Page 39 of Dauntless

“I didn’t mean to offend you,” he said apologetically. “I thought you were really a part of everything now.”

“Everything?” I questioned as my brows raised.

“Well, swap partners for the night,” he explained leering at me. “Sophie and I are interested. I’m sure Elliott would go with it. To be honest, I’m obsessed. I can’t get enough of looking at that video of you.” He leaned close to my ear. “I can’t stop seeing your pussy. Fuck, you were so wet, had Dane and Elliott just come inside you? Please let me have a taste of you, Gia. I would eat you out for hours.”

My face heated to burn. I was not only not flattered, but I was also insulted.

Placing my heel on top of his foot I said, “Never talk to me like that again. Do I make myself clear?” I put some pressure on it enough to make him flinch, then stopped.

His cheeks turned bright pink. “It was a compliment because you’re beautiful. I’m sorry you took it the wrong way.”

“That goes double for me, leave her alone,” Elliott appeared and stepped between us, towering Bradley. He pushed his finger into his shoulder hard enough to make Bradley step back into the wall. “You come near her again. I’ll rip you apart.”

“Come on, Elliott. Be reasonable,” Bradley put his hands up. “You’ve said and done more than talk to Sophie.”

“I don’t care,” Elliott responded sharply. “Anyone could see Gia’s uncomfortable.”

I was just as puzzled as Bradley over Elliott’s reaction, though I liked that he intervened.

Bradley looked between us. “I get the message.” He walked off fast without another word.

Elliott cursed. “You all right?”

I took a deep breath and nodded. “It’s fine. I handled it.”

“It’s not fine, or you wouldn’t look so upset,” Elliott gritted and ran his hand over my back. “He’s usually okay, but tonight he was out of line. I invited Sophie to Angel’s show after I had interviewed her for the case. I’m sorry.”

I shivered at his touch. “I’ll be fine.”

“Tove said you wouldn’t come over to me when you saw me talking to the women.” His voice was casual, but his eyes were studying me. Thanks, Tove.

“You were busy,” I replied dropping my head to end eye contact.

“I’m not too busy for you,” Elliott said taking my hand and squeezing it. “Ever,” he whispered.

My heartbeat quickened. I didn’t trust myself to look at him. I hated how suspicious I had been. He was free to do what he wanted. I had no right. Right? “Did Sophie have anything to share that would help the case?”

Elliott rubbed the hair on his jaw. “Not really. I invited her because I thought she was nice, and she’d be good for you to talk to since you’re seeing Dane and me. Sophie has previous experience in polyamorous and open relationships. Some of the members weren’t a part of the corruption.”

“Is that the only reason you asked her?” I broached carefully.

He captured my chin and my pulse jumped. “Is that all you want it to be?” he put the decision back on me.

I pursed my lips. “Yes. That’s all.”

“You’re jealous,” he grinned broadly.

Now I had to look at him, and when I did, his eyes bore into mine like a lightning bolt and I was struck. Exposed. There was an intensity between us that made my heart swell with emotions that weren’t welcomed by him. I turned away and noticed the tunnel was empty. “We should go have dinner…. I haven’t congratulated Angel or Dane.” I inhaled. Dane. I didn’t know how I’d react to him with Angel. I was conflicted.

Elliott exhaled and let go of my chin. “You can congratulate them later. Let’s go eat.”

We took our time before returning to the dining area to look at some of the displays before going to find our seats. One of the hostesses escorted us to our table where we found Sophie and Bradley. Awkward, wasn’t the half of it.

Instead of remaining in a tense silence, Elliott jumpstarted a conversation about the show. Sophie seemed to find everything he said fascinating and punctuated every laugh by a touch on Elliott’s arm. Elliott didn’t touch her, but he didn’t discourage it either. I ignored them and had two glasses of wine instead. I was about to have number three when Elliott cut me off. He removed the bottle and my half-filled glass.

“You’re not getting drunk tonight,” he said quietly, his tone curt.

I frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

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