Chapter 95
TILIAN
Tought to have been somewhere else.
Auden’s year–end bash wasn’t my cup of tea–too formal, too routine, and too many people putting on a good show about things they didn’t particularly care for These types of events were all about a stage, a show of power and control where a firm handshake might secure multimillion-
dollar drak.
I didn’t have to be here. I reminded myself that, more than once. I had work to do. Real work. Vigilon had acquired a new high–profile client whose security detail needed a total revamp, and I had more important things to do than stand here drinking whiskey and chatting with individuals. I did not care about
And still. I found myself on the opposite side of the ballroom, drink in hand, observing the affair
ny typical indifference.
with my
I assured myself that I was present merely for professional purposes. The growth of Archite Associates promised additional security deals, and a portion of Aiden’s backers would sooner or later be visiting Vigilon’s doorstep
Leastways, this is what I intended to continue telling myself
My reverie was broken by a familiar voice.
“Didn’t you tell me you had work to do?”
I shifted my head slightly and saw Aiden standing next to me, his face as inscrutable as ever.
“I did, I grumbled, taking a slow drink
“And yes, here you are.
Freya–Aiden’s wife–was smiling next to him. “Don’t listen to him. Cillian. I’m glad you’re here
Unlike her husband. Freya meant it
Freya had a knack for rounding out Aiden’s rough edges that I still found faintly interesting. He was still the same brooding, work–addicted bastard he’d ever been, but there was a subtle comfort about him now
Their daughter, Gia, had contributed to that as well. The little terror had Aiden tied around her tiny six–year–old finger.
Freya son Aiden a pouned glance. “Don’t push your brother. He showed up.
Aiden just hummed, obviously not buying it. “Yealt. I’m just wondering why
didn’t her
I didn’t get the chance to answer him before he went on, his tone way too relaxed.
“Are we going to discuss the fact that you–who promised to the moon and back that you bad higher things to which to attend–now stand at my
I shrugged. “It’s good business”
“Sure” Aiden smirked. “And it has nothing to do with Erica?”
1
let out a harsh breath. “Jesus. You’ve been hanging out with your wife too much. Getting friendly?
Freya grinned. “Loy to be a positive influence”
1 tuned them both out my attention on the whiskey m my glass.
Aiden hummed once more, obviously not believing me, but before he could keep up the questioning the crowd moved. Someone new. I left the irritation set in before I even realized why
Frica Davis
She entered the ballroom with effortless grace, her dark green dress hugging her figure in all the right places. Those waves of red hair framed her face. There was no denying that she was a beautiful woiran.
When I saw her for the first time, she was right, a year younger than the I thought she was pretty back then
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Chapter 9,9
Now! She was beautiful. Easily any straight guy’s wet dream
But she spoiled it with her mouth. She opened her mouth to spit flames. She was a petual challenge.
I didn’t pay attention to that, I didn’t have time to think about her mouth. No, my eyes homed in on the man standing next to her.
Tüll. Blond. Unremarkable
He resembled every other high–net–worth investor in the room–dressed sharp, pricey watch, perfectly coiffed hair.
Forgetable
Forgettable was in
was not Erica’s hand on his
ann, though
1 gritted my jaw as I watched them walk towards us.
Aiden, ever perceptive, caught it. I see you’ve noticed”
I had another slow swig of my whiskey, paying no attention to the way my hand grew tighter on the glass.
Erica and her date approached us, and I observed her insently, my eyes fixed on her like a silent challenge.
She sensed it.
er characteristic assurance.
In with her
Her stance changed ever so slightly–just the slightest glimmer of uncertainty before she covered it up
Evening” she said, her tone as silky as ever. She released her date’s arm and turned toward Aiden. “I just came to check in and make sure everything’s going according to plan.”
Aiden nodded. “All looks perfect, as planned.”
She looked at Freya, “How are you doing?”
“Great.” Freya smiled, resting a hand on her stomach. “Though I have a feeling Aiden’s going to drive me crazy with his overprotectiveness.
Erica smiled. “Well, I’m all for it. Someone’s got to look out for you”
Freya playfully rolled her eyes and left the group.
That left ine, Erica, her date, and Aiden.
And I was still cyring her
Her date inched over slightly, the intensity of my stare making him shift unconfortably. He spoke up to Aiden, trying to clear his throat |_ “Everything is terribic, Mr. Kniglu”
“Good to hear that.” Aiden grumbled before I caught the faintest flicker in his lips. Though your date is the one who deserves the accolades”
His emphasis on the term date wasn’t missed by me. He was doing it deliberately.
The man beutated, obviously waiting for an introduction to me. Erica, however, didn’t provide one
Clever girl.
kay” she said, and at last filling the silence. I should go and take a look at a couple of things. See you later”
She wheeled around, pushing past me, and I inhaled a whiff of her perfume- delicate, flower–scented, infuriatingly recognizable.
I didn’t linch
Didn’t watch her leave.
Her date hung back a fraction of a second too long before finally taking his leave too
Aiden grinned the instant he was out of sight
“You know, if looks could kill, that guy would be six feet under by now,”
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42 PM ď ď
Chapter 95
1 finished the rest of my whiskey and slammed the glass down on the counter
You’re delusional”
“Yeah,” I growled. “You’re imagining things”
Aiden Laughed. “Right. Because you just happen to glare at every investor who walks into a room.”
I didn’t say anything. Because there was nothing to say.
I wasn’t jealous. I wasn’t anything I was just annoyed.
Yeah. That was it. And if Aiden or someone else had any other idea? They could go to hell.
