Page 6 of My Hired Valentine

CHAPTER 6

Dex

Iwalk to the bar, racking my brain as to what Violet’s favorite cocktail might be. I’ve only known her for a short time, but something tells me she’s the type for something classy, maybe even with a little caffeine kick. As I wait my turn, I lean against the counter, letting my eyes drift back to her. She’s talking animatedly with her friends, her smile lighting up the room. There’s something about her—effervescent, down-to-earth, and a touch regal all at once.

“What can I get for you?” the bartender asks.

“An espresso martini and a Rusty Nail, please.”

The bartender nods, and I watch as he works, crossing my fingers that I guessed right. Drinks in hand, I make my way back to the group and hand Violet the martini. Her eyes light up, and the smile that follows tells me everything I need to know.

“So, what is this big benefit for?” I ask the group.

“The memo said it was raising money to help the communities of Knox County,” Seth replies, leaning in conspiratorially. “But I think it’s more about political gain if youask me. The new partners seem to have their eyes set on politics. Not just law.”

“I see,” I say, turning to Violet. “How’s your drink, babe?”

She takes a sip and smiles. “Perfect. Thank you, honey.”

“Well, well, well, look at you.” The voice cuts through the conversation, smooth but laced with something slimy. A man in his mid-forties with slicked-back, jet-black hair steps into our circle. He grabs Violet’s hand and spins her in a circle like she’s on display. “You should wear that dress every day. It suits you perfectly.”

I set my drink down, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. This is the creep.

Violet’s eyes widen as they lock on mine. “This is my boss, Mr. Harris, honey.”

“Mr. Harris,” I say, sticking out my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, sir. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All good, I’m sure,” he replies, flashing a smug grin. “Call me Wayne.”

He licks his lips as his gaze flicks back to Violet, and it takes everything in me not to knock him out. Instead, I reach for Violet and tuck her safely into my side. The way she trembles against me makes my jaw clench. She’s scared of him, and that’s unacceptable.

I glance around the group. Tiffany has sidled closer to Seth and William, their discomfort as plain as Violet’s. It’s not just her. Harris makeseveryoneuncomfortable. But the glint in his eye when he looks at Violet tells me everything I need to know. He’s a predator, and he needs to know she’s off-limits. Permanently.

“I didn’t know you were dating anyone, Violet,” Harris says, his tone dripping with fake charm.

“Oh, we’re not dating, Wayne,” I say smoothly. “We’re in a committed relationship, just waiting for the moment when my Violet says yes.”

Violet’s head snaps up. “To marriage?”

“To marriage,” I affirm.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with Violet,” I continue, holding her gaze. “She’s the reason I get up in the morning, the reason I am.”

“Honey...” Violet blinks, clearly stunned.

“One day, she’ll say yes,” I add, leaning down to kiss her temple. “She just likes to keep me waiting, don’t you, sweetheart?”

“Hmmm. Well, I’ve got people to see,” Harris says, clearly annoyed. “Save a dance for me, Violet.” He winks and saunters off.

“Have you lost your mind?” Violet hisses as soon as he’s out of earshot. “We’re not even close to getting married.”

Seth, Tiffany, and William lean in, clearly eating up the drama.

“You’re head over heels in love with me, babe. You know it, and I know it. But he doesn’t,” I say, pointing toward Harris. “And he needs to get the message. You’re mine, and I protect what’s mine.”

“I’ll marry you,” Seth blurts.

“Me too,” Tiffany gushes.

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