AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Daisy looks between the two men, and for a moment I think she’s going to take up Dalton’s offer, but instead she slides her hand into that creep’s, and silently follows him onto the dance floor.
“Motherfucker,” I grind out under my breath.
“Drix, she’s a grown woman,” Lia reminds me. “Come on, dance with me?”
“He’s a creep,” I grumble. I’m already on edge, I don’t need to lose my shit tonight.
“She can make her own choices,” Lia whispers back, as I take her hand and step onto the dance floor.
“I just worry about her, that’s all,” I explain, dropping my gaze to Lia and forcing myself to be with her in this moment, right now. She deserves my undivided attention, and that’s what I’m going to give her.
“I know, but you also need to respect her choices. Dalton too,” she adds, pressing her body against mine as her arms circle my back.
I blow out a breath, drawing her tighter against me, matching her step for step. “You’re right.”
“You know, I’ve really enjoyed today,” she says after a beat, her warm breath fluttering over my skin as we sway together.
I nod, suddenly lost for words as I gaze at her. She’s so damn beautiful, and I’m so fucking afraid. With my heart ramming against my ribcage, all I can do is lower my lips to hers and kiss her. I don’t care who sees, I don’t care what anyone else in this goddamn room thinks. I don’t even give a shit that the photographer is snapping pictures of us as we kiss. I love this woman, and I want to savour the moment.
Eventually, reluctantly, I pull back and she sighs contentedly, leaning her cheek against my chest as I wish for a fucking miracle, knowing that I don’t deserve one.
Over her shoulder I spot Sterling dancing with Harlow. He’s tense, holding her stiffly and I frown, catching his eye. “You alright?” I mouth.
He shakes his head. Of course he isn’t. Stupid fucking question.
Behind them, on the far side of the room, I notice Benedict talking with his ex Elodie and her husband, Councillor John Hoxton. The tense way he holds himself and the look of disbelief on Elodie’s face as Ben and John shake hands has me questioning exactly what’s happening there. But honestly, I’m not sure I want to know.
Next Dalton appears in my line of vision, and I watch as he strides across the room towards Daisy and the creep who has his hands far too close to her arse for my liking. Dalton taps him on the shoulder, saying something to him. The creep steps back, holding his hands up before twisting on his heel towards the bar. Dalton attempts to dance with Daisy, but she just shoves him in the chest, scowling up at him. Her lips are moving rapidly, and whilst I’ve no idea what she’s saying, it’s obvious from their interaction it isn’t good.
“Ah, fuck,” I groan.
“What’s the matter?” Lia asks, following my gaze. “Oh.”
“I should probably intervene.”
“Don’t you dare. Daisy can handle herself. Just let them be,” she advises, reaching up to cup my cheek, her eyebrows drawing together in a frown as she looks at me. “Sterling isn’t the only one who’s been acting strange today. Are you alright?”
My hand slides up Lia’s back, coasting over the tiny crystal buttons that hold her corset together, knowing that I won’t get the chance to drag my lips down her spine as I remove this beautiful dress from her body.
“Lia, once we put Toby to bed, I want to talk with you about something.”
“Is this about what you were afraid to share with me on Christmas day?” she asks, cocking her head.
“It is,” I confirm, my gut twisting painfully.
“Do you want to go now? It looks like you need to get whatever this is off your chest, and I need to stop Toby from filling his tummy with more pudding. I really don’t want him throwing up.”
“Yeah, let’s do this,” I nod, taking her hand in mine, feeling like a criminal on death row waiting for his execution
“Come on, kid. Time for bed,” I say, dropping Lia’s hand as we reach Toby, so I can haul him into my arms and hug him tight. The thought of losing him is just as painful.
“But I was having so much fun!” he protests.
“I know, buddy. But there’s a big comfortable bed waiting for you, and me and your Ma are pretty tired too. Been a long day all round,” I say, trying to placate him.
“Alright, you should probably get some beauty sleep anyway,” he shrugs. “Right, Mama?”
“Exactly,” she replies with a grin, grabbing her purse from the back of the chair and following us out.
