“Nadia, this is my fiancée, Naomi.” Paxton introduces us. I hate that he knows her name, which I know is absolutely ridiculous. I knew it too.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Nadia says, but I can tell she doesn’t find any pleasure in it at all. That goes for both of us.
“The pleasure is all mine.” I give her a smile that says I couldn’t care less that I’m meeting her.
In all actuality, I’m fantasizing about carving her eyes out since they can’t seem to stop eating up my man. I knew I should have spent more time with my Uncle Ronan. He is highly skilled at this.
“I had no idea you were engaged.” She keeps her attention on Paxton. “And no ring.” Nadia makes a tsking sound.
I’ll wring her fucking neck.
“All right, you got me.” Paxton tilts his head down, giving a slight shake of his head, almost bashful at having been caught. “I’m still trying to talk her into it, but I can’t help myself now that she’s agreed to go public with me but to introduce her that way.”
“Go public?” Nadia flicks me a fleeting annoyed glance. That I would have the audacity to hide being with Paxton. I wouldn’t, but Paxton is laying it on thick and making us appear to have been together longer than we really have.
This is that charm he has. It comes effortlessly and is as smooth as one of my blades slicing through flesh. I can’t help but question if I too fall so easily for it. I suppose I already know that answer. I have.
“Sorry.” He smirks. “I didn’t give you her full name: Naomi Marino.” A show of disrespect flicks across her face, but she quickly tries to hide it.
I guess she knows the name, but she is a senator’s wife. One who is more than willing to cheat on her husband, but hey, maybe they have an understanding. It’s not my business until it is, and she’s certainly made it so.
“Well, it was lovely to meet you.” Her shiny lips purse. “But I just saw Marth, and I have to speak with her.” Nadia scurries off. Paxton takes a small but deep breath that I’m only aware of because I’m still pressed against him.
“Don’t worry about her.”
“I wouldn’t.” Worry, no. That’s not the right word. I finish off my drink, and Paxton takes it, setting it down on one of the tables.
“Dance with me.”
“I enjoy dancing.”
“And I think I would enjoy the fuck out of dancing with you.” I let him lead me onto the dance floor. I get lost in him all through the first song. I really am enjoying this time with him. What I don’t enjoy is all the staring, but I suppose it also lets everyone know Paxton is mine, and we need to see to this ring situation as soon as possible.
He should wear one too. That’s only fair, and I don’t think he will protest it.
“You have a few people dying for your attention,” I tell him as I catch something out of the corner of my eye.
“I know. I should do my rounds.”
“You should, and I need to use the restroom.”
“I’ll take you.”
“Paxton, I can use the bathroom on my own.”
“I suppose I’d have to let you go when we got there anyways.” He doesn’t want to let me go. The warmth that only he has the power to fill me with blooms inside of me as he presses a kiss to my lips. “Don’t be long, or I’ll come searching.” He releases his hold on me.
When I enter the bathroom, there are two girls at one of the sinks freshening up their makeup. I turn my attention to the restroom attendant, slipping a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand and nod toward the door.
That’s all she needs to depart. “Ladies,” I call to the other two. “If you don’t mind.” I nod toward the door again. They glance at each other, and I shift my stance, hardening my expression. They both hurry out. I flip the lock on the door behind them.
The second the stall door pulls open, I kick the center of her stomach, sending Nadia stumbling back. That’s harder in heels. A small scream leaves her as she stumbles backward, tripping on her own feet, but I politely grab her before she can fall and slam her against the wall, my hand wrapping around her throat.
“Don’t give me a reason to cut your tongue out,” I tell her before she can try and open those shiny lips of hers. I bring the small blade in my other hand to her cheek.
Nadia’s expression is one of pure terror, her eyes wide. I can smell the fear that bleeds from her. This isn’t only about the disrespect to me over Paxton but also that snide expression over the Marino last name. Such disrespect must be addressed.
“I don’t want to have a problem with you.” I press the blade firmly to her cheek, not enough to break the skin. “But if I need to deal with you, I will.” A whimper leaves her. “I promise you that your mean girl antics won’t work.” I grip her throat tighter. “I’m the most vicious female here. Your husband won’t be able to save you. No one can protect you from me.” I release my hold on her and step back, letting her slide down the wall onto her ass. “I’m glad we cleared the air.”
