Page 82 of By His Vow
“Money doesn’t buy everything,” I deadpan, avoiding pointing out that almost everyone around us smashed through the millionaire threshold a while ago.
The wealth in the room doesn’t even bear thinking about. It’s hard for me to comprehend, let alone Lori, who grew up in a small town in California with barely a dollar to her name.
“Nope, personalities are free.” Lori laughs, draining her glass.
“Well, I wish you all the best with everything,” the man talking to Kingston says, dragging my attention back to them.
“Thank you. I’m sure it’s going to be beneficial for everyone involved.”
He turns into me, our bodies close. He’s doing a fantastic job of ensuring that everyone who cares to look knows there is something going on between us.
Add that to the images that have already surfaced of us outside Warner Group together, leaving the club, and then at dinner last night, and I’d say we’re doing a pretty good job of making this fake relationship look like it’s blossoming nicely.
Bitterness twists at my insides. Sure, having him beside me today has been nice…more than nice. But knowing that we’re deceiving everyone—that we’re playing a twisted game to ensure we both get what we want—makes me feel a little sick. No, a lot sick.
All of this for a house. For a company acquisition.
It’s insane. Totally insane.
But then he leans closer and his warm breath tickles down my neck, making my brain short circuit and forget all rational thoughts in favor of filthy ones that shouldn’t have a place in my head.
“Did you want to get out of here?” he whispers in my ear.
Goosebumps erupt and a shudder rips down my spine.
I might not be able to see him, but I feel his cheek move against mine. He felt it, and the smug jerk is smiling.
“I’m not sure if I can?—”
His hand lands on my hip and he tugs me closer.
“You can do whatever it is you want to do, Tatum.”
Excitement flutters in my belly as he amps up the charm and ups the ante. “Is that right?”
“Yep,” he agrees. “Right here, right now, you can do anything.”
“Hmm…the possibilities are endless.”
“They’ll be even more so when we get out of here and are alone.”
My body temperature soars. Gaining his sole attention shouldn’t have this effect on me. He’s my brother’s manwhore of a best friend. I should be immune to his charms.
I pull back so I’m able to look into his eyes. They’re dark. Hungry. The sight of his desire makes my own quadruple.
“Can you take us home, please?” I say, trying to keep my head.
The champagne is working its magic, and everything feels just a little too possible right now.
“I’ll take Lori home,” he states. “I have other plans for you.”
Placing my hand on my waist, I pop my hip, giving him all my sass and defiance.
“On second thought, we’ll just call an Uber.”
His eyes narrow and even more butterflies take flight in my stomach.
Oh, I love this game.