Page 81 of The Plus One Contract

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the way her shoulders relax just a little. Good. We can’t afford to look uncertain in front of Crane. Not tonight.

The moment Julian spots us, I already know I’m in for it. He strides over, hands in his pockets, grinning like he’s just found his next source of entertainment.

His gaze flicks to Sienna before I can open my mouth. She straightens, pressing a hand against my chest. Perfect. Natural, like we practiced.

Julian’s smirk widens. “And you must be the woman I’ve heard so much about.”

Sienna shakes his hand. “Sienna.”

“Sienna,” Julian repeats, dragging out the syllables like he’s savoring them. Then he shifts his smirk to me, an unspokenthis is interestingdancing in his eyes.

I already don’t like where this is going, but I keep my face neutral.

Julian leans in and tells her, “Thanks for doing this.” Like I need a goddamn favor. It sends a ripple of annoyance through me because I haven’t forgotten how Sienna stepped into my darkest place without flinching.

She laughs. Actual, genuine laughter. I side-eye her. She just shrugs, unfazed.

“I will say,” Julian muses, “Nathan wasn’t wrong.”

She lifts a brow. “Oh?”

“He told me you were beautiful.”

Her eyes snap to mine, her lips twitching.

Yes, I said it, and I was right. She looks like a problem I’d willingly ruin myself for. Like a woman built for late nights and reckless decisions. She stands under the soft light, the emerald fabric clinging in ways that make me resent every other man in this room for getting to look at her.

She tilts her head, that smug amusement dancing in her eyes. “If you wanted to compliment me, Nathan, you could’ve just done it yourself.”

Oh, she’s in rare form tonight, and I’m glad to see she’s not letting yesterday’s drama weigh her down. Leaning in, I let my lips brush the shell of her ear, my voice low enough that only she can hear. Because sure, I’m a man who can compartmentalize.

“Yes, you’re beautiful,” I murmur. “That dress is made for you, and I’ve been thinking about fucking you in it from the moment I saw you.”

She stills. Then swallows.

Julian claps me on the shoulder, completely oblivious to Sienna’s breath hitching. “Aww, you’re in a mood. Look at that, Sienna, we’re already bonding.”

She lets out a ragged breath, blinking like she’s trying to collect herself. Then, to my fucking horror, she grins. “I like you, Julian.”

Julian winks. “Of course you do.” His grin shifts as his business face slides into place. “Richard Crane just arrived with his wife, Eleanor.”

Sienna’s smile tightens a fraction, but she doesn’t waver. She straightens her shoulders, lifting her chin. She’s ready.

I push down the memory of her pushing a trash bag full of empties across my mother’s floor, refusing to leave me alone in that hellscape. She’s more than ready to handle some investor meet-and-greet.

With my hand still on her lower back, I guide her through the ballroom.

“Nathan. Julian.” Richard Crane extends his hand when we reach him, tone firm but polite. “Glad you could make it.”

His eyes flick to Sienna. Sharp. Assessing.

Julian, smooth as ever, beats me to the introduction. “And this lovely woman,” he says, gesturing to her with casual ease, “is Sienna Blake.”

Richard’s expression barely shifts, but something flickers behind his gaze.

Eleanor Crane, poised and elegant, offers a warm but knowing smile. “A pleasure to meet all of you,” she says, turning that polished grin on Sienna.

Sienna shakes Eleanor’s hand with graceful ease. “It’s lovely to meet you both.”

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