Even now, under the harsh hotel hallway lights, after I’ve slightly displaced her dress and messed up her hair, she’s so breathtakingly beautiful.
I can’t help myself.
I backtrack, only stopping when I’m at her side.
Licking my lips, I cup her face and tip her head back so she meets my gaze. She leans into my palm with a contented breath.
“Do you want to come in?” I choke out.
I’m so out of my depth here. My confidence is shaky, my resolve all but nonexistent.
The tension between us is enough to drive me out of my mind. This connection we share isn’t going away. Inevitable bliss or insurmountable disappointment await. I hate not being in control. I despise not knowing how this will all play out.
Evangeline’s answering sigh is laced with defeat, signaling that no, at least for tonight, disappointment prevails.
“Do I want to come into the hotel room of the team principal of the team I work for, after his son accused me—in the middle of a huge event, mind you—of fucking his dad to get this job?”
Rage ignites in my veins.
That’swhat the interaction was about?
She lifts one finger to her cheek, the shiny red polish a bright pop of color against her pale skin, and taps it a few times, humming. “Let me think…”
Shaking my head, I fight back the urge to stalk right back down to the ballroom and drag Luca of out of the party by the collar. I’m not upset with Evangeline. On the contrary. Now that I’m aware of the extent of my son’s vile behavior, I’m in even deeper awe of how she handled herself tonight.
I imagine it means she’s exhausted or emotionally drained. Or both.
Dammit.
Switching gears, I stroke her cheek. “I’m sorry he hurt you. Again.”
Her sarcastic front slips away, and once again, she leans into my touch, confirming she needs to be handled with care. I can do soft and soothing. It’s an honor to be what she needs.
Eyes closed, she shakes her head slightly, causing her dangling earrings to swing. “Sadly, I’m used to it where Luca is concerned.”
My rage returns in earnest, though I force my stance to remain relaxed and work overtime not to intensify my grip on her face. My son’s behavior is both astounding and disgusting.
No one should be used to being hurt like that. What sort of bullshit relationship did they share? I’m angry for her, but I’m even more pissed at myself for raising such an emotionally incompetent man.
I don’t know how else to help. Talking to Luca clearly didn’t change anything. While I implored him to reach out, to make things right, he chose to humiliate her.Again.
He’s done. He’s lost the right to be anywhere near her. I’ll bar him from all access to Granata and confirm we aren’t sharing hotels with Waytrek for the rest of the season. I’ll make Leslie rebook one hundred and ten rooms in every country if I have to.
It’s the least I can do to ensure Evangeline is emotionally safe.
I won’t bring him up again or push either her or my son to reach out. Based on what happened tonight, it’s clear they’re far past any potential reconciliation.
Good.
I’m far past caring about what could happen if Luca discovered I was interested in pursuing this woman.
Scratch that.
I’m not interested in pursuing this woman.
Iampursuing her. In earnest. I’m hopelessly, doggedly, wholeheartedly serious about making her mine.
I can’t undo the damage Luca has done. But I can make things up to Evangeline by showing her the respect, adoration, and care she deserves. Starting now.
