Page 95 of Temporary Vows

It won’t work tonight.

“Let’s go, babe.” I pull Elodie closer, but my eyes remain on Parker.

He’s smiling, knowing he got under my skin.

I look away when we turn to leave, but really, I want to wipe the smile off his face.

I glance down at Elodie, who is already gazing up at me with narrowed, confused eyes.

Fuck.I’m already breaking my own rules, and we’re not even married yet.

Chapter 22

Elodie

Did that just happen?

Did Dorian seriously behave that way with his cousin?

I blink, trying to make sense of it, but I know I didn’t imagine anything.

Dorian was sharp with Parker, then he dismissed him, grabbed my hand, and led me away. Now we’re moving to the other side of the yacht, and he’s walking so fast I can hardly keep up.

We weave through guests who smile at us, his grip steady around my hand as he pulls me along. Everyone is dressed in their finest, watching us with open curiosity. I smile back, trying to be polite.

Dorian doesn’t stop until we reach the rail. Only then does he turn to face me.

I raise my brows and look him over. “What was that about?”

He cocks his head. “What?”

“You were totally rude to your cousin.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Are you kidding?”

He shakes his head. “That’s how we always talk.”

Somehow, I don’t believe that’s true.

“In any event,” he adds, “I’d rather you didn’t speak to him.”

I narrow my eyes. “Why? He was really nice. And he’s from England.” I forgot Dorian had family there.

“Parker Vale is not nice, Elodie.” The disapproval in his tone is impossible to miss.

“He seemed nice to me.”

“That’s because you’reyou.” He smirks. “Don’t be fooled by his charm. He’s an asshole.”

I’m tempted to disagree but think better of it. There are more important things to concern myself with. Parker isn’t one of them.

“Fine.” I sigh, gazing at him with renewed focus.

“Did you get here okay?” He swiftly changes the subject.

“Yes.” His driver brought me. I can’t remember the driver’s name. It was the older blond man who took me back to my apartment the other day when I was so distraught.