"This is Roxy. My girlfriend."
"Right." Melissa's smile is tight and not the friendly woman who was hitting on my man. "I was just telling Dom about some other galleries."
"And I suggest you back the fuck off, he’s not interested," I say, my voice flat.
“Excuse me? I’m just making conversation.”
I’m about to step forward to get in this slut’s face, but Dom puts me in a tighter hold, not allowing me to move.
“Thanks. But we’re good. Enjoy your evening,” he says like some kind of gentleman that he sure as fuck isn’t. She looks between us, confused by what’s going on. Playing the innocent.
"Okay, I didn’t mean to offend. Enjoy your evening," she says, giving Dom one last glance before she disappears into the crowd, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.
The moment she's gone, Dom's hand tightens on my waist.
"Nice to see you play it cool. Jealous, baby?"
"She was touching you."
"I noticed."
"And you didn't stop her."
"I was being polite, trying not to make a scene."
"Don't." My fingers dig into his side. "Don't be polite to women who touch you like that."
His eyes darken. "Like what?"
"Like they want you. Like they think you're available."
"I'm not available."
"I know. But she didn't know that."
He lowers his mouth to my ear and I shiver at his breath on my skin.
“You want to mark me? Make sure everyone knows I'm taken?"
"Yes."
"Hmm I like you jealous, brings out your feisty side."
Before I can respond, another voice interrupts.
"Excuse me?"
I turn to find another woman, this time I would say mid-thirties, dark hair, expensive jewelry. She's looking at Dom with obvious interest. I didn’t realize I had put Dom on display for purchase too.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," she says, not sounding sorry at all. "But I was wondering if you are related to the artist? Or friends? You are the youngest people here and have that vibe?"
My jaw clenches to stop myself from breaking character. Dom's hand slides from my waist to the small of my back, pressing me against him. "No, we are only fans of their work."
"Really? That’s a shame."
She steps closer, her eyes traveling over him appreciatively. "I don’t mean to be forward, but you would make an incredible subject for photography."
"He's not available," I say, my voice sharp enough to cut.
