I drain mine in three swallows and immediately take another from a passing server.
"Mr. Sutherland!" Victor’s voice cuts through the crowd. "I'm so glad you could make it. We were beginning to wonder."
He materializes beside us with the predatory grace of a shark.
Sixty years old but fit, silver hair styled perfectly, tuxedo that probably cost ten thousand dollars.
Accompanied by a brunette who can't be more than twenty-five in a red dress cut so low her breasts are nearly spilling out.
His acquisition.
I've seen her at other events.
Never learned her name, and I don't want to.
"Victor." I keep my voice neutral. "Thank you for hosting."
"Of course, of course. The spring showcase is always at the estate. Richard insists." He turns his attention to Eden. "And this must be your acquisition. The one from the Valentine's auction. My dear, you're beautiful."
Eden's hand tightens in mine again. But she keeps her expression neutral. "Thank you."
"Such lovely manners. You've trained her well, Sutherland. I'm very much looking forward to your presentation tonight. There's quite a lot of interest, you know. Your acquisition has generated significant buzz."
"Has she?" My voice is flat.
"Oh yes. Virgin acquisitions are so rare these days. Most have been—well, shall we say, previously enjoyed by the time they reach auction. The fact that you've had two months to train her from complete innocence to full submission—that's quite impressive. We're all eager to see the results."
He reaches out like he's going to touch Eden's face.
I move before conscious thought and step between them, putting my body between his hand and her.
"Don't," I say quietly.
Victor's eyebrows rise. "My, my. Quite possessive, aren't we?"
"She's mine. No one touches her."
"Of course, of course. My apologies." But he's smiling. Like my reaction amuses him. "Well, enjoy the cocktail hour. The showcase begins at eight. You're fifth in the presentation order. That gives you some time to prepare your acquisition. Thepreparation rooms are on the second floor, east wing. I'm sure you remember from the autumn gathering."
"I remember."
"Excellent. We'll see you soon." He glides away with his acquisition trailing behind him like a ghost.
Eden exhales shakily. "He was going to touch me."
"I know."
"What if?—"
"No one is going to touch you. I'll kill the first person who tries."
She looks at me. Something in her expression shifts. "You mean that."
"Absolutely."
"You'd actually kill for me."
"The fact you even ask is ridiculous. Come on. Let's see what we're dealing with."
