Page 93 of Savage Ruin
“Hmm, they all do,” I murmur. “And they’re all mine.”
He’s silent, and I turn my head to find him looking at me in shock. “Damn, girl. Good for you.”
“On the down low,” I mutter, warning him to keep quiet.
“Good luck with keeping that to yourself,” he retorts.
“You’re right. You know what? Who cares,” I respond rebelliously. Am I really worried about a society that hasn’t done a thing to help me all these years? Nope.
Grayson comes over and offers his arm.
I air kiss Peyton because I don’t dare smudge the make-up he put on me. “See you at the party.”
He and Thiago get in one SUV and leave. Mateo, Grayson, and I get in the second one.
“Minha linda,” Mateo says possessively, running a finger down my thigh. “Make sure you save me a dance.”
Grayson leans in and kisses along my neck. “Mmm, you even smell beautiful, my sweet rose. And you know what it does to me to see your legs on display.”
“What does it do to you?” I slide my hand over the front of his pants until I find what I’m looking for and run my hand lightly up and down. “Hold that thought.”
Air hisses between his teeth and he clamps a hand down on top of mine. “Minx. Later.” Placing a kiss on my palm, he sets it back down on my thigh.
I sigh.
Mateo slips an earpiece into my ear. “Tonight, we’re all wearing one. If you need anything, just speak. We’ll hear.”
“Got it,” I confirm.
We pull up to the yacht a few seconds later.
“Let’s celebrate this launch,” I state quietly, dreading the evening and the potential danger it holds.
Getting out of the SUV, I walk over to stand with Peyton. The press is specifically stationed here to capture guests when they walk in. “Isn’t he fabulous? He designed this gorgeous outfit and styled me from head to toe tonight. I mean, look at the detail on this corset and jacket.” I point out the intricate stitching where the gold outlines the flowers and the edges. “Meticulous and beautiful.”
Peyton’s eyes shine, and he squeezes me into his side.
The press takes several pictures of us both, then up-close images of my outfit, and I leave him to finish the interview. “Come find me later and introduce me to your guy.”
The Santos men wait for me to join them. Sliding into the middle, between Thiago and Mateo, I stand tall and proud. The press goes wild. Cameras flash like crazy. Reporters shout questions asking who’s dating who. Thiago ignores them and signals for security to let Dan on the yacht as payment for helping us create the fake newspaper.
Thiago gives a mini speech about the product launch and the celebration. He declines any interviews, stating an exclusive with Dan, from the Miami Herald.
We board the yacht and take the elevator up to the party.
Security is everywhere. There’s not an inch of this yacht that isn’t covered with manpower or surveillance.
Later, we’re going to officially announce the launch of the software and show the demonstration video. Right now, it’s time to mingle while we wait for all the guests to arrive.
The three men are quickly surrounded by people needing their attention, but I don’t want to join a bunch of strangers. I point to the bar to let them know where I’ll be.
I’m pouring a glass of wine when I hear a distinct British voice behind me. I turn to find Sterling talking quietly to Zane. As usual, he’s dressed to impress in an impeccably cut suit.
“British men certainly know how to dress,” I drawl.
Sterling spins around and gives me a dashing grin. “Hmm, you’re looking quite smashing yourself, darling.”
I reach up and give him a hug. “How is Cruz? I miss him.”
