Page 57 of Lust and Honor

I let go of his wrist and shove myself away from him.

He doesn’t resist. He lets me go.

I swallow hard.

“Just because you touched me once doesn’t make me used goods.”

A crooked grin spreads across his face. He pushes himself off the closet door and straightens up.

Once again, his shameless gaze drifts over the tops of my breasts spilling slightly above the neckline of my dress.

“No, Strawberry. I assure you…you’re very usable.”

His eyes meet mine again.

“And apparently very fucking needy too. I’m pretty damn good at spotting that kind of thing. You know that.”

God.

He read me again.

He always does.

All I can do is glare at him.

This time, he lets out a low laugh under his breath before finally walking out of the suite without another word.

I drag a frustrated hand over my neck where his breath had heated my skin only moments ago and curse him silently.

Asshole.

After giving myself a few minutes to calm down and let the heat inside me settle, I finally finish packing the rest of Aurora’s things.

Twelve

Ava

As I step into the hall and take in the absurd luxury of a child’s birthday party, a nervous flutter hits my stomach, and I silently thank Maxim for warning me in advance to wear something appropriate. The luxurious venue is overflowing with balloons in every possible size and color.

At the far end, under a rainbow arch made entirely of balloons, a small table awaits the cake-cutting. In front of it, nestled between two massive blue bounce houses, more tiny tables and chairs are arranged, giving the room a ridiculous fairytale vibe. The room is overflowing with flowers and giant models of unicorns and various Disney characters.

Over the loud children’s music, I hear Aurora’s excited voice tugging at my hand. “Mama, look! Elsa!”

Right then, a young woman dressed and made up like Elsa walks over to greet us warmly. She kneels down and gently asks Aurora’s name. My girl’s cheeks flush with excitement and a little shyness. The woman then asks if she may take Aurora to her table. I force myself not to stare like an idiot, I don’t want anyone to see how stunned I am by the extravagance of it all.

I glance at Maxim, standing beside me in a tailored suit. He fixes the young woman with a firm, commanding look. “You’ll keep a close eye on her. Understood?”

She nods with a polite smile. “Yes, sir.”

Then she takes Aurora’s hand and leads her away. In her poofy, cotton-candy-pink dress and high ponytail, Aurora looks like a little angel. She’s so mesmerized by her beloved Elsa that she doesn’t even hesitate to leave my side, something that’s very unlike her.

Maxim notices too and mutters under his breath, slightly irritated, “I seriously need to train that girl so she doesn’t run after every dickhead in a damn Elsa costume.”

His tone makes me laugh quietly, and honestly, I don’t blame him. I follow Aurora with my eyes as she sits down at a small table next to Gabriel and Luca.

Another young woman in a short red dress walks up and politely offers to take our gift. I hand it over gratefully, and at that moment, I feel Maxim pulling away. I turn and see him heading toward the section with tables set up for the parents. A wave of discomfort sweeps over me. I don’t know anyone here, and clearly, Maxim doesn’t intend to stick by my side.

Scanning the room, I spot Emily standing in a corner, chatting with another woman. She’s wearing a long burgundy-purple dress with an embroidered bodice, her hair pinned up to show off her beautifully sculpted shoulders. I let out a soft breath of relief and walk toward her.