"Fuck."
"Also, Harper has one too. Just below her ear."
I grunt, fastening my tie tighter.
So much for her hair covering up that love-bite.
I look across the room and realize he's right. When Harper tilts her head to laugh, I can see the faint red mark.
"This is a disaster," I mutter.
"This is hilarious," Christian corrects. "Victor Kade, Ice Prince of StreamEats, so desperate for his girlfriend that he can't even wait until after a corporate event."
I open my mouth, and he raises a hand to stop me.
"Save it. I don't need details." He grins. "Though I will say, it's nice to see you actually happy for once. You're usually so…contained at these things."
“I’m contained right now.”
"You're sex-drunk and happy as hell. Nothing wrong with that."
"I'm not—Jesus. Fine. I'm in a good mood. Happy?”
"Because of Harper."
"Because of Harper."
Christian's expression softens. "She's good for you, you know. I haven't seen you this relaxed since—actually, I've never seen you this relaxed."
"Is this going somewhere?"
"Just—don't fuck it up. Whatever's happening between you two, it's real. And you deserve real."
Before I can respond, Harper appears at my side.
"Hi," she says, slightly breathless. "I've been making the rounds. I think I've talked to every investor in this room."
"You were perfect," I say.
"I was terrified."
"You didn't show it."
"Good. Because inside I was screaming." She looks at Christian. "Hi there, Christian."
"And hello to you, Mrs. Kade."
I throw him a look, and he clears his throat, snorting softly.
"Anyway, I should go find Lucia." He leans in, kissing Harper chastely on the cheek. "Congratulations on surviving the gala, Harper. Well done."
He walks away, and Harper leans into me slightly.
"Did he just congratulate us on surviving?"
"Apparently the bar is very low."
"Or the evening was very high-stakes."
