Page 88 of From My Past
He gets up and clumsily orders more drinks for them. As I’m watching Talia sit there through the lens, it’s plain as day to me that she’s starting to freak out.
“Baby, you’re doing great. Really.” I tell her. “I know this is crazy and you’re walking a fine line, but I’m here and I’ve got you.’ I watch her smile softly, take a deep breath and push her hair behind her shoulders.
“Thank you,”She whispers just before putting on the big, fake Jessica smile. I see Joseph walk up and clumsily hand her another glass of champagne.
“So, I was thinking, we should go find someplace quieter to talk.”He says and slides closer to her.
“Over my dead fucking body.” I snarl. Probably not the best thing for her concentration.
“Do you have that kind of time? I don’t want to be rushed…and I don’t think you want me to be either.”She says, low and seductive.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Talia
I’m fairly sure that Kieron is about ready to shoot Joseph from wherever he is. I have no idea where he is but if the growls coming across the earpiece are any indication, he’s quickly losing patience with the boy in front of me. I can’t blame him either, having to act this way and touch this guy is revolting and very triggering.
I can practically feel Kieron’s anger vibrating through the little earpiece at the suggestion I made. He’d have to get over it though, especially when I find out where this fucking drop was.
Joseph bit his lip and looked me over again from head to toe, pausing and practically salivating at my chest and thighs. I felt dirty and gross, but kept my face dark and sultry like I welcomed his gaze.
He wasn’t a bad looking guy, not my typical type but not unattractive. He was wearing a suit and was well-groomed but there was no way I was attracted to him.
He wasn’t Kieron.
Joseph looked at his watch and made a decision. “I have twenty minutes before I need to be at the location. Luckily, it’s just around the corner.” He steps closer to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. It’s so obvious he’s hammered as hell, I doubt he could get it up if he tried, but that wasn’t going to deter him from trying apparently.
“I need to know what corner.”Kieron’s deep voice says in my ear. He’s trying to conceal his anger in his voice but I can still hear it. His possessiveness coming through and I can’t lie, I really like hearing it.
“Let’s go closer to where you need to be and then we can have more time. How does that sound, handsome?” I say, lowering my voice and putting my hand on his chest.
I had to pull out some serious fake confidence in order to pull this off. I’d never had to be so obviously flirty and I feel so ridiculous doing it, but I can see that it’s working.
“That sounds perfect.” One of his eyebrows lift and he grabs my hand, leading me out of the ballroom.
He’s pulling me quickly and my heart beats faster and faster the closer we get to the door. I see Trent’s eyes tracking my movements beside Luca, who is talking to a blonde-haired woman in the shortest dress I’ve ever seen in my life, and he looks over to me quickly. My whole-body tenses under his eye, and it feels like the room stills
“Baby, keep walking. I’m getting someone to follow you now.”Kieron says in my ear, breaking me out of the staring contest with my past tormentor.
The whole room sped back up and I felt stronger knowing Kieron was watching me.
So, I kept walking.
* * *
The night air was refreshing, but right now, it felt choking.
In the ballroom, it was fully lit. There were a bunch of other people around. I had Irish backup in the room. There were levels of safety. Out here in the dark, it was just up to me.
Well, me and whoever Kieron said he had following me.
“Where are we going?” I ask Joseph, his hand tightly holding mine as he looks at his watch on his other wrist.
“Just up here.” He says, rushing even quicker.
“Where are you?”
“On Sparrow and 101st?” I ask, my voice wobbly as he pulls me hard enough that I stumble slightly in my heels.
