“Fuck you.” Nolan tried to pry his hand away, but he looked like he was going to take another swing, so Aspen didn’t let go. The vein in his forehead bulged as he struggled against her grip. “Let me go.”
Aspen twisted his hand and shoved it back toward him, showing him that she was very much in charge. “Not until you’re ready to act like a goddamn adult.”
“Which will be now,” Killian Morrison said as he clapped a commanding hand on the back of Nolan’s neck.
Nolan deflated immediately. “Killian—” he started to argue, but broke off at the withering look Eve’s father gave him.
Aspen straightened as Eve’s father turned his attention to her. He’d undoubtedly gotten an earful from his wife about everything that had happened with Eve earlier, but you wouldn’t have known it by the small, impressed smile he gave her.
“You may release him, Ms. Collier-West,” Killian said. He held out his left hand and crooked two fingers in a come-hither motion that brought a burly security guard in a black suit closer. “This gala is for the partners and guests of Morrison and Young, and after that little display, I can assure you that Mr. McCarthy is neither.”
Aspen waited for the security guard to get close enough to intervene before releasing Nolan, who spun on Killian with a perfectly flabbergasted, “What?”
“You’re fired, Nolan.” Killian shook his head. “I’ve put up with a lot from you because you are incredibly talented at skewing contracts to our clients’ favor, but you just drew on a woman.” Hetskedsoftly. “And that is something I will never condone.”
“You’re seriously going to fire me because of this dyke?”
“Hey, we resemble that comment,” Kit muttered.
Aspen couldn’t help it, she snorted. She held up a hand in ayeah, I know, not helpingkind of way when Killian glanced at her. Assured that the security guy had Nolan under control, she moved out of the line of fire and back to Eve’s side. Away from the center of the action, she was more aware of the chatter thatwas happening around them in hushed tones, and she glanced at Eve to see how she was faring as she took her hand.
After everything that had happened with her mother earlier, this wasa lot, but her concern was unnecessary. Eve was glaring at Nolan like she wanted to kick him in the dick. Which, honestly, was fair. She wouldn’t have minded doing that, herself.
“Get him out of here,” Killian told the security guard, who was only too happy to comply.
The entire ballroom watched with rapt fascination as Nolan was dragged bodily away.
“Well, that was exciting,” Jack giggled.
Killian rolled his eyes. “Ms. Hawthorne, are you all right?”
“Oh, yeah.” Kit grinned and cocked a couple of finger guns at him. “Totally cool.”
“And you?” Killian turned to Sadie.
“I’m fine,” Sadie said. “Aspen interceded before he could do anything.”
“Good.”
“Am I fired as well?” Sadie asked. “Because, if I am, I’d really appreciate being able to stay and work this room to see if I can’t land another position.”
“Hell, I’ll give you a job,” Kit said. “Our legal team is always looking for people who know their way around a contract.”
Killian chuckled. “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Hawthorne. Ms. Andrews is still very much a member of Morrison and Young.”
Kit shrugged and dragged rakish hand through her hair. “Ah, well, can’t blame a girl for trying.”
Killian nodded in a way that said he quite agreed before glancing at the crowd around them that had yet to fully disperse. His expression tightened, and he shook his head. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to our guests.”
“He isnothappy,” Eve noted, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice as they all watched him walk away.
“Not at all,” Sadie confirmed. She smiled at Eve. “I really am sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Eve assured her as she leaned into Aspen’s side. “I’m honestly so much happier with Aspen.”
Aspen’s heart fluttered at the way Eve’s free hand settled low on her stomach as she smiled up at her, and she couldn’t resist dipping her head to kiss her softly. “I’m so glad.” She sighed happily as she nuzzled Eve’s cheek. “Now, what do you say we get back to our dance?”
“I think…” Eve’s voice trailed off as she kissed Aspen sweetly. She stroked Aspen’s hip and murmured, “I think that sounds like a great idea.”
