As much as I instinctively like Claire, I can’t say the same about Madison. When I opened the door to let them in, the butch looked me up and down with a smirk on her face. “Let me guess, the bodyguard?” she asked before stepping past me with such a confident stride it bordered on arrogance. Although I didn’t recognize her, there was no doubt in my mind she was one of the lesbian billionaires. Lila greeted them each with a long hug, looking entirely unruffled as if she just came from tea, and not been tied to her bed getting fucked until she screamed.
Not until we all settled into the living room did Lila tilt her head and ask the question I wanted answered. “So, let's cut to the chase, shall we? Why in the world are the two of you suddenly in the French Alps?”
“Skiing, naturally,” Madison answers matter-of-factly. “Why else?”
At this, Claire smiles making her already beautiful face all the more attractive. “Or more like falling in my case, I think. I’ve never skied.”
Madison runs a hand lovingly down the woman’s arm. “We will start slow,” she says, a slightly suggestive undercurrent in her tone. A twinkle in Claire’s eyes makes me think there have been a few new things in her life recently. Lila catches it too and laughs.
“Madison, you’re horrible. And don't worry Claire,” she says. “I will teach you. It's really not hard once you get the hang of it.”
Claire smiles. “I'd love that, if you're sure? I don't want to mess up your plans.”
“Not at all,” Lila replies with a wave of her hand and then turns to me. “And you, Jael, do you ski? Or shall I instruct you, too?” When she raises an eyebrow, the double meaning of her words is clearly no accident either. Even in the mixed company, a tingle runs through me. After all, less than a half-hour ago, we were pleasantly engaged in some great sex. The memory of it starts an ache, and I shift a little. Clearly, Madison notices, and with a chuckle waves a finger at Lila.
“You could be in so much trouble,” she says. “What if Val came? Or Zena herself? Or really if any of the others were sent to look in on you?”
Lila blushes but doesn't drop her eyes from Madison's. She might be breaking a rule or two, but she owns the results, and I admire her even more for it. “Luckily, it was only you. But I have no doubt the cost of keeping you silent will be high,” she says. I furrow my brow, not liking the idea of either of us being indebted to this billionaire. Still, keeping tonight a secret is imperative, for both our sakes.
“Oh, no doubt,” Madison grins. “But for now, the plan tomorrow truly is just to ski. And I’m exhausted, so—” She starts to get up, but Lila holds up a hand.
“Sit down, please,” she says. I’m a little surprised when the billionaire settles back without a word. I have the impression there are not many people who tell Madison what to do. I don't know the history of these two, but clearly, the friendship runs deep. “I know you are not here only to ski. Now, why did they send you?”
Suddenly, the appearance of another billionaire from the club clicks. It is too much to be a coincidence. “The message,” I interject. “On the mirror last night.”
“Exactly,” Madison says pointing in my direction. “I got a call from Zena telling me to jump on my plane and get over here with Claire, so we can make it look at least a tiny bit more convincing.”
“To what purpose?” I blurt out much harsher than I intend, although, I genuinely don’t see what is gained by adding another billionaire to keep track of. I watch Madison clench her jaw, no doubt disliking my tone. For a moment, I am sure she will snarl something back, but then Claire puts a hand on her shoulder.
“Because we've seen Georgia DeLane up close,” Claire says before Madison answers playing a bit of a peacekeeper. “Even in disguise, I think I would know her. The way she carries herself.”
I nod remembering from the files that Claire is the woman Georgia tried to kidnap with Lila the night of the Hollywood Gala. Only through Madison's interference did they escape unharmed, and for that, I am grateful. Enough so, I tell myself to go easier on these two unexpected visitors. They are genuinely here to help, even if I never asked for it. “Good point,” I say. “Although, I am not sure the intruder last night is actually her. That seems especially bold.”
Madison scoffs. “Bold is that woman’s middle name. But I agree, she’s probably hired someone, which will only make this harder.”
“God, what a mess I’ve made,” Lila says rubbing her hands over her face. “And now you’re here and possibly in danger, too.”
Madison shrugs, but I am not entirely convinced she is so unconcerned. If not for herself, then for Claire. “It is what it is,” she says finishing her drink in one swallow. “But for now, I’m ready for bed.” Taking Claire’s hand, she stands.
“Sleep will do you well after your long flight,” I say, and at this Madison exchanges a glance with Claire. The sultry look the blonde gives her is enough to send up sparks of their own.
Madison chuckles. “Who said anything about sleeping?”
Lila laughs and stands to give another quick round of hugs before Madison and Claire go. “You’re so bad, Madison,” she says and ushers them to the door. “But I’m glad you are here.” Madison winks as the two leave, and once they are gone, Lila pauses at the door. I am not sure what to expect but will do whatever she tells me. The chemistry between us is incredible. Hot and bright like an electric spark. But the last thing she said before Madison called still lingers in my mind. Never again, darling. This is our one time. I hate thinking that is true, but it seems unlikely there is any other course of action. She went against her agreement with the club by sleeping with me. Now, someone knows, although I am confident Madison and Claire will be discreet with the information. Possibly at a price, yet I sense the bond between Lila and her friend is deep enough, it will be nothing but a favor for a favor.
Finally, she sighs and walks to the bar. “Anything?” she offers while picking up the bottle of bourbon and splashing a little in a glass. I shake my head, watch her down the liquid in a single swallow, and realize she is more shaken by all of this than she appeared. Not sure what else to do, I go to her, and when I put my hand on her shoulder, she slips into my arms naturally, as if we held each other many times.
“We can't do this, you know,” she murmurs into my shoulder, and an ache in my heart makes me catch my breath. There is so much sadness in her voice, and I know she doesn't want to send me away any more than I want to leave. Perhaps purely physical, maybe something more, but there is a growing bond between us. To sever it now will hurt. Closing my eyes, I accept what I can't change.
“I know,” is my reply. Neither of us moves, although this is no doubt my cue to go. I can’t bring myself to do it. She feels too good in my arms, and when she is there, I know Lila is safe. No intruder can come in the night and threaten her. Or worse. “Let me sleep on the loveseat. To protect you.”
At this, Lila chuckles lifting her head to look up at me. “You? On the loveseat? You’re twice as long as the thing.”
“Then in the chair. I am military and have slept in much more difficult places.” She touches my face to quiet me, and the feel of her hand on my skin is warm, sensual, and arousal flares back to life. My desire to protect her is only part of the reason I want to stay. I want to be near her, in whatever capacity. “I need to know you are safe.” Lila studies my eyes for another moment before standing on tiptoe and kissing my lips.