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Take your foot off my dress! Who’s got my drink?’ a thick, Italian New York accent interrupted Rex’s thoughts. Turning his head, he was knocked out by the sight of the infamous Libertina Belle, being escorted by at least six waiters, literally falling over themselves to help her to her seat. Perking up, Rex was suddenly pleased he had dressed for the occasion. With a deep olive tan and thick, dark hair now sun-kissed courtesy of a recent trip to the Bahamas, along with his toned stocky frame encased in slick Saville Row tailoring, Rex had definitely noticed more than the usual number of heads turning on his way to the theatre. He just knew the effort wouldn’t be wasted on the immaculate Libertina Belle. Of course Rex didn’t normally go for actresses – too devoid of personality he had always found. But there was something delightfully raw and brassy about Libertina Belle in person, despite her astounding classic beauty and the on-screen sophistication that suggested otherwise. Libertina was the first woman he had felt pure animal attraction for since … well, since Tiger. But since clients were strictly off limits, a rule Rex adhered to steadfastly, Tiger would always have to remain his favourite secret fantasy. But Libertina … she was fair game ready to be poached.
    ‘Oi! Belle!’ hissed Rex above the bubbling chatter from below.
    ‘Rex! Baby, I had a funny feeling we’d see each other this evening,’ winked Libertina as she took her seat.
    ‘Ah well, aren’t you the lucky lady.’
    ‘So how’s business, dahling?’ Libertina fluffed her long raven hair and swilled back her Krug like a footballer’s wife. ‘Not bad, judging by the world’s paps outside, hmmm?’
    ‘Business is always good, babe,’ boomed Rex. ‘You’re looking good for the cameras too, loving the hair wavy like that, babe. Fiery, like you.’ He leaned in and continued in a hushed tone, ‘Although you’re looking a little tired – you should slow down on the work, babe, you know it can be a poison chalice being as in demand as you are.’
    A flash of indignity blazed in Libertina’s hazel brown eyes at this remark; Rex just relaxed and beamed care and concern back at her. Bingo. He always liked to make a really rude remark to a woman he fancied – he found this little trick made them feel insecure and eager to win him over by the end of the night.
    ‘So, anyway! I keep hearing all about Tiger Staaaaarr back home,’ drawled Libertina, changing the subject graciously, like a true pro. ‘She’s making waves from across the pond alright. I can’t wait to see her performing in all her glory. I met her during New York Fashion Week last season and god, Rex, she looked amaaazing. The woman’s a goddess!’ she gasped. ‘Oh Rex, look there’s Elton on the other side, daaamn! He has his own box! Look, over there, Rex. You didn’t say he was coming.’
    ‘Oh didn’t you know, Tiger’s playing for a huge Vegasdeal tonight with the new Luxuriana Grande! Well, Elton had to come check her out of course, seeing as her show could be across the Strip from his this time next year!’
    ‘Wow! That’s incredible! Good for her! Oh, Rex, you have to take me over to Elton in the interval!’
    ‘Anything, Libertina, anything,’ murmured Rex.
    Pulling his gaze from her glossy pouting lips Rex surveyed the buzzing crowd settled below. The scene was certainly set. Tiger had done well to get her show on here, thought Rex with sincere admiration. This was probably one of the most beautifully fitted theatres in Europe in fact, and originally built specifically to stage the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. But tonight’s show would be worlds away from the opera.
    The house lights began to dim. Soft murmurs of ‘shh, shh’ wafted on the air, amplifying the palpable excitement. Rex shifted around in his red velvet seat and started to wring his hands. Libertina squeezed Rex’s shoulder from behind and leaned in, sloshing the last of her icy