Eliana
When Ethan asked me to dance, I knew I should have said no, but I didn’t want to come across as offish, especially in front of the CEOs of the companies we work for. He leads me to the dance floor, and I cringe when he wraps an arm around my waist tugging me closer. The smooth sound of jazz music the band plays does nothing to ease my irritation.
“I recall when you actually wanted to dance with me,” Ethan taunts.
“That was before I realized what an asshole you are. Don’t think for one second I don’t know why you’re here in LA, working for a client of mine. And don’t you dare insult me by calling it a coincidence. Our families always get what they want.” I meet his amused gaze with a frown.
“I wanted to be close to my wife-to-be. Keep an eye on her.” He smirks.
I stiffen in his arms. “I am not your wife-to-be, so you’d better get that through your chauvinistic mind.” Ethan grips me tighter and I can smell the alcohol on his breath.
“Come on Eliana, why fight it?” He runs his hands up my back and it sends chills through me.
“Because it’s bullshit, that’s why. Neither of us want this, we barely know each other. And not that I actually care, I can tell something is up between you and Tonya.”
“That is completely absurd, she’s my boss.” Ethan scoffs.
“Is that so?” I scoff.
“And even if I was, that wouldn’t change the fact that you are going to marry me.”
I let out a mirthless laugh. I will never be my mother. Stand by and allow myself to be disrespected like that.
“Everything all right here?” A voice behind Ethan grabs my attention. We stop dancing, and Ethan and I face Braxton. The expression on his face is unreadable, so I don’t know how much of what was just said he heard.
“This is kind of a private conversation, so why don’t you make yourself useful and get us some drinks?” Ethan sneers.
“I’m her bodyguard, not your waiter, so you better watch your mouth.”
“I am shaking in my boots.” Ethan mocks, turning his back on Brax, pinning his gaze on me.
“I’m done with this conversation,” I inform Ethan then start to walk away. He reaches for me, his fingers digging into my arm, so I halt and turn to him. “Let me go,” I growl.
Brax’s hand is already tightening around Ethan’s wrists, forcing his hold on me to loosen.
“You will pay for that,” Ethan spits, his face inches from Brax’s, before walking off the dance floor.
Brax and I stand in the middle of the dance floor just looking at each other. A song starts up and he takes my hand, pulling me toward him, his other hand wrapping around my waist.
I look up into his stormy eyes and sigh. “You heard all that, didn’t you?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were engaged?” Brax jaw is stiff as we sway together in time with the music.
“Because I’m not. My father wants me to marry that asshole, but I haven’t agreed to it, nor do I intend to. Ethan took a job with a major client just to get to me.”
“And you didn’t think you should let me know?” His brows knit together.
“I can handle it, Brax. I don’t have to work with him directly, anyway.”
“If he threatens you in anyway, you’ll let me know, right?”
I rest my head on his chest, not caring if Ethan sees. I feel safe here, like nothing and no one can get to me. I sink into his warmth. “Can we not talk about this?”
He rests his chin on the top of my head. “Okay.” His hand slides up and down my back. There’s an undercurrent of electricity that always surrounds us when we’re this close. I don’t want us to be the bodyguard and his detail tonight. I just want to be us. Whatever this is.
“Brax, I think ready to leave.” I whisper.
“Are you sure? Isn’t this a huge thing for your career?” He places a kiss on the top of my head.
