Page 63 of The Protégé

I’d never felt this inexplicable surge of protectiveness and possessiveness before. Who was I? Where was Orion?

“Here she comes,” Sabrina whispered to Chantel. “You’ll look better in that dress. You should get it. By the way, is she returning to work after her vacation? Is it even a vacation? Did you say it’s an excuse for her to distance herself from the issues at work?”

“If I were her, I would give my notice and move on. But who knows?” Chantel lifted her shoulder. “She thinks differently. But I don’t think she’ll return, especially not after what she’s been accused of.”

What was Elena accused of? A wave of protectiveness billowed in me. “You know Elena?”

Chantel turned and placed a gentle hand on my arm. “She’s not your type, Orion.”

“You need someone more stylish and with connections.” Sabrina smiled at Chantel.

“I have eclectic tastes.” My eyes met Elena’s as she approached.

I took in her perfect face, the updo that revealed her elegant neck, the low neckline that enticed me, and the lovely figure that had men from other tables fixated on her.

Jealousy spiked in me. “Hello, Elena.”

“Hi.” Her eyes disconnected from mine and traveled to the hand on my arm.

Something flashed in her eyes, and the event in the Cosmic Lounge sprang to mind. I nudged Chantel’s hand off my arm by shifting toward Elena.

She looked at Chantel, Sabrina, and finally at Ralph, where her expression softened. She walked over to him. “It’s good seeing you at this event.”

“Likewise. You should buy the dress for yourself. It’s perfect for you.”

She blushed, looking more attractive than I’d ever seen her. The genuine smile and the gleam in her eyes brought the dress to life.

More models in pretty dresses walked by, but my attention was glued to her. Though I loved Ralph like he was family, jealousy still stung me. I envied the ease they shared.

I wanted that with her.

But you ruined it when you pushed her away.

“So this is your part-time job?” Chantel asked Elena.

“I can’t say no to charity,” Elena said. “Maybe you should buy a few pieces to support this cause.”

“I should.” She smiled. “I can afford it.”

Elena looked away from Chantel, but not before she rolled her eyes, a gesture I loved seeing on her.

The men from a nearby table eyed Elena, waiting for her to come over to their table. Possessiveness overcame me, and I pulled her onto my lap.

People from the nearby tables gasped.

“What are you doing?” she yelped.

I loved the way her ass pressed into my thigh, fitting perfectly on my lap. People stared at us, even Ralph. Chantel and Sabrina exchanged glances.

I slipped an arm around Elena’s waist. “Testing to see how stretchy this dress is before I place a bid on it.” With my other hand, I brushed the silky fabric on her thigh. Then I leaned into her ear. “I want you to remember this moment and think of me before going to bed.” I inhaled her scent. “You smell nice.”

Embarrassment flickered on her face.

Then she pushed herself off my lap and whirled around to face me. God, she was so beautiful, even when she was pissed.

“The dress has plenty of movement.” She scoffed, yanking gently at the dress. “Whoever you buy this for would be very comfortable in it.” Then she stalked over to another table, dismissing me.

Satisfied that the entire room knew she was mine, I sat back against the chair and watched her exchange conversation with an older woman at a table full of women. She twirled and posed for them.

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