Page 67 of Diamond Don

I glance in Nik’s direction and confirm he is observing us. I’m not sure how much of his display is for McGuire’s benefit and how much is due to genuine feelings of jealousy. After all, even though he isn’t half as indifferent to me as he’d like me to believe, there’s no doubt that nothing matters to him as much as destroying the man dancing with me.

“He’s just protective of me, that’s all,” I say, hoping he’ll take the hint that Nik might make him pay if he harms me.

“I can’t blame him. I’d be very protective of someone as captivating as you, too.”

I laugh, pretending to be charmed by his attempt at flirting. “I’m sure a man like you has plenty of much more captivating women than me throwing themselves at him.”

“I don’t know about that, Kat. I’ll give Nikolai this—his eye for beauty is unparalleled.”

“Oh, stop. You’re making me blush.” I teasingly shove against his chest, and he pulls me a fraction closer to him. Years of practicing the art of deception are the only thing preventing me from grimacing in response.

“I’m sure this is nothing new to you. Heartbreakingly beautiful women always know of their power and aren’t afraid to yield it.”

“I’ll plead the fifth to that.”

McGuire chuckles. “I have to say, I can’t shake the feeling there’s something familiar about you. Have we met before?”

I shake my head. “I’m sure we haven’t. I’m positive I’d remember meeting someone as dashing as you.”

His soft laughter has a hint of darkness to it. “Careful, Kat, or I’ll think you’re encouraging an old man’s crush on you.”

I shrug. “What can I say? Old habits die hard. But we should probably keep this little back-and-forth of ours between ourselves. I wouldn’t want Nik to worry unduly.”

“No, of course not. Speaking of him, here’s your knight in shining armor,” McGuire whispers close to my ear, glancing over my shoulder.

I turn and practically run into Nik’s chest. He wasted no time coming to fetch me after the song ended.

“I believe that was the end of your dance, McGuire,” Nik says.

McGuire chuckles again. “Right. Kat, it was a genuine pleasure to meet you. I can only hope I’ll see you again soon.” He bends over my hand to press a kiss against it. “I guess you’ll have your dance now, Nikolai.”

Nik shoots him a glance that is nothing but icy fire. “I’ll enjoy it at home,” he says before wrapping his arm around my waist and leading me away.

After a moment, when we are at a safe distance from the dance floor, I whisper, “You were so right, Nik. He couldn’t help himself. The man was bending over backward to entice me away from you. I’ll have him eating out of the palm of my hand in no time. Great job with the whole jealous boyfriend act, by the way. He completely bought it.”

“Fiancé,” Nik practically snarls through gritted teeth.

“What’s that?”

“I’m your fiancé. Not your boyfriend,” he says with a grunt.

“Right. That’s what I meant. Great job. But I wish you hadn’t surprised me with that. A little heads-up would’ve been appreciated, boss.”

Nik murmurs something intelligible as he clenches his jaw. He increases his pace, firmly and swiftly leading me away from the guests.

“Where are we going?” I ask, confused. We’re almost jogging through the entrance foyer.

“Home.” Nik’s hold over me tightens as he increases his pace.

“But we just got here!”

“We did what we came here to do. Now we’re leaving.”

“But I didn’t even say hello to Sheila!”

Nik glares at me as if I have lost my mind. “Who the fuck is Sheila?”

“John’s fiancée,” I say, staring at Nik like he is the one who’s lost it.

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