“You bit him,” he said roughly.
I quickly rinsed my mouth with the remains of Pennly’s abandoned drink, spitting it back into the cup rather than swallowing anything of Edward.Then I wiped the back of my hand across my mouth.
“There.His grossness is gone now.”
“You bit him, but not me,” Konni clarified, his voice carrying hurt.
I’d forgotten about the dragon biting thing and almost rolled my eyes.The growing number of voices in the hallway kept me focused, though.
“Drop him, Konni.”
His fist tightened on the unconscious man’s shirt.
I heard Pennly’s raised voice outside the door, doing his best to keep people out, and I knew we were running out of time.
Capturing Konni’s face between my hands, I brought my forehead to his.
“Please remember where we are.You might not be worried about facing everyone, but I am.”
He dropped Edward and straightened to hug me.
Pennly lost the fight then, and the door swept open—while I was wrapped up in Konni’s arms and he was kissing the top of my head.
The comments started.
“Guess they can’t pretend anymore.”
“Who’s that on the floor?”
“What happened?”
“She was probably trying to climb another one.”
I pressed my face into Konni’s chest.
“Mr.Glibs attacked Ms.Elmantas.Lianna, call the police,” Konni said.
“Police?”Pennly asked in a panic.“Could we perhaps resolve this without police involvement?”
“Drake, I think we should consider Mr.Pennly’s suggestion,” Lianna said.
Konni shifted his hold on me and swung me up into his arms.
“I don’t think anyone would like my alternative resolution,” he said.“Ms.Elmantas’ clutch, please.”
I felt someone set it on my lap.Then Konni walked out of the room with me.
The whispers followed us.I heard them all.Social climber.In bed with Mr.Steele.Like her father.
My dad called out my name when we passed him, his voice laced with fake concern.Konni didn’t slow.Dad followed, circling us while Konni waited for the valet to get his car.
“I think I should take her to the hospital, Mr.Steele,” Dad said.“Leave her to me.”
“Mr.Elmantas, you have yet to keep your word about anything.I suggest you leave before I forget you’re related to the woman I’m holding and try to feed you your own lying tongue.”
Dad went quiet after that.I grinned into Konni’s chest, keeping my face averted from the curious onlookers.
As soon as the car arrived, Konni placed me inside, closed the door, and got behind the wheel.His quick departure pressed me into the seat, but I didn’t complain.
