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She always wore her desire well. It was one of the things I loved about her. When we were alone, she didn’t hold back. Always let me see how much she craved me.
Let me know how desperate she was for me.
In those moments, I was confident I saw the real Imogene. Not the person she pretended to be around everyone else.
Much like she did now as she put space between us, nervously scanning the crowd for Liam.
“You remember Melanie, don’t you?” Imogene said, then frowned. “I’m not sure I introduced you two the other night.”
“You didn’t,” Melanie interjected. “But I did.” She extended her hand toward me. “Pleasure to see you again, Gideon.”
“Likewise.” I turned my attention back on Imogene. “Have you been enjoying your birthday?”
“I have actually.” She pursed her lips together. “I received a surprise gift this morning, treating both Melanie and me to an afternoon at the spa. In addition to this dress.”
She did a quick twirl, and it took everything I had to refrain from yanking her against me. But I remained cool and detached.
“Whoever sent it to you has good taste.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Melanie gave me a conniving look, then raised her flute toward me before taking a sip.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Liam cut through, appearing from out of nowhere. “I need to steal the birthday girl for a few moments.”He snaked an arm around Imogene’s waist and yanked her against him.
I wanted to break that arm.
Hell, I wanted to do so much more than that. I reminded myself he’d get what was coming to him.
“Right now?” Imogene stepped out of his hold.
“I only need five minutes. All these people are here for you,” he said in a tone that bordered on being condescending.
“Right. Of course.” She set her champagne flute onto the table and met my gaze. “I’m sorry. I won’t be long.”
“No apologies necessary.”
With a fabricated smile, Liam ushered her toward a group of people I doubted she had anything in common with.
The entire time, he kept his hand firmly planted on her hip.
But that wasn’t what struck me as odd.
It was the way she tried to get away from him.
He wouldn’t let her, though, keeping his hand glued to her.
“A little tip for you.”
“What’s that?” I turned my attention toward Melanie, mindful to keep Imogene in my peripheral vision.
I didn’t trust Liam before I learned he was behind those necklaces and the attack.
Now, Ireallydidn’t.
“Maybe tone down the flaring nostrils and clenching fists,” Melanie said softly. “It’s a dead giveaway you’d love nothing more than to rip him apart from limb to limb.” She pulled back, her voice brightening. “Drink?”
“I could certainly use one.”
She spun on her heels, walking the short distance toward the bar, and I followed. “What would you like? My treat.” She winked.
