Page 92 of Javier

As the trio met each other and compliments began flying at high speed, Javier excused himself. I didn’t miss the disappointment that lingered in the woman’s gaze. Even as she engaged with Pierre and Gerard, her stare trailed Javier’s path to me.

I knew how she felt.

“Very clever,” I murmured as he joined me by the pool gate. “And by the looks of it, effective as well.”

“Anything to get you out of here with a clear conscience.” He paused and studied my face. “Do I detect a note of scorn in your voice?”

“No,” I answered all too quickly.

His lips twitched. “Angel, are you jealous?”

“Of course not!” I lied through my teeth.

“If you were, I’m good with that.” He took my hand. “I’ve been cross-eyed jealous of those two since you met them.”

“You? Jealous?” I gawked at him.

“I know. Weird. Right?” He grinned. “Should we go now?”

We walked the meandering path ahead of us in silence. The quick exchange had dampened my mood somewhat. He must’ve noticed.

“My rusty emotional radar detects negative energy in the air.” He gave my hand a little squeeze. “I swear on my mother’s grave I didn’t bang that lady.”

The question got away from me. “Why not?”

“Because…” He let out a heavy exhale. “I’ve been hung up on you for a while.”

Holy moly. I hadn’t made it up. He’d felt the same attraction I’d felt the whole time.

“Angel?” he squeezed my hand as we walked on the long path across the lawn. “I know you’re quiet, but I’m worried. What are you thinking?”

“That you’re into sex, and that she’s beautiful, sexy, and totally your type.” Apparently, I had no filter tonight.

“That’s in the past,” he said, shocking the heck out of me. “I regret I ever had a type.”

“I’m not judging you,” I rushed to say. “I’m not making any assumptions, either.”

“There are things,” he offered haltingly. “Stuff you don’t know about me. Stuff you should know.”

“Tonight, none of those things matter.”

“If that’s how you want it, then that’s how it’ll be.”

One night with Javier. I put all other thoughts out of my mind. It was all I needed to finalize my transformation and become the new me.

Chapter Twenty-three

Javier

As we climbed the hill, I was aware of Missy’s assigned security guards trailing us from afar. Good. I didn’t plan on letting my guard down even though I was going to be busy. I offered Missy my arm, and she took it, looping her hand around my elbow and settling it on my forearm. Her pale and delicate fingers contrasted with my tanned, burly arm.

I stole a glance at her. A few, long strands had escaped her bun, but she looked calm and composed. When she caught me looking, she flashed me a small smile that made me vibrate at a higher frequency.

I’d been following King’s advice about identifying my emotions before opening my big mouth ever since I talked to him earlier. The mental exercise had helped me to control my hothead and navigate through some treacherous waters tonight. Now I made a concerted effort to name the emotion that tightened my guts and tensed my shoulders.

I was nervous.

Me. Nervous.

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