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No doubt trying to mark her territory.

But Elijah doesn’t budge.

I hold his stare, refusing to break first. I run my tongue along my lower lip. A muscle ticks in Elijah’s jaw. Nostrils flaring ever so slightly. I know that look. Desire wars with restraint behind his stormy eyes.

Esther’s grip on him tightens, tugging on his arm, long nails scraping against his skin until he finally meets her gaze. He relents, letting her guide him away through the crowd. But not before his eyes find mine one last time.

A dangerous smirk plays across his lips, and I remember his words.

I knew I was going to have fun with you.

The room closes in on me.

The ache of wanting him, of missing what we could have had, lodges deep.

“I need to use the restroom.”

“Want me to come with you?” Lil asks.

“No, I’m alright.” Already moving away from the table, I look for the toilets. “I need a minute to myself.”

While searching, I steal several glances at Elijah, seeing how he attempts to pull away from Esther’s grasp, who still clings to his arm like ivy on a brick wall.

Once I’m hidden away in the sanctuary of the restroom, I grip the cold marble countertop, staring up at my reflection in the mirror.

What is going on with me?

I turn on the water and splash my flushed cheeks with cold water. Get out of my head, Elijah.

Shit.

The last thing I need is to break down in a public restroom, of all places.

My movements halt at the sound of the door opening, and I straighten up, plastering on a neutral expression while scrambling for a piece of paper to dry my face.

“Love that lipstick, Gemma.” Esther’s voice drips with venom behind me.

My head whips up, meeting her eyes in the mirror.

“Oh, and welcome back to civilization.” She gives me a fake smile.

“Thanks.” I throw the piece of paper in the trash.

Esther places her massive engagement ring on the side of the sink before turning on the faucet to wash her hands. “So, how have you been?”

What do you care? Here to see if I want your man? Hers. Right.

“Fine, thanks.” I take out my lipstick.

“Good to hear. I’m so busy with wedding preparations.” No one asked, but she continues. “Thank you for your congratulations, by the way.”

She knows damn well I didn’t. How self-centered can a person be?

“Of course. I wish you both the best.” The best with the man who made me feel like no one else ever managed and probably ever will. How ironic.

Esther laughs, sliding the ring on her finger. “Tell me, are you married? If not, I could hook you up with someone.”

Threatened? Are we?

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