He broke the illusion and ruined the game. Because I know, no matter what, that James won’t tolerate it. I’m his fiancée for the night and another man touching me is an issue he won’t let slide. Even if it’s just to save face.
Xavier grins wickedly and shrugs. “I told you, hot women.”
“I’m here with someone,” I manage to get out.
“And you can leave with someone else.” I don’t like the look in his eyes. He’s the kind of guy I’d never take a drink from. A frat boy with a history of getting what he wants. How he managed to seem like anything else is shocking.
He digs his nails into my ass, dragging me against his body roughly. “I could always paint you. Think of it, you, laying naked across a deep-red bedspread, the gentle strokes of my brush across your body.”
I shove against his chest, and he releases me a bit. Then he looks past me, and his Adam’s apple bobs.
Chapter 6
James
As much as I hated the look of hurt on Claire’s face, I know I have to play nice with Genevieve. She has influence, wealth, and a huge following.
“My darling, perhaps we can finally put an end to this teasing.” Genevieve sighs after finishing her tour. “We are old souls meant to come together.”
“I’m flattered.” My eyes scan for Claire.
I relax a little when I see her, until a second look proves she’s with a guy. They’re laughing, walking around like the couple she and I are pretending to be. I grind my teeth even as Genevieve presses herself against me and whispers in my ear.
“Come now. One night of passion.”
“I’m engaged.”
“What?” Her haughty voice disappears. “To whom?”
I meet her eyes carefully. “My guest. Claire.”
Genevieve looks around then snorts as the guy drags Claire against his body tightly. “It looks like it will be a short engagement.”
“Fucking…”
“Language, my love. She’s too young anyway. Why don’t…”
Genevieve words are meaningless and my ears flat-out refuse to hear them. I only see another guy wrapped around Claire. She shoves against him, and I see the sassy viper in her lash out. A part of me is glad she’s fighting him, but the other part wants to break the boy’s hands.
She’s mine. Only mine.
I’m the only one allowed to touch her, and there’s no fucking way I’ll tolerate this shit when I’ve been introducing her to everyone as my fiancée. I storm in her direction ready to rip her away from him and start a scene myself.
“I’m not a model, and I’m not for sale. So, thanks for the compliment, but I’m going to find mydatenow.” She snarls.
He says nothing as she turns away from him to run right into me. Relief flashes across her face. “I want to leave.”
But my blood is still boiling. I want to make it fucking clear that she’s not up for grabs. Especially considering the wide smile on the kid’s face. He shrugs at me and winks. I hiss between my teeth and take a step forward, ready to kick his teeth in.
“Don’t touch my fiancée.”
He glances from her to me, then snorts. “Plenty of thirsty girls here anyway. I’m sure I can hook a better one in a second.”
I take a step toward him, but Claire pushes me back. “Stop it. People are looking.”
“He fucking groped you and…” I shake my head, trying to clear it. “I don’t want anyone talking about you like that.”
“Yeah, you don’t always get everything you want.”