Troy watches me like I’ve said something fascinating.
“I would remember meeting you,” I add, equal parts demure and genuine.
This brings a smile to his face. Ego—always start with their ego.
“I guess that is true,” he says, leaning closer. His smirk makes my skin itch. “You’re stunning, sweetheart. Are you having a good time tonight?”
Disgust curls hot and sharp in my chest.
“I’m flattered, sir,” I say. “Yes, the gala has been lovely.”
He hums, pleased with himself. “Isn’t it?”
He finally extends his hand to shake mine—to touch me.
I swallow.
He’ll never touch me again after this.
After tonight, he’ll never touch anyone else.
I take Troy’s small, clammy hand firmly in mine. I ensure the ring makes contact with his swollen, bruised skin.
The poison transfers cleanly. Invisible. Perfect.
“Make sure you say good night before you leave, dear,” Troy says with a smile as he releases his grip. “I’d love to set up some more time with you—and your friend here,” he jerks his chin toward Jake.
I simply smile and nod.
As Jake and I walk away, I meet Jules’s gaze across the room.
I lift my chin slightly, nearly imperceptibly.
Confirmation.
Jake laughs too loud. “What’s it feel like to have the President of the United Statesflirtingwith you?” He squeezes my hip. “My date caught President Troy’s eye. That man has great taste.”
I say nothing. He continues to grope my backside. I still say nothing. No laugh, no encouragement. He thinks he’s on a streak.
“God, it must be nice to be beautiful, huh? I mean I know I’m nice to look at, but beautiful women like you, you could have any man in here, couldn’t you?”
His hand lowers.
Hudson and Enzo curse over the comms.
My smile dies. I turn to him slowly. “Take your hand off me.” My voice is measured, but lethal.
His grin slips. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
His fingers tighten instead, digging into my ass.
Something in me snaps. Not loud, not messy. Clean.
I grab the arm on my ass and squeeze his wrist as I remove it. I squeeze—hard—placing his arm at his side and making sure he can’t pull away.
“Listen to me. Being in this room has confused you. You think it means you matter. It doesn’t. Men like you mistake tolerance for interest. You mistake entitlement for attraction and money for worth. No matter how high you climb, you will still be nothing. You don’t intimidate me. You bore me. Touch me or any woman like that again, and I will make sure everyone here knows exactly what you are. Understand?”
