Page 16 of Taking the Fight

I was right, she wouldn’t give up. “I do,” I answered her.

“That’s a shame. I’m attending a charity ball with my brother, and I was hoping you’d be my date. Finn plans on asking Reagan.”

Motherfucker.Every muscle in my body tensed as I focused on my drink. Reagan wouldn’t say yes to that douche, would she? Finn was wealthier than me, educated, a businessman, and a few years older, but that was all he had going for him.

“We’ll have a great time,” Annika said, biting her lip seductively. “I have a limo coming to pick me up.” She slid a hand down to my thigh. “And I rented the penthouse suite at the hotel where the event is taking place. I can think of several things we can do together there.”

I tossed my bourbon back and stood, causing her hand to drop from my thigh. Then, reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out my wallet and set a wad of cash on the bar.

“I don’t know if I can make that happen. I’m sorry.”

Annika stood and pursed her lips. “No worries. I know it’s last minute.”

“Should we join them now?” I said, nodding over at Reagan and Finn’s table.

Plastering on a smile, Annika looped her arm with mine, but I could tell she was pissed at my rejection. “Sure.”

We walked over to the table, and I took the seat beside Reagan while Annika sat beside her brother. Reagan tensed and looked at anything and everything but me.

“Would you like some champagne?” Finn asked, glancing back and forth from his sister to me.

Annika nodded, her tone clipped. “Yep.”

Finn poured her some, and she downed it quickly. Reagan stared at her curiously and then at me. I wished like hell we were alone so I could talk to her; it was time to put everything on the table.

Finn held up the champagne bottle. “Emerson?”

I shook my head. “No, thanks. I have to drive the girls back.”

He waved me off. “I can do that.”

“No,” I snapped. “I got it.”

Gaze narrowed, Finn set the bottle down and turned to his sister. “Did you ask Braden to the charity ball?”

Annika’s hazel eyes pierced into me. “I did. He doesn’t think he can make it.”

Reagan stiffened beside me, and Finn smiled. “I hate to hear that. Reagan and I would’ve loved to have you both join us.” So, Reagan said yes to him. What the fuck? It took all I had not to punch the smug smile off Finn’s face.

With pleading eyes, Annika stared at me. “Are you sure you can’t figure out a way to go? What could be more important than charity?”

“You know what? You’re right. I think I will go,” I said, grinning at her.

I thought I was doing the right thing by turning Annika down, but lo and behold, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

CHAPTER10

REAGAN

Annika winked at Braden. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist me.”

I was furious, but I couldn’t let anyone notice. “I think it’s about time we call it a night. Annika and I have an early start tomorrow.” I was ready to get out of there before I exploded. There was so much I wanted to say to Braden, but I couldn’t.

“Yes, we do,” Annika agreed with a nod. “I need to get my rest.”

Finn pushed his chair back and stood. “Sounds good. I’ll walk you out.” He reached for my hand, and not wanting to appear rude, I took it so he could help me up.

Annika held onto Braden’s arm and leaned into him while I looked away, hoping like hell I could keep my jealousy at bay. I’d never felt it so potently before. Emma was right. If I held things in, they’d explode; I was on that verge.

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