Page 100 of A Vicious Love

My mouth curved before I could stop it.

Wrong timing.

A flash went off beyond the booth. Then another. Arielle followed my gaze and went still.

The Veil camera disappeared into the crowd.

Fucking perfect.

I set her back on her feet and let go of her.

She adjusted her dress, looking less embarrassed than amused. “That almost sounded heroic.”

“It wasn’t.”

She brushed one hand over my shirt where champagne had splashed near my shoulder.

I caught her wrist.

“Don’t.”

Her brows lifted.

Then she smiled. Again. Cameras loved women smiling at men who looked angry. They loved it even more when the angry man held the woman’s wrist while she stood close enough to imply history.

I released her.

Arielle stepped back.

Reeves appeared beside her.

“The investor has been removed.”

“Good,” her eyes moved to me once more. “Thank you.”

I looked at Reeves.

She walked away, while the men at the table pretended to study their drinks.

I poured more whiskey. I lifted the glass. Reeves remained beside the booth. His gaze moved toward the club floor where the camera had disappeared.

“That clip will move quickly.”

“I don’t care.”

Reeves said nothing. The silence irritated me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Say it.”

He looked toward the crowd. “You may care when Miss Bellemere sees it.”

My jaw tightened.

“Why would she care?”