I step forward—just half a foot—into the little circle she was trying to form with Grant. It forces everyone to adjust their angles. Forces Corrine to step back—or get boxed out. The shift is subtle but deliberate.
She hates it.
I love it.
Her smile doesn’t budge, but her jaw ticks once, and I know there’s something brewing beneath the surface.
I want to see what’s underneath that mask.
“I’ve actually had quite a bit of success with corporate pairings,” I say easily, now addressing the group. “Two partners at odds, high-stakes positions. Like a walk in the park. These boys are in good hands with me.” I throw in a wink and let my hand rest comfortably on Grant’s shoulder.
Dante smothers a cough. Grant’s cheeks burn a subtle pink, but he doesn’t move away.
Corrine takes a long, slow look at me.
Down.
Then up.
Unapologetically. Dismissively.
She doesn’t even try to hide her disdain now.
Which is fine.
I’m used to the insecurities of other women. Comes with the job.
When it’s a client, they’re paying me to tear those insecurities down.
Then build them up. Reassure. Make them feel like the most beautiful person in the room.
But Corrine isn’t a client.
She’s just some bitch trying to wedge herself between the contract I’m here to protect.
And I don’t need her to like me.
I just need her to know she’s not the only one with sharp teeth.
Corrine pivots back to Grant with the kind of ease that only comes from years of emotional proximity.
She doesn’t touch him—but she doesn’t need to.
Her tone tilts just enough to imply closeness. Her body angles in like they’ve done this a hundred times.
She tries to re-center his attention—reestablish her orbit.
I catch it instantly, and I’m already moving to shut it down.
I slide my arm through the crook of Grant’s elbow, anchoring myself to his side. His posture shifts just slightly—shoulders squaring, chin lifting.
Dante tips back the last of his champagne, but he doesn’t look at me when I press a soft, intentional squeeze to his bicep.
I keep my eyes on Corrine.
My touch is measured. My expression, unreadable.
But my body language?
