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“I came as Ms. Liddell’s date.” His palm landed on my thigh again, sending tingles straight between my legs. I resisted the urge to squirm in my seat. Or spread my legs so he could move his hand up. Which I could’ve done because Allen didn’t spare me a glance.
“While you’re here, I’d love to talk to you about some of the other research we’re doing.” I saw the gleam of greed in his eyes. “We’re always looking for donors who are interested in our causes.”
“Lark.” My father’s voice cut through the conversation. The tingles in my body turned to spikes of anxiety as my head shot to him. “Why don’t you get up so Mr. Keifer can sit down?”
It sounded like a question, but I knew it wasn’t. This was my father’s boss, and he strived to impress him. To be like him. And I’d been taught to do the same.
Nathan’s hand tightened on my thigh as I pushed my chair back to stand. My chest constricted as he held me captive. My gaze bounced from my father to Mr. Keifer to Nathan, who wasn’t looking at me.
“Lark.” My father’s tone whipped across my skin, but I couldn’t move.
“Kicking my date out of her seat isn’t the way to endear yourself to me.” Those words should have had my anxiety shooting through the roof. The dismissal of these important men would make most people panic.
But the way Nathan said date had my panties dampening. It was just another sign of his protection over me. And I realized in that moment that he hadn’t spoken to my father with command earlier because of how they treated him, but because of how they treated me.
“I-I.” Mr. Keifer cleared his throat. “I meant no disrespect.”
A muscle in Nathan’s jaw flexed, and I thought my panties might go up in flames. “Well, you did.”
“My apologies.” My fist tightened, and it was only then I realized I was clutching the back of his hand. But Allen, addressing his words to him, pissed me off. It was like I was an object he’d broken instead of a person whose feelings had been offended.
Nathan’s eyes narrowed, but his hand turned over. He intertwined our fingers, gripping tight like he was supporting me. His head dipped in my direction. “It’s not me you owe an apology to.”
I heard my father’s sharp inhale. Saw the tightening of Mr. Keifer’s jaw as he pushed out the words. “My sincerest apologies, Ms. Liddell.”
Nathan glanced at me like he wanted my approval. My lips twitched, but I held back my smile. It was a small thing. But it mattered. It was him showing me that I mattered.
“Thank you.” I didn’t look at my father or Allen. I gave Nathan all my attention, like he did to me. “Dance with me.”
He didn’t even acknowledge the fact that it was a command and not a request. He just stood, tightening his hold on my hand. I heard a grumbled goodbye from the table, but neither of us responded.
Energy buzzed through my body as he grasped my waist. I felt his touch everywhere as he guided me around the dance floor like he was a pro. But he kept a respectable distance.
“Do you always do that?” he asked just loud enough for me to hear.
“Do what?”
“Defer to your father like you’re inferior?”
“I—.” My gut clenched, swallowing my words. Of course, I did. Because that’s how I felt. Like I was second to their jobs. Wasn’t important. Like I had to prove my love. I had to be perfect.
Then maybe one day they’d love me back.
As if sensing my distress, Nathan pulled me closer. My hands skimmed up to his shoulder as my head rested on his chest. His fresh masculine scent surrounded me. Smoothed the jagged parts.
“Never again, Songbird.” He whispered. His deep voice slid down my spine.
For a few moments, we moved together in silence. But soon it felt weighted. I didn’t know if it was his protection of me, his words, or being this close, but tension seemed to crackle in the air around us.
Each brush of his body along mine sent bursts of lust through me. My pussy throbbed, beating with my rapid heart rate. We started gravitating closer.
I tilted my head back. My gaze locked on his. His eyes weren’t soft and serene. They were eating me alive.
My hand trailed up to his neck as I pulled him closer. My fingers curled into the hairs there. His tightened on my hip. I felt the burn through my silk dress.
My nipples hardened as his muscular chest pressed into mine. Desire thumped through my blood. It was thick in the air around us until I was breathing it in.
My heart hammered on my ribs as he leaned forward. Our lips skimmed together, sending an electric shock through me.
