He lifts a brow. “That bag is very hard to find.”
“Mind you, you offered it. You claimed you could find it.”
Damien pulls back a little, sheepish. “I said I’d do my best to find it.”
“And how’s the search going?”
He sighs, exasperated. There’s amusement written all over his expression, and he’s struggling to suppress a smile. “You won’t let go of this, will you?”
“Absolutely not,” I grin. “Not until the bag is in my possession, at least.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll do my best.”
“You better.”
Damien pulls me back to him again, his lips brushing against my ear. Shivers run down my spine when his hot breath tickles my sensitive skin. He’s silent for a moment, then he pulls me even closerto him.
“You truly do look beautiful, Soph.” His voice is a low murmur, and I close my eyes for a moment. He’s so close to me, and he smells beautifully. Yet, it’s not what I want. It’s not what I need, or what I’m yearning for.
“Thank you,” I mutter.
And when I open my eyes, I peek over his shoulder.
All air leaves my body, and it’s as though my lungs collapse. My throat goes dry, and the moment Soren and I make eye contact, tingling sensations spread all through my body.
He’s wearing a tailored suit, and even over the blazer I can see the outline of his toned, muscled arms. His shirt hugs his body perfectly, and the way his hair’s styled just makes the man a hundred times more attractive.
And he’s staring right at me.
His eyes tell me everything I need to know — he is very, very angry. His jaw is clenched, a storm brewing behind the calm exterior he tries to portray. But it’s failing, because I can see right through the facade he’s used to putting on. The mask has started to crack, and I’m terrified of what it means.
Because a month ago, I never would’ve noticed such a thing.
Soren grabs a glass of whiskey from a waiter who’s passing by with a tray, his eyes never leaving mine. With his free hand, he’s holding Nina’s smaller one. She’s as bubbly and as chatty as ever, and somehow, she resembles him more than she resembles their parents.
I’m snapped out of my thoughts when Damien pulls back, releasing the hold on my back and hand. There’s worry in his eyes as he takes a good look at me.
“Is everything okay, Soph? Do you need a break?”
I throw a smile on my face, then peek back over his shoulder,only to see that Nina’s being taken by one of the babysitters of the evening, and Soren’s nowhere in sight. It sends a wave of anxiety down my back, but I force myself to look back at Damien.
“Just a little. I’ll go to the restroom quickly. You should go and take a seat; the dinner will be served shortly.”
Damien nods, albeit reluctantly. He takes another step away from me, then walks off toward the spot where his family is. Immediately, I walk back to the bar, downing my martini in one, harsh go.
“Whoa, slow down,” Grace frowns. “Is everything okay?”
“No,” I mumble, then order another glass. “Micro’s here.”
“We knew he’d come,” Avalon chimes in. “Why’s that got you so… rattled and unsettled?”
“I’m unsettled because he’s angry.”
Lila scoffs, sipping on her cocktail. “When is he not angry?”
“That’s beside the point,” I groan. “He seems too angry tonight.”
“Then just don’t poke the bear,” Grace suggests. “Steer clear of him, and for the love of God, do not, under any circumstances, try to argue with him tonight. I’ve spotted reporters.”
