Lonzo: Book 2 (Tycoon Series Book 2) by Kat Madrid Read Free Book Online Page A

the benefit dinner. Don’t want to be in the same room with a whole lot of plastic-faces. You can smell the silicone from these people,” Chris said.
    She couldn’t agree more. She wondered if Helene’s lips were natural.
    “Me, too.”
    “How about dinner somewhere? There’s this restaurant a couple of blocks from your hotel. They serve great steak.”
    She smiled at him gratefully. The strain of keeping a happy face was beginning to wear her down.
    “Take me away, soccer prince.”
    “Hey, it’s football. What is it with you Americans? You keep on messing up the beautiful game.”
    She giggled. “Sorry. Whisk me away, futbol prince,” she amended in her thickest Brazilian accent. “That okay with you?”
    “Perfetta.”
    They were on their way out when Lonzo came out of nowhere. He was walking toward them, the lovely Helene hooked around his arm like a very expensive porcelain doll.
    Avoiding him would be a big no-no. That would indicate in big, bold letters that his presence with another woman hurt her. It did, but she’d rather die than let him know that. Her defenses went up as the distance between them closed, as he also made no effort to avoid her and Chris.
    Chris’ arm casually went around her. She was glad to have him on her side. She would’ve broken down a long time ago if he wasn’t here. She basked in his protectiveness.
    The other attendees began to take interest. It had all the elements of a soap opera scene.
    Her eyes clashed with Lonzo, trying to dismiss that the man really looked gorgeous in a tux. She pasted a small, polite smile on her lips when they came face-to-face for the first time in months.
    Several tense moments ensued before Chris broke the silence.
    “Helene! You look smashing in blue, sweetheart. Congratulations on the Oscar. Watched the film. Hey Lonz!” Chris greeted warmly.
    “Chris,” Lonzo grunted his reply, never taking his eyes off her.
    “Fancy seeing you here. This isn’t exactly your scene.”
    “Same thing can be said to you, paisan ,” Lonzo replied curtly.
    “I don’t believe you’ve introduced us, darling…” Helene’s voice chimed into their little tableau.
    “Jordana Almueda and Chris Falcone, Helene Harwood,” Lonzo made the introductions.
    “Pleasure to meet you,” she said casually, her polite smile still in place.
    “Likewise, darling—” the actress said, eyeing her with curious interest.
    “Well…we really have to be going,” Chris said, nodding to Lonzo, who gave him a look that would have seared steak.
    “Enjoy the night,” she heard Lonzo say dryly.
    She was eager to get away from this place before her mask of civility fell. She could barely hide her annoyance at her former lover’s arrogance.
    As they reached the confines of the limo, she gave out a sigh of relief.
    Chris gave her a worried look. “You alright?”
    She smiled widely, glad not to be sharing the same air as Lonzo. “Yes. Thanks for…well…you know.”
    “He was itching to punch me and grab you,” he remarked.
    She laughed without humor. “He’s with Helene.”
    “But he still wants you.”
    She gave a snort. “Why would he do that? He’s got Helene.”
    He gave her a smile that displayed his dimples. “Helene? You blind?”
    “Oh, come on. You need an optometrist! She’s drop dead gorgeous.”
    “I agree—she’s talented and a classy arm candy. Wouldn’t mind dating her myself.”
    “Why you disloyal lout—”
    “But his eyes were always on you, baby.”
    She shook her head. That can’t be true. And she wouldn’t allow herself to hope again. Placing her hope on Lonzo was like swimming in treacherous seas without a lifesaver. She wouldn’t go down that path again. Let him think she was now involved with Chris.
    He’s bad for me, she reminded herself.
    “I really don’t know, Dana. I really have a feeling that he will seek you out.”
    She frowned at Chris. “Let’s not talk about him. We’re over.”
    Chris gave a short laugh.