Page 48 of Mountain Security

She introduced Alex as her boyfriend, and the five of them chatted for a few minutes. Thankfully, the pair of women did most of the talking, so the only thing Yvette had to do was nod and smile.

Eventually, a man in his late-thirties approached their group.

When Yvette offered him her hand, he ignored it, instead leaning over to plant a kiss on her cheek. Beside her, she felt Alex stiffen, but he didn’t say anything.

The man smiled, showing off bright white teeth.

“It’s good to see you again, Yvette.”

“Aristide,” Yvette said.

Though Aristide Gaultier was built like an athlete, Yvette knew he was also a cunning businessman who’d been behind several prominent French start-ups.

“Ladies, I’m sorry to have to take my father away,” he said. “I need him for a minute, but I’ll be sure to bring him right back.”

Eventually, the older women left as well, and she and Alex were left alone. Alex’s arm went around her lower back, pulling her closer to him.

A moment later, she realized what he was doing.

He’s staking his claim.

The thought should have made her angry, but instead it made her feel warm inside.

Hot, even.

As if somebody had turned on the heating.

“Why does he keep staring at you?” Alex hissed.

At first, Yvette had no idea what he was referring to. Then she looked up and saw Aristide staring at her from across the room.

“How do you know him?”

“Chamonix’s a small town. Most people know each other,” she said. “And he’s the son of one of the mayor’s biggest supporters.”

“The sad-looking old man?”

She nodded. “He didn’t use to look sad. I think something must have happened to her.” Something nagged at the back of his mind.

His wife.

Something happened to his wife.

Did she leave him?

Did she die?

“He’sstillstaring at you,” Alex said. His hand pulled against her waist, bringing her even closer.”

“You’re jealous,” Yvette said, leaning into him. Alex radiated warmth, even through the tuxedo jacket.

He made a sound deep in his throat.

“He and I went out a few times. It was years ago,” she added, even though she didn’t owe him any explanations. “Nothing serious.”

“I don’t like him. He looks like he wants to eat you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Alex,” Yvette laughed. “He’s the kind of man who takes the family jet for shopping trips to Milan. If anything, the only thing he likes about me is that he couldn’t have me.”

---