My frown is instant.
She knows him?
She’s aware this bastard has been following her around?
Heat sluices through my blood—sharp, territorial, unreasonable. She hasn’t looked for me once since I stepped in. Not a glance. Not a flicker of awareness. But she’s over there talking to some young pretty-boy like he matters?
The irritation is a living thing.
Fortunately for me, the man peels away from her and heads to the bar. I grip my glass so tightly I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter in my hand. When he gets close, he pauses—sees me—but doesn’t falter. Brave. Or stupid. Could go either way.
He stops a few feet away and nods politely.
“Good evening, Mr. Rusnak.”
I want to break his jaw and swallow the teeth.
“Who are you,” I ask, voice low, “and why have you been following my wife?”
He straightens. “I’m sorry we haven’t been introduced. Vivian told me to come in today. My name is Kyle. I’ve been Vivian’s bodyguard for years.”
I relax.
Only a fraction.
Barely noticeable.
He hesitates before adding, “Is it okay if I end this conversation? Miss Laurent wants a drink.”
“Mrs. Rusnak,” I correct sharply.
His eyes widen. He nods. “Pardon my manners, Mr. Rusnak.”
I turn away from him, dismissing him without another word. From the corner of my eye, I watch him order a strawberry mocktail, then walk back to Vivian.
She smiles up at him.
Touches his arm.
Laughs like he’s the one who owns her.
She’s very generous with those little touches.
Interesting.
She’s never done that to me—not once—except for that performance at the door when she pressed herself against me for show, for spite, for war.
I narrow my eyes in her direction, jealousy curdling into something darker.
Wait—no. No. It can’t be jealousy.
I don’t get jealous. I cause jealousy.
If I stay here another second, she’ll piss me off beyond repair.
But I don’t move.
I just stand there like an idiot with a god complex, watching her break away from Sienna and Elara, glide through the room, talking, laughing, glowing. Every guest hangs on her every word. She’s magnetic tonight—confident, untouchable, radiant.
