Page 56 of The Heart You Kept

I like this game; my smile gets wider. “Or what?”

“Or you will have me to deal with.”

“How terrifying.” I smile as I put my hands into the pockets of my suit pants.

What is she doing with this loser?

“I know what you’re doing and you make me sick,” he spits.

“What am I doing?”

“You’re going to use her to get back at me.”

“I don’t need Alora to get back at you.”

“Yes you do. You know that I have power over you and your sleazy casino and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Our eyes are locked, contempt runs between us like a river.

“Taking innocent people’s money through gambling addictions does not make you powerful,” he sneers.

I lift my chin, angered. “I was donating that prize to the Royal Charity but…I just changed my mind.”

“To what?”

I don’t reply.

“Well?” He’s panicky and talking fast.

“I’m going to fuck your girlfriend so good and so fucking hard that she won’t even remember your pathetic wimpy little name.” I push off the desk and stand and straighten my bow tie. “You can watch me do it if you like.”

His face falls, his chest heaves as he struggles for control. “You go near her and see what happens to you,” he whispers angrily.

“I believe I just started an internship.” I smile with a wink. “The Paris trip is going to be especially fun.” I put my hand on his shoulder as I walk past him. “Commiserations, my friend. We both know you’ve already lost.” I walk out of the library and back down the stairs.

I walk in through the ballroom doors and I have to concentrate to keep the smile from my face.

This one is going to be especially fun.

ALORA

FIFTEEN MINUTES EARLIER.

“Sold, to Mr. Edward Prescott.”

The crowd cheers and I fake a smile as I feel my heart drip into a puddle under the table.

No, no, no….

This is all wrong, what is he doing?

“Oh my god,” a lady at our table exclaims. “This is simply incredible. Congratulations, dear.” The clapping goes on and on and on.

I glance over to Pascal; he sips his drink and rolls his lips, his eyes straight ahead, the anger radiating out of him is palpable.

Great, now he’s pissed at me. This isn’t my fault, he’s the one who suggested I do this stupid charity event.

The next auction starts and my face is so flushed and damn it I need to get some fresh air before my head explodes. “I’m going to the ladies’,” I push my chair out as I whisper to Pascal. He nods but doesn’t reply.