Page 13 of Destined To Fall

“It’s not his brain that stimulates me.” I wink and wander off, leaving Jeremy to choke on his drink, a strangled laugh following soon after.

Oh, what a charming picture I’m painting of myself. Whatever assumptions he’s coming to can’t be too far from the truth.“Gold-digging whore” comes to mind. I pause in front of Antony, and he gives me my drink, his lips tilting up at the corners, an amused expression on his face. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s not exactly delighted either.

“You’re on the clock, Vivienne.”

“You never let me forget it, Antony.”

“That boy is attracted to you.” I arch my brows at the statement, and he sniggers.“Yes, well, that isn’t hard, or unusual. You are, and constantly will be, the most attractive and captivating woman in a room. He can’t help but be mesmerized by you.”

“Then I don’t understand, what is your issue?”

“He does not observe your body like other men.”

I frown, confused.

“His eyes never leave your face. Unless someone touches you.” At this he smirks, wrapping a hand around my waist. His gaze flickers over my shoulder and lights with satisfaction. My skin heats, but not from Antony. Damn him.“He’s infatuated with you, very much so for an acquaintance. Is he the one I found you with yesterday, from the bar?”

He already knows the answer. I can see it in his eyes.“You know very well he is, but it’s not what you’re thinking. I was in fact in a meeting ten minutes prior. An innocent one,” I add for clarification.

Antony raises an eyebrow, and I sigh.“I had a run-in with the revolving door.” I leave out that Jeremy was the cause of that, not to mention the almost-kiss that I wasn’t still thinking about.“He was kind enough to buy me a drink.” I shrug, and his eyes narrow.

“You still detest those doors?”

“Yes. Can we drop it now? The auction is about to begin, and I want that painting.”

“Very well. Shall we?” He offers his arm and drops the conversation, but somehow, I get the feeling that wasn’t the end of it.

We line up to register for the auction in the far corner of the room opposite the bar and are greeted by a mousy brunette, all rosy cheeks and batting eyelashes. Of course, Antony is all charm and seduction, milking his Italian accent for all it’s worth. Not that he has anything to gain from it. He just can’t help himself. The young girl doesn’t know what hit her. I titter to myself, and he catches my eye roll. The impish grin morphs into a frown when I grab the sign-up sheet for my own paddle.

“What are you doing?”

“Flying a kite. What does it look like?”

“I can see what you are doing, Vivienne. Do not get smart with me. What I do not understand is the why?”

“Because I want a paddle to hit you with?”

Antony pauses for a beat. His eyes twinkle as he stares at me a minute longer, and I can almost read the thoughts playing across his slightly glazed eyes.

“Hm. I might like that.” He wiggles his eyebrows, picking up our paddles.

The poor girl in front of us goes bright red, and laugh escapes me.“You’re incorrigible.”

“Come, let’s get this over with. I want to get you naked,” he whispers in my ear.

“Always so impatient, Antony.” I tease, making my way to the center of the room. Antony is hot on my heels, patting my ass with the paddle. Ouch! But damn it if that doesn’t turn me on some.“You break it, you bought it. You know the rules.”

”I already did,” he purrs in my ear, coming to stand beside me.

“Only for three more days.”

“Then I better make them count.” He pinches one of my ass cheeks, and a yelp escapes me.

“Hey!” I admonish, hitting him on the forearm with my paddle.“No marking. You ass.”

“I do believe it was yours, not mine.” He chuckles under his breath as the room is called to order by none other than Maxwell, my fresh meat.

I’d forgotten that he mentioned the event as well. I had no idea however that he was involved with it, but Jeremy had said more than half of the building was. Recognition flares in his eyes when they land on me as he sweeps the crowd. The makeshift stage giving him a perfect view of all assembled. His brows lift ever so slightly and the corner of his mouth twitches as he acknowledges my presence, taking in my attire with one quick glance down the length of me. I give a sharp nod in response when his eyes reach mine once more before his attention returns to the rest of the crowd.

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