“Does Eve think that’s high fashion?” Zinnia demanded.
“Maybe she believes she’s a trendsetter,” I replied.
“That bitch is anything but,” Oceane stated, approaching. Several of the women were sending Eve amused looks, and for the right reasons. Eve really did look like a throwback to the eighties.
“Now all that needs to happen is I have to stay out of Oliver’s way,” I said and winced as Oliver spotted me across the room.
He started to make a beeline for me and stopped as Ryder and Aaron appeared. He glanced at them before sneering and continuing over.
“Do you believe the balls on this guy?” Dax muttered, shaking his head.
A hand snuck around my waist, and Ryder turned me away to show Oliver my back. The others followed suit, and we created a huddle.
“Oh, this is going to cause drama,” Oceane said gleefully.
Ryder released me and tutted at her, amused. “Only you would get off of a public scene happening.”
“You make me hot when you turn all manly,” Oceane retorted and fanned her cheeks. I laughed and saw a man snap his head toward me. Caine Russell’s gaze narrowed, and confusion crossed his face. Shit, had he guessed who I was? No, Cain couldn’t have. He hadn’t spent enough time in my presence.
Cain raked me from head to toe, his puzzlement deepening. His eyes caught and held me hostage, and once more, desire raced through me. Cain was a very handsome man, but the attraction was more than that. Power poured off him even now. Still, I knew that there was more to him; he’d shown a level of caring and insight that I’d rarely seen. Cain attracted me and shouldn’t.
“Mystique!” Oliver’s voice interrupted my stare-off with Cain. I went to turn, but Ryder’s hand snuck out and stopped me. I paused and waited.
“Don’t ignore me! You work for me,” Oliver snapped, causing people to look over. Ryder grinned coldly and turned around with me.
“I don’t believe Mystique actually worksforyou. In fact, as far as I’m aware, you have an exclusive contract with her, which is renewed from season to season. And we were having a private conversation,” Ryder said, looking down his nose at Oliver.
“She’s got nothing to say to you,” Oliver sneered. “Mystique, come. We have things to discuss.”
“Any semblance of sanity is quickly fading, isn’t it? Would never have happened under Alicia’s eye,” Oceane declared.
I studied Oliver. Outwardly, he resembled the suave, well-dressed man he’d always appeared. But there was something in his eyes that made chills run down my spine. I was suddenly grateful for the extra security Devon had hired. A small voice told me Oliver was very capable of violence, and I would be his target.
“I want to speak tomydesigner,” Oliver gritted out.
“Notice someone missing tonight?” Aaron demanded. “Such as my wife? The woman whom your whore tried to poison?”
Eve paled, the colour clashing with the ghastly red dress she was wearing.
“It was an accident,” Oliver snapped.
“One that could have been avoided if that cunt listened to advice. Such a shame Winona’s having to miss this,” Aaron continued, his eyes narrowed.
“Excuse us,” Ryder said, but it wasn’t a request. His hand slid to my waist, and Oliver’s gaze followed. Confusion crossed his face. He couldn’t understand why Ryder was acting so possessive.
“Going to spread more bullshit about me having an affair with Mystique next?” Ryder demanded. Those around us gasped.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Oliver stated, acting shocked. It was so false you could choke on it.
“You want to know why I’m so confident Ryder didn’t fuck Alicia like you claim?” Oceane snapped.
Oliver glowered at her.
“Because if she had, Alicia would never have taken you back into her bed! Ryder’s an addictive stud. Alicia would have been begging him for more. After having one night with Ryder, shewouldn’t have been satisfied with you and your limp dick,” Oceane sneered.
“Alicia was frigid!” Oliver declared loudly. “Why do you think I went elsewhere?”
“Yeah, Alicia’s frigid.” Aaron laughed. “You really didn’t know the woman you married, did you?”
