Page 62 of The Protégé

He grunted a laugh and smirked. “It was a joke, Elena. I wanted to see you all riled up. You know, see that fire in your eyes.”

I pretended to believe him. “Just so you know, it’s not a funny joke. I loved my father, and I don’t appreciate you smearing his reputation.”

He gripped his champagne flute, drank, and placed it down on the table. “I mishandled the situation because I desperately wanted to have dinner with you.”

“Enjoy your evening. I hope you choke on your champagne.” Irritated, I stalked off to another table, making my way closer to Orion.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

ORION

My eyes followedher every move. I lost my breath at how beautiful she looked in the red dress. It elongated her body, enhanced the dips and curves in all the right places, making me wonder what mesmerizing landscape lay beneath the dress. I’d never been this enthralled by any woman. For a moment it felt like it was just me and her in the room.

Was this the date she was talking about? I scanned the room for any man that resembled an Octavius Rollins. It was hard to tell who the guy was because most men had their eyes trained on her.

“She looks beautiful in that dress,” Sabrina whispered to Chantel.

“It’s the dress.” Chantel retorted. “The color and cut would make anyone stand out. I should get it for myself.”

“You should!” Sabrina cheered. “You’d look fabulous in it.”

“Elenaisbeautiful.” I said, realizing these women must know each other.

Chantel whipped her attention to me. “If I were you, I’d stay away from her. She’snotyour type.”

“She’s trouble with a capital T,” Sabrina added.

I didn’t disagree with that comment because Elena had been nothing but trouble for my mind and body. Was there more than just jealousy between these women?

“You don’t know my type,” I replied.

“You’re a man with wealth.” Chantel gestured with her hand, and the diamond bracelet glistened from the chandelier above us. “So it makes sense for you to align yourself with wealthy women.” She sipped her champagne and placed it down on the table. “Elena isn’t that kind of woman.”

What Chantel didn’t know was that I defined wealth differently than her. I preferred those who didn’t walk in my circle. These people showed me a different perspective in life. Too much glitz and glamor blurred the truth. I had to step away, otherwise I might not see myself anymore.

“A bank account doesn’t determine someone’s worth,” I said.

Chantel chewed on her bottom lip, probably weighing my words. “You’re absolutely right. I like how you look at things.” She smiled.

“I think Elena looks gorgeous too,” Ralph said. “And so does the audience. That dress already has a bid of five hundred thousand.”

“What?” Sabrina huffed and glanced at the tablet.

I didn’t like the way Sam looked at Elena. He said something to her, and her uncomfortable expression told me she wanted to be nowhere near him. How did they know each other?

I didn’t like where this was going. Unease settled in me. Did she know what he did to those girls? Sam reached for her, but she shifted away.

That’s my girl.

The fucker had better keep his hands to himself, otherwise I’d have to break his limbs. All the self-defense lessons from mypast had been ingrained in me. Right now, my hands itched to use them.

Chantel said something to me, but I didn’t hear her. My attention focused on Elena and the intense conversation she was having with Sam. What were they talking about? She looked angry when she left his table.

He kept his gaze on her even after she wandered off. I came here tonight to see who his acquaintances were, but his connection to Elena intrigued me more. Sam Donatello wasn’t a good man, and I had to make sure he stayed away from her.

Elena turned to an older woman who admired her dress. Though Elena smiled, the unease—or was it fear—splashed on her face. My fingers curled into a fist. What did Sam say to her?

What was wrong with me? The calm and collected mask I often wore disappeared, replaced by this overwhelming need to protect her. This desire to be with her and make the world know that she was mine coursed through me. Anyone who dared touch her would pay dearly.

---