“You’ll never be as good as me,” he grits out. “I have a heart, you don’t.”
I can’t help it, I laugh. “You? Have a heart? You up and leave people without so much as a goodbye. There’s nothinggoodaboutyou. You’re just like every man out there—useless and a waste of time and effort.”
“Sounds like you’re bitter and twisted, firefly. Surprisinganyman would go near you,” he drawls, matching my pace.
Thankfully, we reach the senator who’s standing with his wife, Meghan. I keep quiet while the men talk, watching everyone’s body language and what they’re not saying.
You can always tell a lot about how a person reacts to news—how their body instantly stiffens if you say something they don’t like or something you shouldn’t know about, how their tone of voice changes when they’re trying to lie, how they pass it off as a joke when in reality they’re terrified on the inside.
None of that happens though. Theo, however, is wound up tighter than a car toy about to whizz across the room. Is it because of the conversation we’ve just had? Because I shouldn’t care. Idon’tcare.
We stand with the senator for a few minutes before he’s ushered off to meet other attendees. The walls feel like they’re clawing at me, so I make my excuses and head to the women’s bathroom, needing some space.
I find it easily enough, doing what I need to do before heading back out into the gala. A hand clamps down on my arm just as I’m about to cross the threshold into the ballroom, and I bite back a scream when I’m pushed back against a wall, the breath knocked out of me.
“You’re really starting to piss me off,” Theo growls, his tone low and his breath hot on my face.
“And this is getting to be harassment,” I retort, my heart pounding from the near fright I experienced. “For someone who hates me, you seem to like seeking me out an awful lot. What does that say about you? Hmm?”
His hand comes up to cup my jaw, gentle yet firm, and I hate how my body reacts to him. I’m soaked, my clit throbbing and needy for him.
“I’m only seeking you out to tell you to leave Sampson and Lowell. You’re not wanted here,” he hisses.
“I’m not wanted byyou, Theo. There’s a difference. You can catch me in hallways, shove me up against walls, and threaten me as much as you like… I’m. Not. Leaving.”
Theo’s pupils dilate, the iris almost completely black as he stands there, chest to my chest, both of us breathing heavily. Then an idea hits me.
“Makes me wonder if you don’t actually hate me at all, but in factwantme,” I purr, rubbing my nose across his bearded chin. “You want me in ways you know you can’t have, and it's driving you insane.” His body stiffens, the hand on my face gripping just that bit tighter. “Admit it, big guy, you still want me.”
Ripping his hand away, he moves back. “In no world will I ever want you,” he snaps, but I can see the uncertainty in his eyes, like he doesn’t believe his own lie either.
“Good. I’m glad we understand each other,” I reply, brushing my hands down my dress to hide my sweaty palms. “Don’t ever put your hands on me again.”
“You think I care about what you think?” he snaps, the mask slamming down on his face and removing all emotion.
“Yeah, actually, I do,” I retort angrily. “And it kills you that little bit more each time I don’t fawn all over you the way I used to.”
He scoffs. “I’d have to care about you for that to happen.”
“That’s the problem, though, isn’t it, Theo? You still care. You just won’t admit it. But I’m not some toy in a twistedgame. I’m a human being with thoughts and feelings.” My voice cracks on the last few words.
How can I get him to understand I don’t want any of this? I don’t want him hating me, but I also don’t want him around me. What’s done is done. I can’t change it any more than he can. My brain is awash with so many different scenarios, none of them ending up in my favor, not to mention the fantasy I’ve secretly replayed in my head every night before going to sleep.
“I want you to leave,” he says, his tone laced with venom.
“And I said no, I’m not going to be pushed out. I deserve to be here,” I snap, my patience hanging on by a thread. “You stick to your side of the office, and I’ll stick to mine. I’ve done the majority of the work as it is, so it’s not like I need your help.”
He swipes a hand through his hair, glancing away. If he thinks I’m going to back down, he’s sorely mistaken. I willneverback down when it comes to him. I’ve earned my place.
Without another word, he walks off. I know I’ve won this battle for now, but I honestly don’t know how much more of him I can take. And it’s not like I can complain about his behavior, even if we are acting like children half the time.
I watch as he stalks down the hallway, his back ramrod straight and his feet hitting the floor like he’s taking his frustration out on it. I exhale deeply and wait a few minutes before following.
Passing a server as I walk back into the hall, I grab a glass of champagne, trying to calm my racing heart. I practically swallow back half the glass in one go, my hands shaking as I scan the room.
Everyone is either drunk or completely bored at this point, the alcohol well and truly in everyone’s system as they enjoy their night. I only wish I could enjoy it too. It’s not very often I go out, and this seems like a complete waste of time.
Feeling defeated, I know I need to leave. Putting the glass on a side table, I make my way to the entrance to hail a taxi. As I stand waiting, a young girl rushes past, her red hair and dress catching my eye. I don’t pay much attention until James, Theo, and the other gentleman they were with run past.
