“Who?”
“That man you were with.”
“Denis? He just wanted to talk.” I sighed.
Tynan followed me, saying nothing.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
TYNAN
The fucking guy was clinging to Alina like a tick. I could sense his impatience to get closer to her. His empty eyes dared to look at her throat and delicate jawline. He was careful not to stare at her breasts, but I knew what was on his mind. The sudden interest in her, the unprovoked friendliness.
My heart was beating like mad, I took a deep breath thinking about wrapping my hands around his neck and squeezing hard enough to get my point across. No one was allowed to look at her like that.
“Ty?” Gabrielle tugged my sleeve and I returned my attention to her.
Gabrielle had not changed much over the years, her eyesstill looked at me like I was someone she admired. But, I knew better. I had stopped seeing the young and inexperienced girl, a friend who was always by my side. All I saw now was a tired woman with her new life in the capital and a husband she had not learned to like.
“Thank you for listening to me,” she said and I nodded, not caring enough to respond.
My gaze returned to Alina. She was so beautiful in her dress, her locks spilled over her shoulders and down her back. I could not help staring at her hair shimmering all shades of red and copper. She looked like she did not belong to the mortal world, her lips moved and she looked up. Our eyes locked. I could only hope that she did not know what I had been thinking about. I could clearly imagine playing with her hair, like I did back in the hotel. I still fantasize about raking through it with my fingers, her flushed face, and the eyes that would be the death of me. Her full, soft, lush lips. I clenched my jaw and adjusted in my seat. I knew that I was not much better than that pitiful moron lusting over her. The difference between us was that I was never going to do anything about it. She deserves someone better than me and as much as I wanted her, I would never cross that line.
In the meantime, I focused on the familiar dancing couple. Frid was dancing with Victor, but suddenly both of them stopped. At first, it seemed like the truce between them had come to an end. I could plainly see Frid’s eyes bulging out of her head, but then Victor moved closer and kissed thegirl. For a moment I thought I was just seeing things. Frid stood motionless, and when Victor moved away, I could see that she could not come up with anything to say.
I smirked, watching them as Victor’s hands landed on both sides of her face. He kissed her again, but this time her arms wrapped around his neck. He finally made his move.
I glanced back at Alina, who sat with her head down. As if feeling my stare, she moved her head up and our eyes met. I could not be sure that I was able to conceal what was on my mind. I wanted her so bad that everything around me made absolutely no sense.
“I’m so unhappy.” Gabrielle placed her hand on my forearm and I made a conscious effort not to shrug it off of me.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a new movement. It was Alina. She was navigating toward the exit, and there was no way in hell I would let her go through the fields at night all alone.
“I have to go.” I stood up.
“You seem to have no time for me anymore,” Gabrielle whimpered.
I only glanced at her, before walking away.
In no time, I was by the entrance and when I pushed the front door open, I could hear the hurried steps of the girl ahead.
I matched Alina’s stride as we walked through the fields. She misstepped, and I caught her by the arm one more time.
“Here. Why don’t you give me your hand?” I asked, holding her elbow.
“Thank you. I can walk on my own,” Alina said and I could not help smiling at her defiant tone.
She was so irresistible when she was mad. She had no idea how much I loved her fast changing moods, her softness and strength. Just walking with her through the wilderness made me feel more than I ever felt with any other woman.
“Does it mean that you’re together now?” Alina asked, and it took me a moment to understand what she meant.
“Together?”
“Yes, you and your... Gabrielle,” Alina spoke in a forced tone.
“No.”
“Then why . . ? You know what? It’s not any of my business,” she added.
