Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love, #2)

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Jasper leans over to me and whispers, “I could have gone with a nice bottle of bourbon, but I wanted your present to be unique. I love you, man. For real.” He sniffs and waves his hand like a swooning woman. “Now I’m all misty. You like it, the club? Please like it.” Sure, I’m down with people exploring their sexuality.

What a weird idea tbh. Bringing your friend to an exclusive sex club that you pay $75,000 a year to be part of…absolutely crazy. $5000 to bring him one time? Jesus.

Jasper huffs.

Jasper, I’m coming to find, is like your aging mother who bought you a half hearted gift that you have little to no interest in but they still expect you to be exuberantly excited about it.

“Carpe diem, Tuck! Seize the day—and the princess!” “Dammit. Why are you such a prick? Game on, quarterback,” I say with exasperation as I roll my eyes. Why not? What else is there to do? He pumps his hips. “Yes, yes, yes, my man is gonna try for the end zone! A true player in action!”

Ok. Jasper is INCREDIBLY obnoxious.

My father’s voice snakes in my head. You’re just like me, boy. Rage lives inside you.

Daddy issues on tap!

Or I’m drunk as shit.

But you’ve had like one, maybe two drinks? Lightweight.

“Nice. You win.” I toast her, then order us tequila shots. Three each. We slam them back at the same time, then suck the limes.

Thought you were drunk as shit, boy wonder?

Unease stirs inside of me. Shit. I’m not. I mean, this started as a bet. I doubt I would have noticed her if she hadn’t bumped into me.

Conflict piece foreshadowed.

I’ve worked here for eight years, and to be let go because my fiancé cheated with the manager—it’s almost too much to bear.

Highly illegal and reeks of nepotism. Hope you’re gonna lawyer up!