Page 66 of Revenge & Ruin

I consider her for a moment. “Why are you here,belle?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I missed you?”

“You never had me.”

“Didn’t I?”

Yes, you did.

Instead, I lean back in my chair and let my eyes drift back to the stage. Danny starts up a new melody, and I pretend I’m enraptured, just like everyone else. As if she even holds a candle to the woman in front of me.

“Her hair is shorter,” I comment mildly, “and she wouldn’t be able to pull off your dress.”

I take the opportunity the second Isabella turns around to look at the stage for herself. All it takes is a quick nudge, and I’ve swapped our glasses before she can turn around again.

She raises a pleased eyebrow at me as she reaches for what she believes to be her glass and takes a long drink.

The remaining glass must be safe, then. I raise it to her before taking a drink.

I swear her eyes never leave the liquid. They pause at my mouth long enough for me to swallow, before glancing down at the bob of my throat. Her tongue pokes out of her mouth, seemingly involuntarily.

“See something you like?” I ask sweetly.

She leans back in her seat, suddenly much more relaxed. “As a matter of fact…” Her eyes rake over my body unashamedly.

“There are too many eyes in here,” I warn her.

“A pity,” her confidence returns in full force. “I was hoping you might indulge some of the fantasies I’ve been having.”

It’s just an act. It’s just an act. It’s just an act.

“Such as?”

“Well, ever since you told me you’d like to fuck me under the table, I’ve had a bit of trouble thinking about much else.”

To my complete and utter despair, she uncrosses her legs.

My hands act before my brain has a chance to catch up, reaching out greedily to touch the soft skin of her thigh. It’s a casual gesture initially, until her hand falls on top of mine, and she slowly begins to push it higher.

“Not so many eyes down here, are there?” she whispers as my fingers brush against the warmth of her core.

It might be a ploy, but I can’t tear my eyes from her lips. Her scent overwhelms me, and my fingers twitch eagerly, wanting to stroke, wanting to soak in her wetness a moment or two.

“What are you waiting for?” Her words are as soft as a breath.

I could have her. I could. It would take nothing at all.

But when I look into her eyes, unfairly framed with beautiful lashes and dark, glittering shadow, and I see it. The glazed look that has begun to overcome the chocolate brown.

I snatch my hand away. “Perhaps somewhere a little more private?”

Before she can protest, I get to my feet and offer her my arm once more. I pretend to ignore the way she wobbles on her towering heels and hold her steady as we walk through the Candelabra.

More people are watching us now. Several even shoot me pointed looks as Isabella becomes increasingly unsteady on her feet. Finally, I spot Mia in the crowd. All I can do is nod at her and hope she can somehow read my mind.

“So,” Isabella murmurs at my side, “where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere I think you’ll like.”

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