Page 49 of A Heart So Savage

“Keep your distance, Nadia, or I’ll have you expelled from this building and all privileges revoked,” Kingston drawled, returning the phone to his pocket. Ava breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped aside so an elegantly dressed older woman could enter the ladies’ room.

“Good evening, Kingston,” the woman said, the creases at the corners of her eyes deepening as she smiled. “Is everything all right?”

“Of course, Mrs. Ellerby. Just helping my date with a small wardrobe malfunction. This is Ava Blue, Mrs. Ellerby. Her father provided services as my attorney.” Kingston flashed the elderly woman a warm grin. “But that was many years ago. Anyway, I do hope you are enjoying your evening.”

“Oh, yes. The food is superb, as always,” Mrs. Ellerby exclaimed before shaking Ava’s hand. “Lovely to meet you, my dear.”

“Won’t you excuse us, Mrs. Ellerby? I’m doing a fine job of creating a roadblock to the use of the facilities, and we should return to our table. It was wonderful seeing you. Please give your husband my regards.” Kingston’s arm snaked around Ava’s waist in a blatant display of ownership. He nodded toward the young woman standing at the polished marble countertop, her forehead creased in agitation. “Remember what I said, Nadia. I won’t repeat the warning.”

Nadia’s head bobbed in a quick, jerky motion, indicating her agreement.

Kingston dragged Ava down the darkened hallway. In the high heels, she barely kept up with his long strides, but it was more difficult curbing her tongue.

“Who was that woman?”

His pace slowed, allowing her to catch up. Pulling her against his lean form, his eyes sparked with something undefined. “Mrs. Ellerby. Her husband is Senator Patrick Ellerby. He’s also one of the men I vetted for the auction.”

“A senator?” Ava sucked in a breath. “Amarriedsenator?”

“A very powerful senator and a good friend to have when the situation calls for it. His loyalty is rewarded with certain perks. And married or not, he treats his women very well. Mrs. Ellerby looks the other way when it comes to such things.”

“Oh, I’m a perk now.”

“You are no longer available to anyone other than me, Ava, so what does it matter now?” Kingston’s gaze narrowed as Nadia emerged from the restroom. The girl brushed past where they stood in the corridor, her mouth curving in a smirk for Ava before averting her eyes from Kingston’s disapproving scowl.

“What about that one?” Ava’s temper flared higher. “Would she have been on the approved list of buyers? Or it that a privilege reserved for wealthy men like yourself and the senator?”

With a sigh, Kingston pulled Ava into a small, dark alcove. “Nadie is no one. Just a girl with a big mouth and an even bigger ego.”

“You’ve slept with her?” Ava blurted out before tightening her lips in dismay. She had no impulse control around this man. It was disgusting.

He smiled. “There’s that jealous streak again.”

Ava tried jerking her hand from his steely grip but failed. “I’m not jealous! But you obviously have some sort of history. She’s interested in you and…” Her words faltered. “And you could let me go. You could be with someone like her. Or even Monique, the stewardess.”

“I’ve no desire to be with another woman.”

“But you’ve been with her. With Nadia.” Ava wanted to kick herself for this need to interrogate him. Her mouth was on autopilot. Spewing out questions she had no business asking.

“Everything okay, boss?” Jack interrupted, his large body blocking out the quiet bustle of the restaurant and the elegant strains of music. His hand rested at his hip, disturbing his suit coat and reminding Ava the bodyguard was armed when she caught a flash of metal.

“It’s fine, Jack. Go back to your post.” Kingston’s gaze never strayed from Ava.

With a quick nod, Jack retreated as silently as he’d appeared.

“Now, back to your question, curious little lamb.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Nadia’s been a partner for Oliver on multiple occasions, and yes, I regrettably once fucked her along with him. Was hardly a memorable experience. At least not enough that I wanted a repeat performance.”

Ava turned her head, embarrassment flooding her at his crude response. “I-I don’t want details.”

Kingston placed a forefinger beneath Ava’s chin, forcing her to look at him. “Don’t you?”

When she did not answer, he surprised her by stating softly, “Come dance with me, Ava.”

She stared at Kingston, confused by his abrupt request. “I don’t think that’s a good idea…” she finally stammered.

“I wasn’t asking. But promise you’ll say yes, and I’ll swallow my damned pride and ask nicely.”

“People will get the wrong impression.”

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