“Gizmo,” she purrs, reaching out to touch his forearm. “It’s been too long.” The look in her eyes is much more than a comment. It’s an invitation.

He smirks, his usual charm slipping into place. “Madison. Looking beautiful as usual.”

“As are you, Gizmo. We should get a drink. It’s been far too long.”

“You think?”

“Oh, I do. I know just the place too.”

“Hmm,” Jase responds, smiling.

As I watch their interaction, a strange tightness settles in my chest. Interesting. He’s just finished apologizing to me for his behavior today, and now he’s flaunting his past lovers. You were right to keep your heart out of this, Hendrix. The way she leans into him, the way her fingers trail lightly along the fabric of his sleeve, makes my blood heat, though. She’s being so brazen, knowing he’s married and pursuing him anyway. How do women get off on that sort of bitchy behavior? Why don’t they stick up for each other?

Jase glances my way, amusement flickering in his gaze. He knows exactly what he’s doing. And dammit, he’s an asshole, but I don’t see that he’s into Madison. He’s playing a game. All right then.

“So, this must be the lucky woman who tamed the untamable Gizmo.” Madison’s voice is a sugarcoated barb as she finally acknowledges me. She extends a perfectly manicured hand, her smile anything but warm. “Madison Sinclair.”

“Hendrix Gizmodo.” I shake her hand, gripping just a little too tightly.

An innate jealousy flares within me. Yes, this is all pretend, but I am in fact sleeping with the man so the spike of emotion would seem normal.

She laughs, her gaze flickering between Jase and me like she’s piecing together a puzzle. “Well, aren’t you full of surprises?”

Jase tilts his head, clearly enjoying whatever game she’s playing. “Always.”

She looks familiar and for a second, I try and place her as a celebrity. But then it hits me where I’ve seen her before—in one of the many photos I found online of Jase. She was on his arm.

So it’s no surprise to me she’s trying to let me know she staked her claim before me. That she has slept with my husband. So do I make a discreet comment and let this go? Let the woman feel good about herself for “putting me in my place”? Or do I make myself visible, act my part for the appearance’s sake? After all, when this is over, there’s no doubt in my mind that Jase will be back to sleeping with every Madison who offers.