Page 54 of The Devil's Pawn

If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll stay gone.

Her surprise appearance has solidified one thing for me, though: the only woman I’m interested in is my wife.

Even if she does despise me. Even if my plans haven’t changed one iota. I thought denying myself was the best way to deal with this situation, but I was wrong.

Bored with the conversation, I murmur my excuses and extricate myself from the group I’d joined. As I pivot, my eyes home in on Donovan talking with Imogen and Saskia. Although in fairness, Imogen’s gaze is still on me.

A knot tightens in my stomach. Jesus fucking Christ. How many times do I have to warn that American twat to stay away from my wife?

Saskia is fluttering her eyelashes at him, and I make a mental note to add my sister to that list of no-go areas. Just because Donovan’s family is a member of The Consortium does not mean he has free rein to do as he fucking pleases.

My jaw tenses as I make my way over. He sees me coming, and a shit-eating grin steals over his face. The bastard loves to rile me. He lives for it. If he wasn’t a Sinner, I’d make sure he died for it, but unfortunately, he’s untouchable. The Consortium has its own laws, and murdering an heir wouldsee my family excommunicated. If it was only me who’d suffer, I’d beat him to death using only my fists.

“Donovan.” I slide an arm around Imogen’s waist, staking my claim. She stiffens, but only for the briefest moment, then she leans into me and smiles. I’ve no idea whether she’s playing some kind of game, but considering the view I have of her tits in that plunging neckline dress, I’m not complaining.

“Alexander.” Donovan smirks. “Dereliction of husbandly duty again, I see. Lucky for you, I stepped in. We’ve been having a lovely chat, haven’t we, Imogen?”

“Which is now over.” I grip her hand. “Saskia, a word, please.”

My sister stays rooted to the spot, well aware of what that word will entail. “I’m fine here.”

“I didn’t ask if you were fine. I asked for a word.” My expression and my tone brooks no argument, and while Saskia gives Imogen a run for her money in the stubborn stakes, she knows when to resist and when to capitulate.

“See you later, Donovan.”

“No, you fucking won’t,” I mutter as I lead Imogen through the crowds. As soon as we’re far enough away, I stop and wait for Saskia to catch up. “Stay away from Donovan. He’s bad news.”

My sister gives me one of her famous eye rolls. “Oh, Xan. Unclench, will you? I know exactly who Donovan is. He uses women like I use tissues during flu season. It’s called having fun. You should try it sometime.”

“He was being extremely well-behaved and respectful,” Imogen offers, as if that’s supposed to make me feel better.

“Lucky for him.” I run a hand through my hair. “I don’twant you talking to him again. Either of you.” I glare at my sister to press home my point.

Saskia snorts. “What, ever? That’s difficult, don’t you think, considering his family are Consortium members? Not to mention his father and Dad are great friends.” She shakes her head. “I can handle Donovan. He’s a harmless playboy who’s never quite grown up.”

“He’s a two-hundred-pound man who’s used to getting what he wants.”

“That may be, but it isn’t me he wants. Or Imogen. What he wants is to rile you, and he’s winning at that game. Ignore him. You getting married has given him ammunition, and as long as you keep giving him a target to aim at, he’ll keep pulling the trigger.”

Sometimes, I think my sister is the smartest of all of us.

“Fine.”

I lead Imogen away, leaving Saskia to do whatever she wants. I doubt she’ll disrespect me by seeking out Donovan again tonight, although the next social or business event is another matter.

On one level, I know Donovan is harmless. He’d never physically hurt a woman, but he sees them as disposable trinkets, and I don’t want my sister becoming the next temporary bauble on Donovan’s arm.

“Where are we going?” Imogen asks when I exit the ballroom and turn left toward the stairway. I don’t respond, earning me a huff. “I want to go back. I was having fun.”

“I’m aware,” I growl. “You’re lucky I don’t dump you in the pool again, or toss you over my shoulder and spank your arse until your skin reddens.”

She pulls up short when we’re halfway up the second flight of stairs, and despite my superior strength,I stop.

“What is wrong with you? I’ve hardly seen you all night, other than when you had your hand around my throat. What would you have me do? Stand on the sidelines like a wallflower and refuse to talk to anyone.”

“Yes. That’s precisely what I’d like.”

“Too bad. I enjoyed Tobias’s company. He treats me like a human being. You should try it sometime. And for the record, I was enjoying Donovan’s company, too. Far more than I enjoy yours. I saw you with that blonde. You think the rules are different for you, but they’re not.”

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