Page 43 of A Vicious Love

I kept my answers small.

Jamison hated it when I pulled attention. So I became easy to ignore.

It worked beautifully.

At some point, Emmie slipped beside me while Jamison spoke to a casino partner.

“You’re very quiet tonight,” she said softly.

I smiled at the crowd. “I’m trying not to be difficult.”

Her face shifted. “You are not difficult.”

I did not answer.

Because if I did, I might say something honest, and honesty had consequences.

“Sienna, look at me.” Emmie lowered her voice. Her eyes searched mine. “Did he tell you to be quiet?”

“No.”

That was true.

He had not told me tonight.

He had told me enough times before.

Her mouth trembled for a second before she controlled it. “Come sit with me.”

I looked past her to Jamison. His gaze was already on us. He didn’t look angry, but he was watching.

“I’m okay,” I said.

After the investor group left, Harrison came closer, his hands in his pockets, expression lazy in a way that fooled no one.

“Sunshine,” he said, “I think the rooftop has dessert towers.”

“That sounds lovely.”

“Want to inspect them for quality?”

“She’s staying.” Jamison spoke before I could answer.

The words cut clean through the offer.

Harrison looked at him.

“So she can decorate your left side?”

Jamison’s expression hardened.

“Harrison.” Marcel’s voice came from behind us.

Harrison did not look away from his brother. “What? That’s what she’s doing. Standing there being sweet enough that people forget he bites.”

My face burned.

Jamison turned fully toward him.