Page 34 of Hot Blooded
I don't have to wonder about their familiarityfor long though, because a moment later, the woman approaches Reign and brings her hand to his chest, patting his lapel playfully while he chuckles at something she's said.
It's an affectionate touch—maybe even a touch shared between lovers. My fingers tighten around the stem of the champagne flute.
Her painted lips move beside his ear, and his jaw stiffens, but he doesn’t respond to whatever it is that she’s just said to him. I wish I was closer, wish I could hear what they’rediscussing, but part of me knows that maybe that’s not a good idea.
I don't like the way she looks at him—like there's a secret in her eyes, private information that only they share.It's like a kick in the chest, knockingthe wind right out of me.
Their familiarityis unmistakable, and I’m no longer having fun. I need air.
“Come with me,” Alastairsays, his voice low and even. I didn’t even realize he was beside me, but when I glance up, I find him studying me with a look of concern. He looks somewhat somber, and against my better judgement, I follow him from the room and down the hall.
He leads me inside a spacious sitting room—there's a low-burning fireplace and two large sofas. I sink into one, knees weak, and Alastair sits down across from me. He’s dressed in a black tuxedo, white button-down shirt beneath it, shiny black shoes. His skin is alabaster, and his eyes are bright and filled with secrets. I don’t know what to make of him. Our last time together… Heat washes over me at the memory of Alastair’s full mouth drinking from me.
“Are you okay?” he asks. His concern feels misplaced, but right now, I don't even question it.
“I don't know,” I admit. I gesture toward the party. “Reign… and…”His name breaks on my lips. "Are they a couple?"
“Reign and Kai? Not now. No.”
Of course, she has a cool name like Kai. Panic swirls in my belly.
“But in the past?” There's really no reason to ask this question, not when I already know the answer.
“Yes,” he says, voice calm.
Something painful twists inside of me. I can tell just looking at them that they have been intimate. Knowing a woman as beautiful and elegant as Kai has been his lover… it’s disheartening to say the least, but it also makes sense.
Alastair places one hand on my bare shoulder and gives it a light squeeze. “You’re looking pale.”
I realize he’s probably right—my heart is pounding too. I’m surprised he can’t hear it. Then again, maybe he can.
“Breathe for me, okay?” he coaches.
I nod once and draw a slow breath.
Who knew that Alastair would be the one to offer me comfort? Certainly not me. Tonight has given me a massive case of whiplash.
The way Kai stared up at Reign, her mouth lifted in a pleasurable smile. Her eyes full of longing, like a secret only the two of them knew. I hated the way his hand rested at the small of her back and she gazed up at him with such adoration.
It was obvious she’s given him things I never will. Her blood? Perhaps. Sex? No doubt.
I feel sick.
Alastair meets my gaze with a soft expression.
“It’s okay,” I say, voice tight. It’s a lie, of course. My stupid, sad little heart hurts—and for what? Reign is my boss, not my lover. One hot kiss doesn’t mean anything.
Alastair takes my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
The door suddenly opens, and Reign is filling the doorway with a murderous look on his face. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” he howls.
I scramble away from Alastair on the sofa as Reign looks me over. He lifts my chin with two fingers and inspects my neck, running his thumb down the side, then turns over each wrist, dropping them into my lap once he’s satisfied I’m unmarked.
“I didn’t bite her. For fuck’s sake, Reign,” Alastair scolds, but Reign is undeterred. His eyebrows are drawn together as he gazes down at me.
“Are you okay?” he asks, stroking my cheek tenderly.
I meet his eyes, but am unable to speak. His concern feels out of place.
