She must have caught my heated stare in that moment because her whole demeanor shifted from curiosity to temptation.
I feel it too.But as soon as I had the thought, I forced a scowl that had her looking at her feet in an instant.
That only aroused me more.
Milo elbowed me. “Don’t you think so?”
“Hmm?”Damn it.I hadn’t listened to a word he’d said. “Forgive me, I saw someone leaning past the ropes surrounding one of the cars. As you were saying?”
“Right,” Milo said with zero ounce of belief in his tone. “I was just agreeing with Rosalie that her daughter is perfect.”
I wouldn’t put it past Milo to lie about such things. He loved to make me look foolish.
“You really think so?” The princess smiled at my brother. She slid a quick smirk to me before looking back at him. “Thank you.”
Was she flirting with him to make me jealous…and then baiting me? A burst of fury coursed through me.
Brave girl.
If Milo fell for her flirty smile, I’d knock out his teeth.
She said, “I haven’t seen you at the club in a few weeks.”
Milo waved the server over who carried a tray of champagne. “I’ve been busy with the dealership. Maybe I’ll get there next week.”
“What club?” I asked.
“Why? You want to join us?” Milo asked.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “No, Milo, I just want an answer to my question, if that’s not too difficult.”
Milo gave me a quick side glance as he took the flutes off a tray and passed them around. “A trendy and exclusive club in downtown Manhattan. Didn’t I tell you about it?”
“No, you didn’t.” I held up my hand, turning down the champagne.
“Oh, it’s a fantastic place!” Lissia said with far too much bubbly energy, then sipped from her flute, pressing her full, pink lips to the rim. “Not really your style, though, of course.”
She’s testing me.
Never one to hide my intentions, I made no attempt to stop gazing at her mouth. “A little rude, don’t you think? Hasn’t your mother taught you any manners?”
Rosalie, oblivious to the subtext of our conversation, gave Lissia’s arm a little pinch. “Show some respect, Lissia!”
Lissia let out a little squeal. “Mother!”
I chuckled.
Rosalie glared in response until Lissia calmed and refocused her attention back on me, a little more subdued.
“Forgive me,” Lissia said, though she couldn’t help the sarcasm slipping in. “I’m sure you’dloveit. Maybe you’d even find something…interestingthere.”
Milo saluted with his drink. “Maybe he’ll find something interestinghere.”
I leveled my gaze at my brother. “As I told you, there are less complicated ways to get what I want.”
I twisted to walk away, but Milo grabbed my arm. “Hold on a second. I have a question for you after we wrap things up here.”
Rosalie glanced between my brother and me. “Oh, don’t let me hold you up. I was just heading off anyway to meet some friends for drinks.”