Page 14 of Relentless Oath

And there was only one way to bring it all back into focus. I had to kill the person who’d stolen everything from me. I had to kill Nico.

Focus, Mya.

To the intimidating sexy man in front of me, I said, “You flatter yourself.”

He smiled, fully then, and I caught my breath. Even his smile was a temptation. He took a glass of champagne from a waiter who passed close by. “Not drinking tonight?”

“What gave me away? The lack of drink in my hand?”

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you.”

Who was he to judge me? Feeling prickly, I said, “Really? Then what does?”

“I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure that out. But maybe you should try filtering what you say before you say something you’ll regret.”

I placed my hand on my hip. “Is that your way of saying that I’m not being a proper little lady? That I should keep my mouth shut?”

“I would never say that.”

“Really?”

“Who am I to tell you what to do with your mouth?”

I couldn’t help the images that his seemingly innocent words suggested.

I couldn’t unsee it now.His lips on mine, my body under his, him spreading my legs, thrusting into me.

At that moment, someone bumped into me. “My apologies,” they mumbled. My purse brushed up against my hip.

The heaviness of the gun inside reminded me that I wasn’t there to entertain thoughts of sex with a stranger. I had bigger fish to fry.

“Enjoy your evening, um….what was your name again?”

He didn’t look pleased with me as he growled, “Dario.”

“Yes, Dario, enjoy your evening.”

I knew he was seething as I walked away. My error had been deliberate. I couldn’t have him throw me off my game.

The party was taking place in an old mansion that was now a historic building in the heart of downtown. From upstairs, I could see a dance floor that was occupied by a few couples.

So far there was no sign of Nico. I made my way delicately down the stairs, careful not to slip on the long train of my dress.

Scanning the crowd, I caught my breath when I saw Nico, his arm around a hot blonde who looked to be at least ten years his junior.

“Mya!” said a voice behind me.

I turned around, shocked that someone had called out my name. To my surprise, there was a man standing there whose son I had worked with many years ago at a shelter where he ended up after a hard time.

He embraced me and kissed both my cheeks. “I’m delighted that you’re here tonight!”

“How’s Raj doing, Mr. Chandras?”

“Brilliant! He’s gotten a job as a chef. He’s always doing those pop-up restaurants around…”

I was no longer listening. I caught sight of Nico and it seemed as if he were leaving.

“Mr. Chandras, it was good seeing you again. Give my best to Raj, but I have to leave. My apologies.”

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