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The way he looked at me, as if I was someone he was trying to crack, increased my anger. It was as though he could see my fears and insecurities, and didn’t care that he was adding salt to their open wounds. Why? Why was he intentionally provoking me?
I was vulnerable from the conversation with Mother and then the near miss with thoughts of the past.
He reminded me of a vulture, ready to swoop down to prey on the weak. I didn’t want to be weak. I didn’t want to be prey.
But I could not look away.
“JoJo, I’ll pick out your dress and do your hair.”
“Okay.” My voice sounded scratchy.
Alma didn’t seem to notice. She dragged Kane toward the house.
I tried to settle into my seat. I even managed to pry my fingers from their death grip on the wooden frame of the chair.
The late afternoon sun on my skin and the lull of the waves couldn’t calm me.
And this time it had nothing to do with my mother or storms or nightmares.
Kane Zegas had looked into my soul and stolen something.
I just didn’t know what it was.
CHAPTERFIVE
JOJO
“The barn has blowndown I see.”
I clutched the sparkling water in my hand and gritted my teeth.
“Shouldn’t you be socializing for potential new clients?” I stiffened my shoulders, which were bare thanks to the halter top dress Alma had picked out for me. At least it was floor length and flowy. My style just . . . a little more skin than I liked to show.
And Kane had noticed.
“I am.” He sipped his drink. “I’m certain I heard you say you might get arrested.” He twirled his finger. “I haven’t heard that from anyone else tonight so I’d say you’re my best bet.”
I cut my eyes at him.
It was a mistake.
The white button-down shirt only enhanced his tanned skin. And his charcoal gray slacks were clearly custom tailored by the way they hung on him with just the right fit. His dark hair was tousled by the sea breeze.
He looked relaxed. In command. Like this was his party and we were lucky enough to be allowed to attend.
“Then go be with my sister.”
If anything, he seemed to root in place. “I am not an accessory. And Alma doesn’t need a leash.”
As if she heard her name, she looked over at us from where she was gossiping with a group of girlfriends and waved. Coolly, he flicked his chin in acknowledgment. I waved back awkwardly.
“Alma does what Alma wants,” I murmured.
“Nothing wrong with that.” He lifted his glass to his lips and sucked in a cube of ice.
I cringed when he crunched on it and pretended to focus on anything but him.
I’d never liked these parties, but they were expected. Every year it was the same crowd. I always felt out of place. I didn’t care about investments or the shopping in London or that someone had a new gorgeous pool boy.
