“I’ve taken off enough dresses to recognize a cheap one when I see it.”
A rage so venomous burned inside me, I no longer cared about keeping up my perfect act. “And you’re still a pig. Guess money really can’t buy class.”
He was as much of an asshole as he was handsome.
We stared at each other.
Me, with a ruined dress.
Him, shirtless.
Both, fuming.
He ran his tongue over his teeth. “James,” – He finally spoke, breaking the silence. I instinctively looked over my shoulder to see a butler.Creepy– “Escort this young lady off the property.”
I scoffed, feeling my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. “Seriously?”
“Afraid so, miss,” James replied, though he was not the one I’d addressed.
When I turned around, the asshole was already gone. Though the faint scent of his cologne was still in the air.
“This way, miss.” James insisted again, and I didn’t object. I had more pride than to be carried out like trash. I would walk out with my head help up high.
Before I knew it, we were back at the party, though the butler was right by my side to ensure my departure.
“Natalia, darling, we’ve been looking everywhere for you!” I’d never been happier to see a billionaire; Maya Su settled her palm on my back, guiding me deeper into the gala.I wasn’t banished yet.
Subtly, I checked my dress; to my surprise, the champagne hadn’t left a stain, and the material wasn’t wet to the eye. I didn’t bother to check on James’ reaction.
Kali spotted me from across the room and immediately excused herself from an assumingly boring conversation with one of the night’s donors.
“Enjoy tonight. Yes?” Maya offered me a parting smile, that I returned.
Kali took her mother’s spot. “I was just about to come find you. Feeling better?”
“Yes.” I smiled, rolling my eyes. “Though I ran into some asshole.”
“Not surprised. This place is filled with them.” Kali snatched two glasses of champagne off a waiter’s tray. “We’re going to need these to get through the night.Trust me.”
I did.
“Bottoms up.”
We did.
“Ugh. I don’t get the appeal.”
“It’s all in the buzz, babe. Just wait for it. It’ll hit you.” Kali took our empty glasses and replaced them with two filled ones. “Here.”
Before she could pass one over, someone came up behind me and took them away. I could feel the powerful presence against my back despite the lack of physical touch. I followed the hand movement as the man downed one of the glasses. A chill filtered through my chest, sobering me up.
Him.
“Get your own,dork.”
“Now, why would I do that when I got you, garden dwarf?”
Kali rolled her eyes. “Nat, this is my asshole brother. Trevor, Natalia.” She pushed between us. “I’m gonna go get drunk.”