I fought hard not to cringe at the contact. His lips were dry, and his tongue pushed its way into my mouth. He clamped his arms around me, cutting off all movement. My hands, which were pulling him closer not even a minute ago, were now trying to push him off.
I’m just full of bad ideas tonight.
I didn’t have to push for long since his body was suddenly gone, replaced with a heaving and red-faced Gunner.
“Could you be more of a selfish, irresponsible brat?” he roared. “You put yourself in danger for a quick romp at a party? Are you kidding me?”
There was a circle forming around us, and people were watching with rapt attention. My only saving grace was the music that was still blaring, making it impossible for too many people to hear what Gunner was saying. The experience was still just as humiliating.
I glared at him, refusing to let him intimidate me. “I’m not a brat. And last I checked, I’m also not a prisoner and can go wherever I want.”
He took my arm and pulled me along behind him. He’d never before touched me. I was too stunned to put up much of a fight, letting him drag me outside while what felt like every person in the room stared after us.
As soon as we were outside, he released me like I’d burned him. My skin prickled with awareness at the spot his hand had been. Turned out not even his cutting words could snuff out my attraction to him.
Stupid body and stupid chemistry.
His jaw was locked tight, and he was breathing hard. “Get in the car,” he ground out, pointing to the black town car waiting at the curb.
I didn’t think it would be a good idea to argue any further and, for once in my life, did as I was told without saying anything. Not only had he just humiliated me, but he’d made it crystal clear how little he thought of me.
Carter was sitting in the driver seat, looking almost as unhappy as his boss. I’d come to like him and thought we were buddies, but when I shuffled into the back seat, all I could see in the rearview mirror was disapproval.
Clearly Gunner wasn’t the only one I’d pissed off tonight.
The door slammed shut behind me, and then Gunner got into the passenger seat. The drive back to my family’s estate was tense, the air rife with anger.
I bolted from the car as soon as it stopped, rushing inside. My father blocked the bottom of the winding staircase that would take me to my room. “I hope you understand how dangerous your little stunt was.”
My feet stopped on the first stair, and my shoulders slumped. “I know.”
He sighed, looking ten years older than he really was. “I was worried.”
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Because it wouldn’t. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. It was childish. But my feelings were hurt, causing the knee-jerk reaction that I now regretted.
My father nodded and came over, brushing a soft kiss against my head. “I love you, honey. But if you ever scare me like that again, I won’t let you leave the house for at least ten years.”
I didn’t know if he was joking or serious. Probably the latter.
After a nervous chuckle, I raced up the stairs and didn’t leave my room for two days. When I came back out, Gunner was gone, and I had a new bodyguard.
And nobody had mentioned Gunner’s name again until I found myself hanging upside down over his shoulder.
Lucky me.
8
My head was pounding,and I didn’t want to open my eyes. Because opening them meant I had to face the day. And Gunner. Who I had propositioned yesterday. And he’d rejected me.
Now I not only had the hangover to end all hangovers but was also embarrassed.
“Is it safe to come closer, or do you feel the need to attack me again?” Gunner asked from the direction of the kitchen, making me wish for a sharp knife.
I wasn’t a great shot, but I could throw a knife like a pro.
And is that humor I detect in his voice?
