the finest of woman’s intimates—bras and panties, corsets, negligee, garter belts, slips, chemises, and more.
