Page 133 of Cozen

Impeccable.

Flawless.

Fake.

Dash patted Cozen’s hand tucked into his elbow. “I see why my father likes you so much, Cozen.”

She gave him a smile. He was not like his older brother. Still just as arrogant and spoiled, sure, but he was not quick to insult her like Silas did every time she was in the man’s presence. It was a nice change.

It wouldn’t last.

“Thank you,” Cozen said.

“Smile,” Dash murmured.

“I am.”

“Not nearly wide enough, Cozen. My father likes it when beautiful women smile like they mean it.”

She didn’t have the chance to reply to his statement. He turned sharply at the large dining room where Jett was holding court like a king. Cozen had come to learn the man only really preferred a few rooms in the downstairs portion of his wing when he had to entertain people.

His dining room with a too-large chandelier and all its gold accents was definitely a favorite spot for Jett.

Cozen stood on display in the entryway to the dining room with Dash, but quite quickly, the young man—although frankly, he was the same age as her—stepped off to the side when his father came forward. Jett set his glass of what looked to be whiskey aside as he came closer with his arms already outstretched and opened to take Cozen into his embrace.

She heard the whispers murmuring amongst the guests. She certainly wasn’t blind, either. She could see how they watched her, and the half-sneers they made as Jett finally came close enough to pull her into his arms.

One of Jett’s arms wrapped tightly around Cozen’s waist as he pulled her into his side, and turned them to face the room.

“Now we can party—my beautiful Cozen has arrived.”

Cozen gave Jett a look, and asked quietly, “Did you purposely make me late tonight?”

Jett winked. “I might have. A woman who looks like you do should always be appreciated by anyone who can see you, Cozen. And I wanted everyone to see just how beautiful you are.”

His hand came up fast, and before she knew what was happening, his thumb stroked across her lax lips. A gentle touch, sure, but absolutely indicative of his wants when it came to her. His gaze darkened as he looked her over, and stroked her mouth once more.

Without warning, Jett kissed Cozen. A hard kiss that forced her to gasp a bit—the opening of her parting lips giving him the idea, and the chance, to deepen the kiss.

Every part of her wanted to revolt.

Fight or flight kicked in.

And yet, Cozen forced herself to relax. To take the kiss, though it made her skin crawl, and her blood run cold. Thankfully, it didn’t last long as someone hollered something disgusting from the other side of the room, and Jett pulled away.

His grin was still firmly in place.

So pleased with himself.

Soon, Cozen would be the one pleased. She made sure to keep a tight hold on her clutch as she moved across the room at the urging of Jett’s hand at her lower back.

“Don’t go too far from my side,” he murmured in her ear. “I intend to show as much of you off as I can tonight.”

Cozen flashed him a brilliant smile. “I won’t leave your side.”

For now.

Jett raised a single brow high, and his smile turned suggestive in a blink. A lot like his tone when he said, “And then later, I intend for you to show me everything about you that I haven’t already seen, Cozen.”