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After a few kisses, Björn detaches the model from his neck and sets her down. “Alright, sexy, that’s enough. I’m on the clock.” He winks at her and walks away.
“Wow.” I nod. “He’s so… romantic.”
“A fucking knight in shining armor,” Knox says, and I burst out laughing.
“Cillian!” a man calls my name, so I turn.
“Lord Covington!” I greet the older man, and I almost scream when I see his new pitch-black toupee.
Dear God!
It looks like he has an evil hedgehog covered in melted asphalt on top of his head.
I’m going to have fucking nightmares with that thing…
Covington nods to me. “My condolences on your grandfather. He would’ve loved what you did with the place.”
“Thank you.” I shake hands with him and smile. It feels so nice to see how many people love and miss my grandfather. “And thank you for coming.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Plus, I heard you got a Rembrandt for this year.”
“Of course he has,” a voice says beside me, sending a cold shiver of horror and disgust down my spine.
I turn, shocked, to find Aurelio standing there with his pale face, hair implants, and his usual smug, narcissistic smile.
Fucking Aurelio.
He grins, sliding a hand onto my hip. “I told Cil the Rembrandt was a must, right, muffin?”
“Aurelio,” I say, stepping out of his grip. “I didn’t know you were coming,” I lie, and notice how Knox stiffens the moment he realizes who this man is.
“And miss the chance to see my man’s achievement of the year? Don’t be absurd, muffin.”
Annoyed, but unable to break out of host mode, I wave to a passing server, signaling him to come over. “Josh, please escort Lord Covington to the VIP bar area.”
“Right away, sir,” Josh says.
“Until later, Cillian.” Lord Covington nods.
The second Covington steps away, Aurelio tries to grab my waist again.
“Your man?!” I hiss, slapping his hand away. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“Of course. I’m here to take you back. Because, muffin… I’m finally ready for this. For us.”
Take me back?!
Who the fuck told him I wanted that?
“There is no us!” I shiver with disgust at the very thought. “There hasn’t been for over a year. Now please, leave me alone.”
“Look, I’ll let you have your little temper tantrum because I know how bitchy you get whenever you’re remotely stressed,” Aurelio says, rolling his eyes. “So go play the dutiful host, and when you’re ready to apologize, we can talk.”
He grabs my wrist and pulls, but a gorgeous arm wraps around my chest and anchors me in place.
I glance back at Knox, and fuck, he looks furious.
One second Knox is behind me keeping me steady, and the next, his hand snaps out and catches Aurelio’s arm.
