Page 47 of Billion Dollar Revenge

His gaze makes another shiver run down my spine. His nearness, his touch, his body heat is all too much. The song changes to a slower melody, but neither one of us makes a move to leave. Instead, he pushes on my lower back, pulling me closer to him. His breath hitting my temple stirs intense desire that makes it difficult for me to think clearly.

Evan dances as easy as breathing and I don’t want him to stop touching me. So I keep my mouth shut. We continue to dance, no words spoken between us, but our eyes stay on each other as our bodies sway in tune to the beat.

We finally stop once the song ends. Evan’s fingers draw circles on my lower back, and I get lost in his blue eyes.

He clears his throat. “I need to make a speech now.”

Stepping back, I wave my hand in a go motion. “Go. I’ll be here.” I point over to the spot near the bar, planning to order another drink, suddenly needing one to cool down.

“No. You’re coming.”

I frown. “Why?”

“I want you there.”

His answer makes my head spin and all that comes out is a measly, “Okay.”

He grabs my hand and walks me through the crowded dance floor until we’re at the front of the room. I don’t miss the looks or the whispering going on around us. Not that I can blame them. It’s Evan. They’ll want to know everything about me. He’s in media, for God's sake.

Stopping, he moves in front of me. His eyes bore into mine, holding my attention as if I’d look anywhere but him.

“I won’t be long.”

As he turns to go to the stage, I watch his every step. The room silences when he taps the mic.

“Thanks for coming tonight. You all know I’m a man of few words, so this speech will be short and sweet. Each of you are what makes this company amazing. Thank you for all your hard work and the teamwork you demonstrate every day. Enjoy tonight, this is all about you.”

I’m smiling from ear to ear. The crowd erupts, and as I take a look around the room. I’m not the only one who is mesmerised by him.

He walks off the stage and strides over to me.

“That was great,” I say.

He takes a deep breath. “Thank you. I’m fortunate to have such an incredible team and I’m glad we could honor them tonight.”

The music is turned up, and the lights are dimmed.

“Ready for another drink?”

I take it we aren’t dancing again.

“Evan, you’ve been babysitting me all night. I can be alone for a few. You should socialize with your employees.”

I feel bad; we’re at his work function and he hasn’t spoken to more than a couple of people.

“No. I hate socializing.”

“But you’ve been doing that with me all night.” I laugh.

“It’s different with you.”

I don’t argue; instead, I welcome his attention. His honesty makes me let go and stop second-guessing his need to be beside me.

“Let’s grab a drink. I want to show you some pictures of the studio.”

He holds out his arm. I link mine through, even if I’m bummed because I wanted to hold his hand.

We arrive at the bar and wait only a few minutes before getting our drinks.

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