Pretty Packages by Mi'Chelle Dodson

background and turned a blind eye to Giada’s attempts to make him jealous. She would never know how tormenting it was those first two weeks on the job when she dressed extra sexy and showered Fabian with too many kisses to count in front of Kentucky .
    As a way to work off his frustration, Kentucky decided to amp up his exercise regiment. He wanted to be so physically tired that he went to sleep as soon as he hit the bed. That way he wouldn’t lie awake wondering what Giada and Fabian were doing down the hall.
    Tonight was the Friday of week three. Kentucky was in full control of his mind, body, and soul. He’d convinced himself that Giada wasn’t the one for him. Every day she stayed with Fabian proved that.
    It was a good thing Kentucky was so settled about the issue because Fabian decided to change things up at the last minute tonight. Instead of going straight back to the boat after the concert, the singer wanted to go to an after-party that was being held on the island of Barbados . Ticket sales had been through the roof tonight, and Fabian was in the mood to celebrate.
    Because Kentucky would appear as one of Fabian’s entourage members, he dressed a bit differently than usual. Though still dressed in black, he left his black jeans and boots on the boat.
    Tonight he wore a dress shirt, black trousers, and black dress shoes. All were made of the finest material. Kentucky ’s weapons of choice were a Taser and a small revolver since he was still on duty, no matter how casual he looked. The Taser was in his pocket, and the gun was attached to his calf by a sturdy strap. Kentucky could retrieve either within seconds if the need arose.
    At the upscale nightclub, Bartley immediately took the seat right beside Fabian, leaving Giada to sit on the other side with Kentucky to her left. It was their usual seating arrangement during the rare times they went out to socialize in public.
    Kentucky stilled himself against the alluring scent of Giada’s perfume as he sat beside her. He tried very hard not to look at her voluptuous frame in the blue crisscross halter dress she wore with its rhinestone trimmings and bare back.
    “I know you don’t drink, baby, but tonight you have to make an exception,” Fabian told Giada as he sat with an arm possessively behind her head. “Tonight we have a milestone to celebrate. This is my highest grossing concert yet.”
    “I . . .” Giada started, about to refuse the way she always did.
    “I won’t take no for an answer,” Fabian insisted. “One glass of champagne is not going to hurt you.”
    Kentucky frowned, careful to keep his eyes staring toward the dance floor instead of on the couple beside him. He didn’t appreciate Fabian pressuring Giada to do something she vowed never to do on account of her mother. Though she swore off love, too, alcohol would likely do way more damage to her body.
    Suddenly Kentucky found a way to help her out of the sticky situation. “Fabian, they serve a great non-alcoholic champagne here that bubbles like the real thing and tastes even better. Perhaps that might be more to Giada’s liking. I know that’s what I’m gonna have. Especially since I’m still on duty tonight and need to keep a clear head.”
    “Yes, I’ll have that. The fake champagne,” Giada said decisively with relief in her eyes. She sent Kentucky a look of gratitude. He gave her a nod of welcome in return.
    “Well, I’m still having the real thing,” Fabian said stubbornly, cutting his eyes at the man who’d gotten Giada to stand her ground. That was the closest Fabian had ever gotten to making her even take a sip of alcohol. Now his nostrils flared with ire, despite the fact that he held his peace in so public a place.
    Kentucky noticed how Fabian continued to brood silently even after their orders were taken and delivered. He barely wanted to sign autographs for the handful of female fans who had been allowed to venture over to their VIP table. Had it not been for