Page 107 of Make Them Cry
“This is nice,” she whispers. “Almost makes me forget what we’re here for.”
“Almost,” I echo.
I dip my head to kiss her forehead and then trail my lips down to her temple. I want to devour her. I want to take her home and make her forget every terrible thing this company has done toher. But I also want to protect this moment. Just the two of us. Justus.
“I still can’t believe you’re mine,” I murmur against her skin.
“You really mean that?”
I look down at her, dead serious. “River, I’ve never meant anything more in my life.”
She exhales a shaky breath and squeezes my hand. “Then let’s dance a little longer before the world crashes in.”
But the world doesn’t wait long.
I let go of her to grab us drinks at the bar—nothing fancy, just sparkling water for her and a whiskey for me. As I turn, I hear it.
A laugh.
Then another.
And another.
I catch a group of developers—Alan, Ryan, and Benny—standing near the edge of the dance floor, snickering.
“What’s so special about her anyway?” Alan mutters just loud enough to carry.
“Didn’t you hear?” Ryan chimes in. “She’s screwing her way up the chain now.”
My jaw tics. My blood runs molten.
“You think she actually codes?” Benny says. “Bet all her commits are AI-generated fluff.”
They laugh louder, but I’m already moving.
“You want to say that again?” I snarl, stepping up to them, fists clenched.
“Whoa, man—” Alan raises his hands. “Just thought she was a fuck to you. Didn’t know you were?—”
“With her?” I snap. “Yeah, I am. So maybe you want to shut your damn mouths before I shut them for you.”
Ryan rolls his eyes. “Dude, relax. We were just joking.”
“Yeah? Say another word and see if I’m laughing.”
I’m seconds from wrecking all three of them when two strong hands grab my shoulders from behind.
“Easy, Gage,” Arrow murmurs in my ear. “Not worth it.”
Knight appears on the other side. “Eyes on the mission, remember?”
I glance over my shoulder and see River watching from across the ballroom, eyes wide and uncertain. God, no. I didn’t want her to see this.
I push away from the guys and storm back toward her. “Let’s go.”
“Gage—”
“No,” I growl, louder now, turning on the room. “You know what? You’re all just jealous. Because River’s one of the smartest, fiercest, most talented devs this company has. And she’s more woman than any of you idiots could ever handle.”
