Sweet Like Sin

The Party

Two Hours Earlier

It's midnight, and this party shows no signs of stopping. I consider that a success. After all, I made sure all the preparations for this event were perfect. I deserve a damn medal, if you ask me.

I tilt my glass back and forth, red liquid swirling.

I wish my husband and bestie were here to celebrate with me.

They've been gone for a while now, and I'm starting to get impatient.

I scan the venue, but all I see are guests scattered at their tables, engrossed in conversation, laughing as they toast with glasses full of the finest champagne.

With a sigh, I look back at my half-empty glass. I raise it to my lips, ready to take a sip, when a tap on my shoulder startles me.

I turn around and a pair of gorgeous brown eyes stare back at me.

The man standing in front of me is insanely attractive. He’s also my dear husband. He's wrapped in a suit that grips his broad shoulders. A bit bulky, yes, but that comes with the territory when you’re a star football player.

“Esme,” Jake says, his tone slightly amused. “You didn’t have to go so hard on the alcohol.”

His brown locks fall over his face as he pulls me into his arms. “Now I won’t be able to have my way with you tonight.”

I giggle, melting into his chest. The room sways a little as I sink into his warmth. “I didn’t know my husband was such a gentleman.”

“Only for my darling wife,” he whispers in my ear before gently nibbling on it.

I laugh, loving the way he teases me.

From the right, Jessica approaches, dressed in a black Versace gown that clings to every curve. She looks stellar tonight, which isn’t surprising considering she’s a model.

“Esmeralda,” she says, her blue eyes flicking from me to Jake, who still has me tucked firmly in his arms.

“I didn’t think you’d down all the alcohol,” she adds, tucking a loose black strand behind her ear as her eyes pin me. “Maybe you should call it a night.”

“No way, I got a few more hours in me.” I wink at her.

Jessica places a hand on her hip. “Trust me. You’re going to regret it when you have a killer hangover tomorrow.”

I open my mouth to reply, but Jake interjects.

“Don’t act like she can’t take care of herself, Jess. Plus, I’ll be looking after her,” he says, resting his chin on my head in an overly affectionate manner. “She’s my wife, after all.”

Jessica stares at him intently, and Jake holds her gaze.

I can't help but sigh. It’s always been like this. These two are always bickering for some damn reason. I wish they would just get along for once.

“Guys, I’ll be fine…” I roll my eyes.

Jessica narrows her eyes, clearly irritated. “I was only trying to help. But I can see I’m not needed. I’m going to go find a man to dance with.” She gives Jake one last lingering look before turning to leave.

I feel Jake stiffen beside me as she walks away, hips swaying like she's f*****g Shakira.

“What crawled up her ass?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Jake’s jaw ticks. “She’s just being a brat.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Like always.”

I sigh. “That girl needs to get laid. Pronto.”

I turn to the table and set my drink down.

“Anyway, how are you liking the party? Jamilex and I busted our asses with the planning,” I say, a hint of pride in my voice.

I expect an answer, but I get none.

I turn to face Jake. His brows are furrowed, like he’s lost in thought. I grimace, wondering what's got him so bothered all of a sudden.

“Babe?” I ask.

He snaps out of it. “Sorry, Esme. My stomach kind of hurts. I’m going to the restroom.” He plants a kiss on the side of my cheek. “I’ll be back,” he reassures me.

Then he’s gone, leaving me alone once again.

I can’t help the strange feeling creeping in. I bite my lip, trying to shake it away. It must be the alcohol talking.

Just as I’m about to reach for my drink, a smooth, deep voice halts me.

“I wouldn’t brush that off if I were you.”

My eyes snap to the left. A few seats down sits a man with slicked-back black hair and coal-dark eyes, his strong jaw set as he lifts a glass of liquor to his lips.

He wears a white dress shirt, the top button undone to reveal a hint of a scorpion tattoo along his neck. Black slacks hug his frame, secured with a leather belt. An expensive watch rests on his wrist, and his well-groomed hands are adorned with rings.

I recognize him instantly.

Multibillionaire casino owner...Elezar Mendoza, and one of the most dangerous men you’ll ever meet.

He watches me from the corner of his eye as he takes a slow sip of his drink, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows.

There’s something undeniably sensual about the act, but I force myself to focus on his words.

“What do you mean?” I ask, lifting my chin.

He might owns half the city, but lucky me, my father owns the other half.

He sets the glass down and subtly tilts his head toward the direction Jake disappeared.

“I’m saying you might want to trust your gut. Sometimes seeing it for yourself is the only way you’ll believe.”

I narrow my eyes. “See what, exactly?”

Elezar’s eyes linger on me for a beat before his lips curve into a dark smile.

“Why don’t you go find out?”

With that, he turns back to his drink, effectively dismissing me.

I stand there for a moment, watching his back, until something prickles at the back of my mind.

It's that feeling again. The one whispering that I’m the only f*****g i***t in the room.

I clench my jaw.

Hell.

I can’t believe I'm doing this.

I turn on my heel, heading after Jake, desperate to prove this annoying feeling wrong.