Page 116 of Tangled In Lies

Until she’s ready for more.

Until I fully make her mine.

My dick twitches at the memory of her pussy pulsing around my fingers and the prospect of feeling her clench around my cock one day, and I have to pull away to put some space between us.

I head toward the exit, and Eve’s parents step into our path. Alex is nowhere to be seen, which suits me just fine.

Audrey sweeps a glance over her daughter. “Evangeline, there you are. I thought we might miss you guys tonight. It’s been so busy, and everyone always wants to chat.”

Eve gives her mom a social smile, the one that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Hi, yes, so busy. It’s a lovely party, thank you for hosting.”

Byron shakes my hand. “How’s business going, Phoenix? I bet you’re excited to be working with your father again soon?”

I barely manage to focus on him and the ridiculous words that are coming out of his mouth, giving him a simple, “Sure. Absolutely.”

He seems satisfied with my answer and turns to his daughter. “I take it things are goingwell?”

It doesn’t take a genius to know what he’s referring to since the dollar signs are practically shimmering in his eyes. He and my dad are in the midst of closing the deal we promised him.

How pathetic. Sometimes I’m not sure which of our parents are worse. They’re both greedy and cruel in their own ways.

I focus back on Eve to make sure she’s okay just as she’s squeezing my hand.

“Yup. Everything’s goingsuper well. Anyway, Mom, Dad, sorry to cut this short, but we were just about to head out. Phoenix has some important business waiting back at the house.”

Her mom seems taken aback but quickly recovers. “Oh, sure.”

Eve waves and says, “Oh, and by the way, thanks for sending me a message after the explosion to check in. I really appreciate the thought. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

I barely have time to take in the slightly confused expression on Audrey’s face before Eve pulls me after her.

The conversation with my parents is thankfully even shorter. We swoop in, say thanks, and leave with a wave. All just for public appearances, of course.

Niko waits at the door for us. He’s one of the security guys Holden assigned for me personally, among a few others. They’ve been at the house as added security for the past few weeks. As much as I prefer to have Holden by my side, we both felt better if he checked out the car himself before we left.

“Hey, Niko. How are you?” Eve smiles at him.

I grind my teeth but stay quiet. I have to get used to her knowing everyone’s name and being friendly with the staff. Apparently, that’s her thing.

“I’m well, miss, thank you for asking.”

Thankfully, Niko knows what’s good for him and nods curtly at Eve before averting his gaze.

“I told you to call me Evie like everyone else does.”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “I remember, but I’d like to keep my job, miss.”

Her mouth opens, and she whirls around.

I immediately hold up my hands. “No, not me.”

Realization hits her features, and an irritated sound comes from her throat. “I think Hold and I need to have a little chat.”

Niko swallows but stays quiet, leading us through the mansion and into the garage.

Everyone else has their drivers dropping them off and picking them up out front, but we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks.

Holden is waiting next to the car, and Eve immediately pokes his chest. “Did you tell your guys they have to call me miss?”

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