Somehow she found her manners and thanked him for the compliment before facing the doors once more, doing her best not to look at the numbers counting down on the elevator. She needed it to get to the bottom floor. Stat.

Finally, the car came to a jerky stop, and Mia reached forward to keep from stumbling, but not before strong hands were on her hips. Her entire body went hot instantly as she realized Golden Eyes was touching her.

"Careful," he said in that rough, gravel tone she'd heard the other day.

When the doors opened, Golden Eyes held out his arm as though keeping the doors open. She smiled again and stepped out. Looking back wasn't an option because she definitely didn't want either man to see her interest. She didn't have time for fancy suit-wearing, handsome, green- or golden-eyed, penthouse-living strangers.

And maybe if she kept that mantra on repeat in her head, she'd eventually realize how very true it was, because her hormones certainly hadn't gotten with the program. Her skin tingled, her insides churning, and there was an unsettling pulse between her thighs. One that had been dormant for far too long.

Seeing the limousine sitting out front was a relief. It gave her something to focus on. That and the sound of her heels against the travertine floor. Anything to avoid looking back over her shoulder at the men who were still walking relatively close to her. They were apparently both going to the same place she was. The front doors.

George wasn't on duty tonight, but another kind gentleman who Mia had only seen once opened the door for her. After she had passed through, she heard him greet the men behind her. She didn't catch what their names were, doing her best to put as much distance between herself and them as quickly as possible.

Not that she cared what their names were, anyway.

When she stepped outside, the chill of the January evening hit her. There was the scent of rain in the air, and she instinctively looked up, noticing the clouds forming in the already darkening night sky. Maybe it would hold off until after she got home tonight. Then she'd welcome the rain. Maybe they'd even get lucky enough for snow.

Johnathan stood beside the limo door, smiling at her as she approached. He kissed her on the cheek and whispered that she looked stunning. It wasn't lost on her that his compliment in no way reflected that of the stranger's in the elevator. Johnathan's was a platonic, almost brotherly approval, while the green-eyed stranger's voice had held a hint of something else. Something ... that Mia was not going to think about tonight.

"Hey," Alex greeted when Mia slid into the seat, moving to the opposite side so that Johnathan could sit by his wife.

"Wow. Love the dress," Mia told Alex, admiring her plum-colored strapless gown that accentuated her full breasts, long, silky black hair, and her light gray eyes.

"This old thing?" Alex teased, looking down at her breasts and adjusting them.

Mia laughed. That was one of the many things she loved about Alex. She wasn't one of those snooty, obnoxious rich bitches that they, unfortunately, had to spend so much time with. Well, technically, Mia no longer had to congregate with them. The thought gave her pause.

This was the first public event that she would attend since Damien and she had split. Which meant she'd probably receive a flurry of pitied glances from those who believed Mia was the one who'd received the boot.

Great.

Why she hadn't thought about that sooner, she didn't know.

"Smile, Mia. We're going to have a good time."

Alex knew her all too well. She knew when Mia got lost in her own head, and more importantly, Alex knew just how to cheer her up.

Mia prayed that Alex was on top of her game tonight, because she had the feeling Alex was going to have to work overtime.

"I DON'T THINK she's all that impressed with you," Tarik joked once they were both inside the limo that would take them to the hotel where the charity ball was being held.

"Fuck off," Phoenix bit out, sparing him a brief glance before returning his attention to the scenery outside the car.

Feeling an odd sense of rebellion, Tarik chuckled softly, then, keeping his voice low, he said, "Name the time and place."

The way Phoenix's gaze slid over to him made Tarik's dick twitch.

"In your dreams," Phoenix replied roughly, looking away quickly.

"Every fucking night," Tarik muttered as he continued to watch Phoenix.

For the last few days, Phoenix had been acting strangely, and Tarik didn't think it had anything to do with the fact that he had been giving him a hard time about the blonde, either. After Tarik had shared the news that Mia Cantrell had at one time been married to the asshole in the process of suing Phoenix for a ridiculous amount of money, Phoenix had withdrawn slightly.

But he didn't think that Mia was the sole reason for Phoenix's social retreat.

There were times over the last two days when he'd noticed Phoenix watching him intently, but only when he thought Tarik didn't see. What Phoenix didn't realize was that Tarik noticed everything. He was completely aware of his surroundings at all times. It was a trait that had been ingrained in him from an early age. When you had to be on the lookout for a backhand coming your way at any time, you tended to become more cognizant of the things going on around you.

And he was even more aware when Phoenix was near.

Not to mention, he knew that Phoenix had called out his name when he'd been jacking off the other night, something Tarik wasn't sure he would ever be able to forget for as long as he lived.

"Don't push me tonight," Phoenix warned.

"Or?"

"Or I'll make you assist me in ways you've only dreamed about."

"Ready when you are," Tarik told him gruffly.

There was no denying the fact that Phoenix had a starring role in plenty of Tarik's fantasies, but he happened to believe that he played as many roles in Phoenix's. Only Phoenix wasn't willing to admit it. Yet.

Tarik knew it was only a matter of time before they indulged again. At some point, Phoenix would remember what had happened between them that night so many months ago. The night Phoenix had gotten so drunk he'd stumbled into the condo with some nameless woman on his arm. The night Phoenix's inhibitions had been drowned in a bottle of Jack. The night Tarik had somehow managed to release control for one single night and give in to what he'd known Phoenix secretly wanted.

He was pretty sure that Phoenix probably believed that had all been a dream, but that night had happened, and there was rarely a day that went by when Tarik didn't think about it. It was only a matter of time before he got his hands on Phoenix again, but he'd vowed long ago not to push him. That didn't change the fact that there was a lingering curiosity in Phoenix's gaze, one that grew stronger the more time went by. And one day, Tarik knew that Phoenix was going to give in.

Phoenix glared at him, but again, Tarik saw the interest burning brightly.

Opting to change the subject because the current conversation ultimately wasn't going to go anywhere, Tarik said, "I worked my magic and had some seats rearranged tonight."

Phoenix's eyebrows lifted as he stared at Tarik, evidently waiting for additional details.

"Some dumbass had Mia sitting at Landry's table. I worked it so that she was sitting elsewhere."

"Who the fuck does that shit? Do they live in a fucking cave?" Phoenix snapped.

"Don't know. But if it's any consolation, she'll be sandwiched between you and me tonight."

"That'll likely piss off her boyfriend," Phoenix muttered beneath his breath.

"The guy she's with isn't her boyfriend," Tarik stated, noting the relief that relaxed Phoenix's face.

That was quickly followed by another look. The heat that blazed in Phoenix's green eyes mirrored the fire that ignited inside Tarik at the thought of the sexy blonde literally sandwiched between them. His mind drifted to the fantasies he'd conjured up just that week, the ones that involved a sexy, naked Mia Cantrell riding Tarik's cock while Phoenix fucked her ass. Even now, his dick recalled the memory, pressing firmly against the zipper of his slacks.

"She's off-limits to you," Phoenix informed him, his tone reflecting a hint of possessiveness.

"Like I told you before, no promises." As far as Tarik was concerned, he and Phoenix had an equal opportunity relationship. They gave each other shit all the time, so Tarik had no qualms about pushing Phoenix to the breaking point.

The tension in the car ratcheted up another notch, which only turned Tarik on more. He happened to enjoy Phoenix's wrath, especially when the guy clearly had no idea what it was that he really wanted. There was no doubt in Tarik's mind that Phoenix was interested in Mia Cantrell. Hell, he couldn't even blame him. The woman was smoking hot, something he had purposely downplayed when he'd tormented Phoenix by text over the first few days after they'd met her.

But at the moment, she was merely a pawn in Tarik's game. He didn't intend for her to be a casualty, but he was growing tired of the game he and Phoenix were playing. He was growing frustrated with the casual sexual encounters they both were involved in with other people. One way or another, Tarik was going to push Phoenix to the point he'd either give in or tell Tarik to fuck off. Since he hadn't done the latter in all the years they'd been playing this game, he was inclined to believe they were getting awfully damn close to the giving-in stage.

And Tarik couldn't fucking wait.

Chapter Eight.

MIA GAUGED THE length of time from her condo to the hotel by the one glass of champagne that she had. She didn't have time to down two, which meant the ride was too short for her liking. It wasn't nearly long enough to settle the nerves that had started a riot in her belly when she'd shared an elevator with the sexy, penthouse strangers, but it helped.

A little.

That and Alex's incessant chatter about what they should expect from the night. Her friend went over the amount of money the charity was looking to raise, and then she mulled over the list of people who would be in attendance. When she mentioned Damien's name, Mia went stone still.

"Really?" Mia asked.

Johnathan offered a sympathetic expression but said nothing.

Okay, so her hopes that Damien would have something better to do were instantly dashed. Then again, she should've known better. This was Damien Landry, the man who demanded attention wherever he went, the same one who would never miss an opportunity to be the center of attention, and what better opportunity than a black-tie charity ball?

She'd been delusional to think he wouldn't be there, but she'd had her reasons. Maybe because he hadn't been a part of the charity that raised awareness and money for suicide prevention until Mia had shown an intense interest in it. Considering her father had taken his own life, Mia felt a very deep passion for the organization. Every year when they'd attended the event, he'd complained - loudly and to anyone who would listen - about having to go. But she should've figured he would make an appearance. After all, if there was any sort of publicity to be had, Damien would be front and center.

Mia could easily overlook his attendance if he happened to donate the large sum of money he was known to give. After all, that was generally his reason for attending any function, but not because he had an interest in supporting it per se. He wanted to flaunt his money and ensure that everyone knew how much he would give to various organizations. They didn't realize until it was too late that his money normally had strings attached. He wanted publicity. He definitely didn't give out of the goodness of his black heart.

When the limo stopped, the driver made his way around, and Johnathan climbed out first. Alex was next, and Mia followed close behind. They stayed together, Johnathan offering each of them an arm as they made their way through the extravagant hotel lobby and directly to the ballroom where the event was being held. Invitations and coats were taken, and then they were allowed entrance, all three of them greeted by name.

Stepping into the ballroom was like stepping into a fairy tale. The decorations were lavish, and this year's theme appeared to revolve around ... ice. Interesting. There were a large number of sculptures backlit by brilliant blue and white lights, set up throughout, all some sort of exotic sea animal chiseled from enormous blocks of, yes, ice.

Large round tables that sat eight were set up in front of a long, narrow stage, where the honorary attendees would make their speeches dedicated to raising awareness and asking for additional donations while dinner was served. Hoping to not have to mingle, Mia excused herself from Alex and went in search of the table where she'd been placed. It took only a minute to locate it, and she was happy to see that Johnathan and Alex would be there as well, but oddly enough, Mia wouldn't be sitting next to them. Being nosy, she quickly skimmed the other place cards on the table, ensuring she wouldn't have to endure a dinner with her ex-husband. Mia knew the event was for charity, but she could only be expected to exert a certain amount of hospitality in one night.

No Damien at their table, which was a bigger relief than she'd thought it would be.

A tuxedo-clad waiter delivered a flute of champagne, which she accepted with a gracious smile. Rather than take her place at the table, Mia wandered close by, admiring the women in their beautiful gowns and the men in their elegant tuxedos, many of whom she recognized from previous functions. Quite a few of those who ran in Damien's circles.

"Mia?"

Hearing her name, Mia turned and came face to face with Charles and Delilah Somerhaus. The older couple looked exactly the same as the last time she'd seen them, at the last charity event she'd attended. Charles was decked out in a tux, and Delilah looked stunning in a navy blue gown that accentuated her narrow waist. Mia was pretty sure that if it weren't for some pretty good plastic surgeons, Delilah wouldn't look to be at least half her age. But she definitely did.

"Oh, honey, it's so good to see you," Delilah greeted, moving in for a quick hug, air-kissing her on each cheek before pulling back.

"It's good to see you, too," Mia said, watching the couple carefully as she took a sip of her champagne, hoping she didn't appear as suspicious as she was. Of all the people in the room, the last two who she would've expected to greet her were the Somerhauses. Although they were pleasant, Mia knew they'd always looked down their narrow, aristocratic noses at her. She wouldn't have doubted if they'd had a party to celebrate her divorce. One of those grand galas where everyone who was anyone was invited and they sipped Cristal out of twenty-four-karat gold-rimmed glasses.

Okay, so they were a little pretentious. Mia had never pretended to like them any more than they'd pretended to like her.

"I'm so sorry to hear that you and Damien parted ways."

Mia fought the urge to laugh, mainly so she didn't snort champagne through her nose. The way Delilah said it was as though they'd had a business arrangement. Instead of calling her on it, Mia said, "It was for the best. How are you? How's Teresa?"

Mia hadn't actually met Delilah and Charles's daughter, Teresa, but she'd heard so much about her she felt as though she knew her personally. Although, based on some of the things she'd heard, she wasn't exactly interested in making her acquaintance.

"Oh, my. You haven't heard?" Delilah asked, appearing stricken as she looked over at her husband and then back.

"Sorry, heard what?" Mia asked, glancing back and forth between the couple.

Of course, Delilah was the one to speak. "She's ... uh... well, she recently got engaged. Tonight, in fact."

Mia lifted her eyebrow, waiting to see if the older woman would elaborate. Why did that seem to bother Delilah? When the other woman didn't continue, Mia followed with, "That's wonderful. Tell her I said congratulations."

"We sure will," Delilah stated, casting a nervous glance at Charles once more.

Mia knew there was something they weren't telling her, but the truth was, she really didn't want to know. "Well, it was great seeing you. I've got to..." Not bothering to explain, Mia turned and ventured a little ways past her table, waiting for them to move on to someone else.

Unfortunately, her solitude didn't last long, but at least the company proved to be a little less self-important.

"Mia? Is that you?"

Mia glanced to her left to see Harrison Abbott. "Harrison," she said, smiling. "It is me."

Harrison moved in for a hug, and Mia returned the gesture, holding on to her champagne.

"You look incredible," he said.

"I'd have to say the same to you," she replied.

"Thank you." Harrison glanced around as though looking for someone, and when he met her gaze again, he looked a little confused.

"Something wrong?" she asked, unsure what to expect from him.

Harrison was a former employee of Damien's. The two of them had worked together for years, but they'd had a falling out not long before Mia had moved out. Harrison was an accountant, and he'd been working for Damien for nearly a decade when something had happened and Harrison had gone his separate way. Mia had liked him immensely, finding him to be one of the few down-to-earth types that Damien usually steered clear of. Probably the reason he wasn't employed by Damien any longer.

"Sorry, no. I'm a little surprised to see you here. Are you by yourself?"

He sounded as though the thought was preposterous, so Mia plastered on a smile. "I am. You?"

"No, I'm ... uh... my date's around here somewhere."

"How is your wife?" Mia asked kindly.

Harrison's eyes lowered to the floor. "We separated about a year ago."

A year ago? That was around the time Harrison and Damien had had their falling out. "I'm so sorry to hear that."