Page 129 of Guarded King

Every time it happens, we have to turn away as if there’s nothing between us.

It burns more than I expected it to.

“Chloe?”

I turn away from the digital art display I’m studying and find Tate’s fiancée, Violet, standing close, along with a beautiful dark-haired woman I haven’t met.

“Oh, hi!” I greet her. “It’s so lovely to see you again.”

“You too.” With a warm smile, she loops her arm through the other woman’s. “This is Delilah. She’s an architect who’s done some incredible work for the King Group. Oh, and she’s also Cole’s wife.”

She says it as if Delilah’s status in relation to the King Group’s COO is an afterthought.

Delilah laughs good-naturedly in response, as if this isn’t the first time Violet’s introduced her this way.

A sense of ease settles over me. These women may be the partners of two of the most powerful men in the city, but they’re so down-to-earth, I immediately feel comfortable. “Congratulations on your baby. She’s adorable.”

Her lips curve up, green eyes shining. “Thank you. She’s a sweetheart, but she likes to make her opinions known, even at this age.”

“That sounds like a trait that will do her a lot of good when she’s older.”

She nods. “Absolutely. I just wish her current opinions didn’t include that diaper changes require maximum wriggling and screaming, or that naps are optional.”

Sophie bounces up at that moment to join us. She hands me another glass of champagne, then hugs Violet and Delilah. “You both look gorgeous. Not that I would expect anything less.”

“Are you having a good night?” Delilah asks me. Maybe I’m paranoid, but it feels as if she’s studying me a little too intently.

“It’s been wonderful so far. I’m looking forward to the rest of it.”

“Your dress is beautiful,” she says.

“Thank you.” I sweep my hands self-consciously down my skirt, as if she might be able to tell just from looking at it that her brother-in-law bought it for me.

Just then, a rush of tingles up my back causes me to inhale sharply.

Roman.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

ROMAN

“Delilah, Violet, Sophie.” I acknowledge the three other women. “Chloe.” My voice deepens when I say her name—an involuntary reaction. It’s killed me to stay away from her this long.

When I noticed Delilah and Violet talking to her, I figured it was all the excuse I needed to come over and say hello.

She turns and looks up at me, a professional smile on her lips, even as her pulse flutters too fast at the base of her throat. “Good evening, Roman.”

She’s wearing the dress I bought for her. I can’t help but drink her in, admiring the way the emerald color contrasts against her creamy skin and blond hair, while bringing out the green in her ocean eyes.

For a heartbeat too long, I linger on the slit that reveals a hint of her thigh. I’m already aware it shows a lot more than a hint when she walks. It’s stolen my focus on more than one occasion tonight. Watching her move around the room has been driving me crazy.

It’s been driving me even more crazy watching the men around her following her with their gazes too.

I force myself to look away before I make anyone suspicious. Particularly my current and future sisters-in-law who are far too observant for my peace of mind.

“I was just telling Chloe how beautiful her dress is,” Delilah says.

I keep my expression impassive. “It’s very lovely. In fact, all four of you look beautiful tonight.”

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