Page 33 of Devil's Claim

“Another wow. That accent. Thank you very much, Mr. Blanco. Where in God’s name did you meet him, Chris?”

Christine leaned against me. “That’s a long story and tonight is all about you. Where’s Troy?”

“Oh, he’s around here somewhere. You know him. Always talking business. It doesn’t matter we’re getting married in less than a month.”

“You need to control that man,” Christine sighed. “Don’t look now, but Troy is motioning for you.”

Chloe squeezed her hand. “I do try. Go drink. Dance. This is the part I loathe. Being paraded around like a prized possession.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

“God, I hope not.” Her face clouded. “I need to tell you something. I was going to call you, but I just ran out of time.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. Well, not for me. I mean?—”

Chloe was interrupted as if on cue by Tonya’s sudden appearance. “Well, there you are. I thought you dropped off the cake and decided to leave without making an appearance. Chloe wouldn’t want that. Now, would you?”

“She’s my maid of honor, Tonya,” Chloe retorted. “I knew she’d come. And I can’t wait to dig into the delicious-looking cake.”

Snorting, Tonya rolled her eyes. “Yes, well, unfortunately the cake is a little underwhelming, but my caterers had a second cake prepared just in case. All is not lost.”

I sensed Christine was close to tossing the champagne in her face. I had to admit, I wouldn’t mind seeing her do that very thing.

“Nonsense,” Chloe spit out, glaring at Tonya.

I took a step forward and Christine shot me a hard look.

“Yes, well, I admit that I was busy last night. The interruption was… Delicious. Well, I’m certain Chloe can understand since she’s marrying one hot man herself.” She peered up at me, offering a bright smile.

I was no one’s hero, but at that moment, I wanted to be one for her. I took her into my arms, capturing her mouth much like I’d done the night before. Christine melted into me, placing her hand on my chest. I sensed Tonya stiffening while Chloe giggled under her breath.

As I swept my tongue inside, ours danced together and at least for a few seconds, there was no one else in the entire house.

When I pulled away, I winked at Tonya. “A wonderful party. A beautiful home. Entertaining guests. I’m right where I want to be.”

“Who are you again?” Tonya demanded. “You look familiar.”

Bingo. As her eyes narrowed, I stared into them, offering a slight smile.

“Kruz is my boyfriend. Or maybe I should say my fuck buddy. He just flew in from Spain last night and we were a little busy. I hope you don’t mind, Chloe.” Christine was a consummate actress. I had to offer her even more credit.

“Kruz Blanco,” I offered, extending my hand.

There was a continued hint of recognition, but Tonya did her best to mask her reaction.

She shook my hand limply, eyeing the two of us. “So good of you to make my party.” Almost immediately, she jerked her fingers from mine. I detected more than a hint of nervousness.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I told her.

Christine suddenly sucked in her breath and Tonya caught her response. Her eyes flashed and a man pushed his way from the crowd, wrapping his arm around Tonya’s back. It was obvious they were a couple.

And I also sensed by Christine’s reaction this was exactly the news Chloe was trying to tell her. That her fucking ex and the father of her child was at the party.

The motherfucker.

I could kill him where he stood.

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