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“Listen to me, woman. You’re uncomfortable here. I get it. So we’re going to get you some liquid courage, and you’re going to get used to it. Don’t be intimidated. Every millionaire prick in the room wishes you were his, and every lady in attendance wishes she was you. This is the life you’re meant for. This is the life you deserve.”
“You sound so sure.” She gives me a wry smile. “All because I spit on you in the park?”
I shake my head.
And before I know what the hell I’m doing, my hand reaches for her face. She gasps as our skin makes contact. My fingers lift her chin, my thumb traces her jaw, and this strange, unspeakable spark flashes through both of us.
Heat lightning.
I can only feel my own body, but I know it’s in hers, too.
Her dark, delicate eyes surrender, shifting slightly from side to side as our gazes fuse.
“If I hadn’t snatched you up, someone else would have. Guaranteed,” I whisper, unsure why my throat tightens.
“Mr. Heron...”
She’s lost for words.
That’s my cue to end this temporary madness, dropping my hand, adjusting my bow tie.
Pretend. This never fucking happened, I tell myself.
“Enough doubting,” I say, my voice level again. “Let’s get a drink. That dress was four thousand dollars. You can’t let it sit in a garment bag because you want to hide from jealous eyes.”
“F-four thousand—” She gags. “Holy hell. You’re kidding, right?”
I give her a warning look. “Stop.”
“Okay.” She sucks in a deep breath and exhales slowly. “Okay, let’s go grab drinks.”
I battle the instinct to lead her there by hand as soon as we’re moving again. I’m hopeful this night won’t get any weirder.
We walk up to the bar, and I almost suggest taking a walk around the grounds.
Except for the fact that the CEO of Already Sold, Jake Willis, stands in front of the bar with a brandy in his hand. I’ve met him a few times.
He’s a middle-aged jackass, and worse when he’s drinking.
He’s tall and broad with silver hair and a face full of wrinkles like my father. Something about the resemblance makes me cringe.
Sabrina needs her liquid courage, though, so instead of walking away, I order a scotch and a sugary-sounding tropical cocktail for her.
“Here you are.” I hand the drink to Sabrina.
Jake looks over at me, and I hear his breath stick with the inevitable, unwelcome outburst.
“Magnus Heron! Good to see you again, son! You’re looking well, as you should be. Your name was all over Ad Wonk!” he gushes.
I smile, not exactly friendly, wondering if we should beat it and take that walk after all.
Then his beady little eyes fall on Sabrina. He winks at me. “Glad to see you brought some nice accessories this time around.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? He’s my boss.” Sabrina bristles right away. She damn sure isn’t going to take his insinuations.
“This is my Executive Assistant,” I snap. “I’m still a happy bachelor, thank you very much, and that’s the way it’ll stay.”
Willis shrugs at me, making an exaggerated wince like I’m the one being ridiculous.
He doesn’t dare lower himself to an apology.
“No need to be uptight, Mag,” he says, looking down as he swirls his drink in his glass. “Just meant you’ve got a nice young piece.”
“Watch how you talk about my employees, idiot.” It flies out like a bullet, harsher than the biting November wind back home.
Willis stumbles back, doing a double take, his lips moving.
“Christ. Calm down, boy. I golfed with your dad. No shame in your game; it’s how we all do things, isn’t it? The hot ones ought to be good for something more than pushing papers and typing.” He laughs. “Don’t you think?”
Fuck no.
I want to drag this braindead clod into the parking lot and break his nose, but that might cost me my career. I’m not sure which part of this is worse—the fact that he finds it funny or that he thinks I’m just like my father.
Another one of the boys with money and a reputation ruled by his dick.
“Final warning, Willis. If I ever hear you talk like that about one of my people ever again, I’ll hire the attorney to file the harassment claim myself.”
His bushy eyebrows almost leap off his face. “Now see here, I don’t know what you’re on, kid, but it’s pretty goddamn rude of you to get all up in arms over—”
“Over a despicable old worm who’s cheated on all four wives he’s ever had? Yeah,” I snarl, closing the space between us so I’m in range where only he can hear. “Also, you’ll be damn lucky if I don’t beat the shit out of you.”
His mouth drops. “Listen, I—”
“Don’t,” I growl, looking over my shoulder as I break away, heading in the other direction.
It’s for the good of everybody in this room.
