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“I don’t care.”
“That’s an obvious lie. But believe in it if it makes you stronger. Believe it until it’s your unshakable truth. Be strong.”
“I’m trying, Matt, but seeing him with her just breaks me all over again.” I relented, unable to keep up whatever feeble façade Matt saw right through.
“I know.” He held me tighter as a sob threatened to escape. “We are here for whatever you need, Jamie. Okay? Both Alison and I. If it gets too much and you want to leave, just say the word and I’ll get you out of here.”
I looked at him suspiciously, not entirely understanding why he was looking at me now as if I was his younger sister, protecting me as if I was family. It was strange, to say the least. Matt must have noticed the hesitance in my gaze, a comforting smile spreading across his handsome face.
“Again, no second intentions, Jamie. You are important to Alison, thus, you are important to me. We look out for our own in this family, and you’re a part of it now.”
I simply nodded my understanding, managing to relax slightly as we danced in silence. I closed my eyes and leaned my head on his chest, trying to calm my racing heart. How it was still beating was beyond me.
The song ended, and the crowd started clapping, acknowledging the talent of the musicians playing for us tonight, but Matt kept me in place until I was ready to pull back.
“Jamie.” His father’s voice sounded from behind me, forcing me to plaster a fake smile on my face, before I turned towards him and the other man I was dreading to see tonight. “You still remember Mr. Mercier, don’t you?” A shiver ran down my spine as I met his piercing blue eyes, a sly and sickening smile spreading across his pale lips.
“Good evening, Miss Harden. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” Mr. Mercier greeted me, the kiss he placed on my knuckles making the hairs on the back of my neck stand. He looked at me from head to toe, his eyes practically undressing me on the spot.
“Good evening, Mr. Mercier.” I faked my smile, trying to pull my hand from his tight grasp, my head whipping back to look at Matt. “I’m not sure you know each other. This is Matt Dornier, Mr. Dornier’s older son.”
“Good evening.” Mr. Mercier grunted before returning his gaze to me. “Would you give me the pleasure of this dance?” The man asked, tugging on my hand that was still trapped in his clammy grip. My stomach flipped at the thought of having to be so close to him, but as Mr. Dornier studied us and gave me an encouraging nod, I didn’t find much of a choice.
I looked at Matt again, my eyes glaring in a silent plea for him to save me from this torture, but he knew nothing about this man or the disgust I had for him. My salvation was not in his hands.
“Come on, Jamie. This is a party, you can have some fun.” Sensing my hesitation, Mr. Dornier decided to pitch in.
“Sure, why not. One dance wouldn’t hurt.” I emphasized the word one, making it clear I wouldn’t be enduring more than that, hoping for the song to be short.
Mr. Mercier held me tightly against him, even more than I was expecting, the repulse I felt for him making my stomach churn and my heart race.
Thankfully, not even a minute into the song, Alison came around dancing with her brother.
“Mr. Mercier, would you give me the pleasure of cutting in?” She asked without giving him time to reply, practically peeling his hand from mine.
She left Liam’s arms and stepped between us, carrying Mr. Mercier far from us in a twirl. I was standing there in the middle of the dance floor, not knowing what to do, my eyes deeply buried in Liam’s, before I turned my back to him and left. The night was progressively getting worse by the damn minute, my body going into overdrive from so many different emotions.
Liam reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me back towards him. He wrapped his arm around my waist and took my hand to dance. He gently started swaying, his eyes bored into mine unrelentingly. My body betrayed me by responding to his touch with a small shiver, goosebumps radiating from every point where his skin touched mine.
Those beautiful green eyes pried into my soul, breaking to pieces any resistance I had left.
Liam felt my body reacting to his presence, those bright orbs sparkling while a small smile spread across his handsome face.
“Thank you for that,” I said, trying to steer him away from thinking about how much my body still wanted this. Still wanted him.
“You’re welcome. You look so beautiful, Jamie. I’ve missed you so much.” He said with an honesty that disarmed me.
I needed to hate him. I needed to push him away, but how could I when he was saying all the things I wanted to hear? And damn the way he said it! I couldn’t doubt him. I didn’t want to.
But I had to. His fiancé was somewhere in this hall, maybe even watching us.
“Liam, please don’t. We both know we can’t do this. It’s not right. You’re here with your fiancé, for Christ’s sake.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Please just let me have you in my arms, even if it’s just one dance.” He pleaded, a pained look in those eyes that immediately melted whatever wall I tried to build around my heart.
I leaned my head on his chest, just as I was a moment ago with his brother, inhaling that heavenly scent of his that I missed so damn much. I felt him rest his cheek on my head, his arm pulling me closer into his hard body. I tried my best to hold back my tears, my whole body trembling and threatening to shut down under the waves of sorrow and pain that invaded my chest.
Liam held me like he never wanted to let go, and right then, I finally felt safe again. I closed my eyes, savoring the warm, tender kiss he planted on my forehead, his lips lingering on my skin.
