Page 26 of Dissension

But shedoesfeel something for him. A strange desire to have a man who looks as perfect as he does. To know what he feels like. To taste his want for her in exchange. To take that magnetizing personality and wrap herself in it.

Day by day, week by week, she’s felt the inexplicable pull from him. The draw. His charm is surreal and he’s still the most handsome man she’s ever beheld in her entire life. It terrifies her in a way that she cannot reconcile.

“Don’t what?” His head tilts and the night lights passing them by outside shine off his pale hair like some sort of halo. Even in the shadow of the car, Kara can see the glitter of his green eyes, the slyness of his pupils.

“Don’t play games with me,” she says in a hushed tone, heart in her throat, heat in her veins. “I’m not the one.” His lips are so close to hers, just hovering there, just so-

She tilts her head slightly, drawn to him, an ache, a searing yearning, wanting to feel-

The door clicks open as they park in front of the event, their driver waiting cordially.

Dieter holds eye contact with her for a moment more before artfully leaning away with a sharp, playful grin. Their lips never touch. “After you, chickadee.”

Kara flushes and looks away from him, sliding out the door.

Chapter 13

The charity gala is beautiful, as expected. Kara imagines the money spent to throw this event probably comes close to how much was spent in charity dollars when all is said and done. She marvels at the splendid flower arrangements, the sparkling lightworks, and candlelit votives sprinkled around the space, full of men and women dressed in fine dark suits and long black dresses.

The awareness Kara feels walking in on Dieter’s arm is immense. All eyes find their way to him first, but then fall to her as an afterthought. It’s something that still brings a prickle to her flesh, feeling all those gazes from countless strangers, the way they probably have their own judgement of who she must be to be at his side.

Dieter’s arm is warm under her hand as he escorts her in with a grin. Always unfazed by the attention in a way that Kara cannot understand.

She wonders what those who know him must think; he’s usually got statuesque models on his arm that are taller than him. Kara is shorter and that’s a fact that stands out, considering histype.

Drinks are passed about, along with cute fingerling foods. Kara sips her sparkling water and adopts a cool expression as Dieter shakes hands with various men as they make their way through the room. She’s not a fan of these events, but she does get paid well for the time spent dealing with other lawyers during their business dealings.

From the corner of her eye, she spots Nick and Claire, both socializing at the far end of the room. Her insides twist with a strange jealousy and dread. She wants and despises him all atonce. His suit is perfect and austere on his form, with Claire looking picture perfect beside him, all red lips and glamorous midnight hair spilling down her back.

Nick’s electric blue eyes fall on Kara over Claire’s shoulder. His expression shifts visibly, eyes going wide.

Kara swallows thickly and looks away, wishing to disappear. She never answered his texts about needing to speak to her. He’sengagedand she doesn’t know how long her willpower will hold if they start meeting again, even to justtalk.

The man beside her notices the small changes in her demeanor. His hand settles over hers where it rests in the crook of his elbow. “Hey, none of that. It’s game time, chickadee.” Dieter pulls her out of the main ballroom, leading them off towards where two men are already waiting for them.

“Did you know he would be here?” She asks, feeling vaguely betrayed. Seeing Nick with Clairehurts.

“Does it really matter?” Dieter whispers in her ear before they duck into an inconspicuous room.

I suppose it wouldn’t to you,she thinks.

It’s supposed to be a simple contract examination. Kara has done a few of these already for Dieter and her confidence is high as they enter the room. She tries to ignore the fact that Nick is here, in the other room, not so far away. With Claire.

…two people who seem to think Kara should throw all her morals to the wind and justgive in.Oh, well,three people, if Dieter is included in that mix. These mad crazy bluebloods…

Focus.

Within the room are two men, one being a business potential for Dieter. The other being his lawyer.

The sour-faced man in the ill-fitting suit is Kallack, who distinctly gives Kara a once-over that makes her feel dirty. It’s followed by a distinctly dismissive glance, as if she’s unimportant. This incenses her immensely; she haseveryright to be in this room.

Beside him is his client, a slighter fellow, reedy in stature with a pinched face. Paulson, the gentleman looking to make a deal with Dieter. The guy is busy trying to look confident, but he comes off watery in the presence of Dieter.

“Bittinger,” Kallack says with no small hint of irritation in his voice, all bluster. “I appreciate your need to always have a slut on your arm, but this is one instance where we don’t need one of your floozies present.”

This chauvinistic dickweed. Heliterallyknows who she is! They’ve met before, the bastard…

Kara glowers at him, feeling vindicated when Dieter sits down and doesn’t even glance at the folder placed in front of his seat. He’s pinning the other man with a flat look, peridot eyes empty of pleasantries. Without looking away, he slides the folder to his right, a clear indication that he wants Kara to look through it first.

---