Seduction Read online

Greta further told her, “I’ve sent information for tonight’s festivities to your in-room iPad. Specifically regarding the VIPs who will surround Lex and Jax. I know it’s a tight time line, but you’ll need to put faces to names and know their preferred cocktails—though always ask if there’s something else they’d like.”

  “Got it. I’ve worked a lot of private parties on the side, plus I know a number of the guests attending. And the memory rocks.” She tapped a fingertip against her temple.

  “Good. Now, there’s one more thing. Your attire for the evening has already been selected by Lex and Jax and I’ve had everything delivered to your suite. The ensemble comes with accessories. Extremely expensive accessories. In fact, two guards from Cartier will be keeping tabs on the crowd—and you.”

  With a soft laugh, Lily said, “So I don’t abscond with the jewels?”

  “To make sure nothing happens to the jewels.”

  “I can’t imagine anyone on the guest list would back me into a dark corner and steal whatever it is I’m going to be wearing.”

  “Security is always of utmost importance.”

  “As are appearances,” Lily said, giving a quick nod. “If they want the hired help glammed to the max, so be it.”

  “Precisely.”

  Another thought occurred to her. “Will Mr. Alexander and Mr. Sterling be playing this evening? For their friends?”

  “No,” Greta told her. “They’re adamant about it. Lily, the only two people allowed in their wing while they’re working are you and me. Doesn’t that tell you all you need to know? They’re not ready for a big reveal. Or even a small one.”

  “But the music I hear every night is so beautiful, it nearly makes me cry.”

  “It’s not for you to judge. Understand?”

  “Right. Creative geniuses will decide when they’ve reached their pinnacle. But they should at least be aware they’ve left spellbound fans in their wake.”

  Greta grinned. “You can tell them that.”

  “But it won’t sway them to play publicly before they’re ready to hit the studio?”

  “Not that I’m aware of. Now I have other business. Call me if you need anything during the party. I’ll mostly be here in the kitchen or my office, but I’ll also keep an eye on things on the patio and event lawn as much as I can.”

  “I promise I can handle this. Please don’t worry.”

  Lily returned to the second floor to unpack her belongings in her new suite. An opulent and spacious one at that. Not servants’ quarters by any stretch of the imagination. This was a lavishly appointed guest room. And Lily loved every square foot of it, including the oversized tub she could practically dive into. She’d make excellent use of it every chance she got.

  When she was all settled in, she approached the California king bed and the garment bag lying on top of it, along with a smaller box and a tote with PRADA stamped across it. First, she unzipped the garment bag, peeled back the flaps, and gasped at the spectacular black satin strapless dress inside. She carefully released the clasps on the hanger, walked over to the corner with the full-length mirror, and held the dress against her body.

  It had a deep split in the bodice at her breasts and a short hem. Very sleek and sophisticated, if not a bit risqué. A mischievous ripple ran through her. She wouldn’t be opposed to leaving two jaws on the floor this evening—Jax’s and Lex’s.

  Next, she peered inside the tote and found heels to match at a reasonable three inches.

  Then her gaze landed on the Cartier box.

  Oh, boy.

  Lily didn’t wear much jewelry as a rule. Just a pair of princess-cut earrings. Cubic zirconia all the way. There’d never been much point to bracelets, because they could get caught on something when she was waiting tables. Plus, given the number of times she washed her hands during her work shifts, it would be inconvenient to remove rings.

  Even when she hung out with friends, she kept to the minimalistic style.

  She knew, though, that whatever was inside this black velvet box with the elegant gold script would be dazzling.

  She steeled herself for it. Opened the lid.

  “Oh, Jesus!” she blurted. Then outright gaped as her heart pounded.

  The necklace was all diamonds. Round stones that would circle her neck and rest at her collarbone and the indentation at the base of her throat. There was also a matching bracelet.

  Lily continued to gawk, completely taken aback, despite having expected something extravagant to go with the dress. And because Jax and Lex seemed to enjoy the absolute best of the best. No matter the cost.

  Lily had no delusions this set came with a hefty price tag regardless of it being just a loaner. There had to be a huge insurance policy on the gems, even with security to ensure they didn’t disappear.

  Her fingertips lightly skated over the diamonds. They sparkled brilliantly. Had to be worth a mint.

  And she was going to be wearing them?

  A thrill shot down her spine.

  Cinderella to the extreme.

  She forced herself to shut the lid or she’d never stop gazing, positively stunned, at the most astounding jewelry she’d ever seen in real life.

  Do not get caught up in the fairy tale.

  Her job was to impress the evening’s VIPs. That was what the decadence was all about.

  Though another thought percolated in the back of her brain. Lex and Jax knew she’d grown up with high society in River Cross and she would now be serving them, as her father always had. Were the two men concerned about the persona she projected this evening only for their benefit—or was it also for hers? So that Lily could be somewhat on par with her billionaire friends, at least for one evening?

  It was an interesting notion to ponder and one that touched her heart.

  Her bosses were constantly engrossed in their work and yet . . . they seemed to be acutely aware of Lily on levels that went beyond employer–employee.

  And that enticed her.

  But she still had her own work to focus on. So she placed the box in the safe in her dressing room until the party, as instructed by Greta. Then Lily collected the iPad and headed into the music room, where she checked the stock in the butler’s pantry and placed an order with the house manager via the checklist on her tablet.

  Unfortunately for Lily, she couldn’t keep the fantasies of her getting off both Lex and Jax from continually revisiting her . . .

  Chapter Four

  Ah, New Year’s Eve.

  An entire year had rolled by and Lex had grown accustomed to living in Bayfront. Enjoyed the coastal town and its residents. In fact, he was considering putting his Park Avenue apartment on the market. Once he and Jax nailed down these compositions, they’d spend a few months in New York while recording the CD and performing at various venues, such as Carnegie Hall. Then he and Jax would be off on an international tour. So there wasn’t much point in keeping the expensive pad in Manhattan.

  Hell, after the tour, Lex just might return to Bayfront instead of the East Coast. Jax had already told him to stay in the mansion as long as he wanted. Given the vast space that only Jax and his house staff would be occupying, it made sense. And Greta would still be here.

  Lily, however, would be long gone. He frowned at the thought. She’d been at the estate just shy of a week, and already Lex and Jax were accustomed to having her around. Thrived in her company and were infinitely more productive because of her exuberance and vitality.

  So much so, Lex had been hearing some different melodies in his head. Other pieces for a CD separate from the one he and Jax currently worked on. But he couldn’t delve too deep into that at the moment. His concentration needed to remain on his collaboration with Jax.

  Admittedly, it was a bit challenging—as well as refreshing—to now be thinking a couple of steps ahead of this project so that he could look forward to the future. He’d been stagnant of late. But then a beautiful woman with a vivacious smile had supercharged him.

  Lex grinne
d as he thought of Lily while peeling off his workout tank and shorts. He’d dated plenty of gorgeous ladies in his time, yet this one piqued his interest more intensely. Not just in a physical sense—though naturally there was that. In spades. But he was also curious about who she was, what her goals were, how she managed to be professional and personable at the same time.

  He cranked on the double massaging showerheads and stepped under the hot spray as he wondered if Lily had picked up on the fact that he and Jax were turned on by her. He was dying to know how she’d respond if she knew they possessed a knack for pleasuring one woman at the same time.

  Working in tandem to make Lily come would be one hell of an erotic adventure. And as he lathered up, Lex found it easier than ever before to conjure a ménage scenario . . . this one starring Lily Hart, naked and standing between him and Jax, also stripped bare. Lex behind her, palming her breasts and squeezing roughly as the sexual tension and yearnings arced among the three of them. His thumbs whisking over her nipples, pebbling them tight. Making her moan. And Jax at her front, rubbing her clit as Lex pumped into her pussy.

  His sudsy hand glided over his cock as he thought of him and Jax taking turns with her while she whimpered and begged for more. Adrenaline coursed through him and he fisted his shaft, stroking heartily as he envisioned her luscious body quaking while they pushed her to the edge. Jax telling him to fuck her harder, Lily pleading for it, and Lex’s cock driving deep until she screamed his name and her cream coated him.

  “Fuck,” he ground out while he fantasized about what it would feel like to come inside her, filling her with his hot seed—as he exploded in reality.

  And decided it was time to take action.

  * * *

  Lily filled the ice bucket and nestled bottles of still and sparkling water in a chiller, adding twists of lemon and lime on the side. She put out fruit and imported meats and cheeses from the mini fridge, along with crackers and nuts. Snacks for the men in the event the artistic process caused them to stress-eat.

  They talked quietly at the piano about adagio, cadence, sonata form, and so on. Terms Lily was only vaguely familiar with from flute lessons years ago. Try as she might, she’d never demonstrated sufficient talent to continue on after two high school band seasons. Though that had done nothing to diminish her love of music.

  Much to her flute instructor’s delight, Lily had traded in her instrument for basketballs and volleyballs. Had been a tomboy until she’d turned twenty-one. That was when her body had morphed from gangly to shapely. Four years later, she still wasn’t quite sure what to do about the growth spurt that wasn’t just in her height. She’d practically turned into a woman overnight—and had not been the least bit prepared for it. Nor had she had her mother to talk with about the surprising changes.

  Lily had pretty much kept it all under wraps with her waitress uniform and the fact that she had a closetful of jeans and T-shirts, not short skirts and tight tops.

  But the idea of getting all dolled up tonight—despite it being for her job—excited her.

  And she knew exactly why.

  She wanted Jax and Lex to see her dressed to the nines and competently serving their guests. Personal vindication for her clumsy and disheveled entrance into their world.

  Lily left them alone to attend to her other duties, tidying up their rooms, trying like hell not to think of Jax in nothing but a towel when she set out fresh ones for him. No such luck there.

  Completing one task and launching into another was hugely helpful in setting her back on track until it was time to get ready for the party.

  As Lily styled her hair in a sleek curtain of black, glossy strands over one bare shoulder, her excitement escalated as she inched closer to wearing that stunning dress and all those diamonds.

  She slipped out of her robe and carefully stepped into the black garment. When she eventually tore her gaze from the sparkly reflection of the necklace and bracelet in the mirror, she left her suite and went downstairs. She’d memorized the people she’d be attending to beyond those she knew personally—not too difficult since they were mostly all recognizable A-listers from the billionaires’ triangle of Bayfront, River Cross, and Bliss Mountain.

  The other guests, notable in their own respects including numerous celebrities and politicians, would be taken care of by the main house butler and his staff. Maxwell Barton was basically Greta’s right hand and worked the lower-level wings of the mansion. He’d yet to demonstrate any sort of appreciation for or camaraderie with Lily. She understood. He likely felt she was stepping on his toes because he was charged with tending to the vast majority of the mansion. But he couldn’t maintain that position and also serve Jax’s and Lex’s needs upstairs.

  Lily had tried to build an amiable rapport with the butler, but hadn’t yet melted his icy veneer.

  Loading up a tray with cocktails, Lily worked the patio, starting with culinary god Christian Davila and celebrity chef Rory St. James, who endearingly swore they remembered her and the party the Angelinis had hosted for her. Being a foodie who’d been in the restaurant business since she was sixteen, she found it nearly impossible not to be starstruck as she served the famous duo. Didn’t help matters that they were both devilishly handsome and radiated power. Luckily, Lily had known in advance they were on the VIP list so she didn’t trip over her tongue when they spoke to her. Too much.

  Moving on to Rogen Angelini, whose family owned the Angelini Distillery that had provided the premium line of cognacs for this evening’s affair, she was careful not to spill any drinks on her tray or him as he kissed her on the cheek in greeting. Rogen was ruggedly handsome with blond hair and vibrant blue eyes—and a flirtatious grin. With him was his best friend, Vin D’Angelo, chief general counsel of Angelini, Inc. Tall, dark, and handsome. They both exuded virility. And Vin was about as broody as Jax. Vin kissed her as well, and then his gaze slid over her and he whistled appreciatively.

  Lily had her tray perfectly balanced on the palm of one hand and playfully swatted at him with the other.

  “It’s still just me,” she assured him. “So stop ogling. You’ll regret it when you’re sober.”

  “I doubt it.” He winked.

  Scarlet Drake, an independent insurance fraud investigator, swooped in and ooh’d and ahh’d over not only Lily’s more grown-up appearance, but also the dress and the jewels.

  Fighting the blush, Lily said, “Lexington Alexander and Jackson Sterling are a bit eccentric, if you haven’t noticed from this over-the-top extravaganza and the VIP list.”

  “And you look drop-dead gorgeous,” Scarlet cooed.

  “As do you,” Lily said to the knockout redhead. Then she asked, “How’s Bayli doing?”

  “Preparing for a move to the Big Apple. She’s finally going to give modeling a full-fledged try.”

  “I’m so happy for her. She’ll be a huge hit.”

  “You ought to consider going with her, Lily. Seriously. The two of you should be plastered all over billboards in Times Square.”

  “That’s very sweet of you. But I’m heading off to Europe as soon as this assignment ends. Italy, the UK, and the pièce de résistance, April in Paris.”

  Scarlet’s pretty face lit up. “Get out! That’s incredible, Lily!”

  “I am beyond ecstatic, believe me. Though maybe I can snag Bayli before she leaves and we can hit some of her top-secret shopping venues where she picks up all those fabulous outfits for a song.”

  “You have plenty of time.”

  “And more rounds to make. Have a glass of Cristal. Enjoy the scenery.” She gave her friend an encouraging look. “Such as Seth Lofton, who just revived Bliss Mountain Ski Resort to rival Aspen, and Noah Donovan, who’s building a boutique hotel down the coast that will put every Ritz-Carlton to shame.”

  Over the rim of her Baccarat flute, Scarlet eyed both men. Then she conspiratorially murmured, “I’d gladly snatch up either one of them were it not for the rumor that they’re getting cozy with Sylvia C
arter. Noah hired her to manage the spa in his hotel.”

  Lily’s brows quirked. “They’re both . . . with the same woman?”

  “Rumor has it,” Scarlet repeated and wagged her own brows. “But you didn’t hear it from me.”

  “Naturally. It’s not exactly your style to gossip.”

  “Sometimes, I can’t help myself.”

  Lily laughed. “Well, find some fun here, anyway—there are plenty of eligible bachelors afoot.”

  Indeed there were, and with the terrace crawling with sexy billionaires it was a wonder Lily could think straight. Though in actuality, her gaze kept wandering to Lex and Jax. The two men who got her juices flowing.

  She continued with a fresh round of champagne service. The patio was spectacularly decorated with plush garlands wrapped in golden twinkle lights. Decorative lanterns of varying sizes and heights rested in the crooks of wrought-iron holders dotting the lawns. Candles burned in every corner and on the high-topped tables.

  It was a perfect night for entertaining outdoors. Warmer than usual for New Year’s Eve, and with the softest sweep of wind from the bay. The fog had burned off several hours ago and the stars sparkled vividly overhead, along with the silvery crescent-shaped moon hanging in the midnight-blue sky.

  A fantastic backdrop for such a lively and elegant evening.

  During which Lily felt two very intent gazes on her. She would have considered that Lex and Jax were merely keeping an eye on her to ensure she was handling her responsibilities appropriately. But no. There was something evocative about the way they glanced her way just as she was stealing glances at them.

  It turned her blood molten, causing a rush of heat to flow through her.

  After delivering drinks to their guests, she brought Jax another brandy. He lifted the glass from her tray.

  “You look ravishing,” he told her, his dark eyes roving her body.

  They stood along the delicately scrolled railing on a far end of the terrace. Jax had just disconnected a phone call and was taking in the festivities from the outskirts, while Lex was thoroughly immersed in the crowd.