Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking of the word dominate right now cause it's taking on a whole new meaning as I watch Simone float into the lobby in a black, form-fitting, one-sleeved dress. Holy ever-loving shit. Every curve she has is on display.
It's a challenge to swallow since my throat is drier than bone and the rampant desire is overtaking my body. Do we have to go to this event? Maybe I can persuade her to go back upstairs and put on a strip show. Jesus, I would kill to watch her peel that clingy material deliberately off her skin.
Wishful thinking.
“Hi,” she greets me with a wry smile and her head held high. There is just something about the way she carries herself that is undeniably attractive.
I brush the tip of my finger through her chestnut hair as a pitiful excuse to touch her. “You look. . . there are no words.”
She smiles, but it's sad. “Thank you.”
I want to know what that response is all about, but instead of strong-arming it out of her, I'm going to chip away at her secrets little by little. I'm in no rush to find out what they are. We have all the time in the world ’cause she isn't going anywhere. Ever again.
I'm going to see to that.
“Ready?” I put my arm out to escort her to the car. If I'm anything, it's a gentleman.When I want to be.
The drive to the banquet hall is quiet but not uncomfortable. It isn't until we walk into the heavily decorated room arm in arm that tensions rise.
There are many of the same faces from the charity competition along with some new ones. Two being my father and Joseph Travers. It’s extremely rare that Winters and Travers ever attend the same event, let alone tolerate each other under the same roof.
Blood is bad, but I'm not concerned with past issues tonight. Tonight, all that matters is the woman on my arm. The gorgeous creature that is as mysterious as she is strong and is the envy of every person here.
All eyes are on us, especially my father’s and Joseph's. My father hides his curiosity and disapproval much better than Joseph. The short, bald man in the expensive suit is wearing his scowl proudly. I feel the unease radiating from Simone, but I'll protect her from the backlash at all costs. Neither my father nor Joseph’s disapproval intimidates me.
Simone leans into me and whispers, “Maybe this isn't such a good idea.”
“Nonsense. Let them stew. Their hang-ups have nothing to do with us.”
“Don't they?” She lifts her bewitching, brown eyes up to meet mine.
“Fuck ’em,” I shoot her argument down. “Fuck everyone who has a problem with this.” I kiss her cheek, blatantly displaying my intentions.
“Your father and my uncle may be the least of our problems.”
“You’re not going to scare me away. So, stop trying.”
“It may just be inevitable.” She chews on her bottom lip.
I study her features. “Why count us out before we even get started?”
“Because you know nothing about me.”
“So, enlighten me. I'm eager to know everything about you.” I tug her a little closer.
“It's not all pretty.”
“No one’s story ever is.” I take her hand and lead her to the dance floor. “If we’re gonna talk, I want to touch you.”
“Ty.” My name spills off her lips solemnly, but she doesn't protest dancing with me. I slide my hand across the back of her waist, pull her flush against my chest, and press my cheek to hers. We’re so close not even air could sneak between our bodies.
“So, tell me, how did you get involved with the vets organization?” I ask as we sway slowly to a sappy John Mayer song.
“I'm a vet.”
“You were in the military?”
“Mmm-hmm. I was a medic.”
