Page 31 of Faking It

He has no motive to tell a soul what I’d done, but that’s not enough to comfort me. Not when I’m trying so hard to get established in this industry. If people find out, my career will be over before it really begins.

“Don’t tell me you’re already done working.”

The lazy drawl makes me turn around. He stands between the hedges, his cocky smile giving me instant chills. And not the good kind. I’ve seen Michael Galanos watching me all night, yet he never once approached the bar. There’s something about him that leaves me even more unsettled than Carter does. With Carter, it’s fear mixed with a confusing sexual attraction. Michael gives me the creeps. I don’t think he’s a good person. At least, that’s my gut feeling. His energy just feels so wrong.

It doesn’t matter what I think or feel, anyway. He’s kind of my boss, and I probably shouldn’t be back here.

“Sorry, I was only taking a breather,” I mutter, moving forward, intending to get past him. He shifts to block my way, and I stop short, puzzled.

“Me, too. It’s my party, but talking to a hundred people all night gets overwhelming, you know?”

“I guess…”

Why is he standing in my way?

There’s a short silence. My body tightens with tension as he moves closer, his scent of cologne and alcohol overwhelming my senses. His soft breathing warms my face as he whispers, “Want some company?”

Inching backward, I shake my head. “I, um… no. I’m actually heading back to work.”

Silence. I wait with bated breath as his eyes scan my face. My heartbeat picks up pace.

“Why go back to work, when you’ve got the best company right here?” I flinch when his fingers trail up my arm. “Ana Kent, isn’t it?”

My brows shoot up. “You know who I am?”

Michael smiles. “This is my private home. I know every single staff and guest who entered my front door.” His eyes run down my body, and I get that chill again. “Though I must say, you’re the most attractive of the servers I’ve seen tonight.”

“Thank you. Um. I need to go. My supervisor must be wondering where I am.”

“I’m sure she can handle the bar until you get back.” He shifts, blocking my way again. The fierce determination in his eyes threatens to cut off my air supply. He has no intention of letting me go.

Flashbacks come at me. Memories of my panicked screams on that dark, hopeless night. My body vibrates with the same terror I experienced when I tripped, face-palming that dirt track. I might be far from that backwoods scene that changed my entire life, but the situation could be the same.

Summoning a smile that masks my fear—I hope—I inch to the other side to get around him. Michael sticks out his arm to stop me. “Come on. Don’t go.”

“I’m sorry, but you’re making me uncomfortable.”

“I am?” His brows lift with genuine surprise. He backs off, raising his hands. “My bad.”

Relief almost makes me sag to the wooden deck when he steps aside for me to go. I hurry past him, my eyes locked on the exit.

I don’t get there.

My sharp screams pierce the air when he suddenly grabs me from behind, his grip tight around my waist.

“Shh…” he hisses.

“What are you doing? Let me go!” I shriek.

“I know what you want, Ana,” he continues, his tone calm and deadly as I struggle to wriggle from his tight hold.

“Please, let me go!”

“I saw Elizabeth handing you her card earlier. I know why you’re really here. One phone call, and I can make your dreams come true.” He squeezes my breast. “All you need to do is ride me, right on that couch.”

“Somebody help me!” I sob. There’s no use trying to appeal to this monster. His erection pressed against my back is another sign of his one-track mind. He seems beyond reason at this point.

“Relax, let me make it worth your while, baby.”

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