“We’ve been here long enough, and the mood has peaked. It won’t get any better. Trust me.”
She eyes me uncertainly, leaning in like she can smell the champagne on my breath. “Are you okay? You smell a little tipsy.”
“We’ll have Luis drive.”
“He’s here? But you drove us.”
“You think he’s earned a night off?”
“You’re right. How stupid. Where would you be without him bailing you out?” She laughs and slides her hand through my arm, but even though we’re back to how we were before, it doesn’t feel quite the same.
Something feels flat.
Like she’s pretending and not just because we’re still in public.
Goddamn, I hate this feelings shit.
“If I’m being honest, I’ve had enough,” I say as we reenter the ballroom. “I’ve donated six figures, spoken to everyone who matters, let the cameras flash, and now, I want you to myself.”
“Queenie might have something to say about that.” She smiles, and this time it doesn’t look so forced.
“We’ll swing by and grab her on the way home, if you don’t mind some dog hair on that pretty dress.”
“Nope.” She glances up at me, then away. Too quick for me to read her expression. “The sooner, the better. I can’t wait to pry off these shoes.”
“I can’t wait to see them on the floor.”
She smiles, but just like before, the expression shutters. Wiped clean.
Only for a second, but it’s enough to make me ready to leave this circus of posers behind. I grab her hand and practically tow her to the door, firing off a quick text to Luis on the way.
We’re not even the first people leaving, judging by how the crowd has thinned out. I make sure to give Lena a wolfish look as we make our exit.
That part’s too easy.
What’s hard is up ahead—the evening I want with her that I’m afraid I don’t deserve.
The one where I watch as she takes off that almost-invisible makeup. The moment where I unzip her dress, throw her on the bed, and fuck her into a sex hangover where we have just enough energy left for takeout.
It’s not lust stabbing through me but this weird longing.
Luis lingers by the door, his eyes alert. He nods when he sees me.
“Car’s pulled up right outside,” he says, holding my eyes. I slide free of Lena, leaning closer so I can hear him. “Not to worry you, but I saw Miss Loomer talking with Harry Jay’s rep while you were with your father.”
“What the fuck?” I draw back.
“Probably nothing. You know she’s a social butterfly. Still, on the off chance they’ve made any contacts—something to keep an eye on.”
No denying that. It confirms the ominous feeling that’s been stalking me all evening.
This doesn’t bode well.
“Just stay on high alert. I don’t want any surprises,” I growl.
“On it.” He sighs. “This is the kind of shit that can come back to bite you in the ass, boss man.”
“Yeah, no kidding.” I glance at Lena, who’s smiling at the hotel valet as they help her into the back seat of my SUV.
