Page 98 of Her Filthy Reverse Harem Romance Collection

They are Hollywood gorgeous with real-world rough edges. Polished yet jagged at the same time and it makes my nerves jitter like I’ve had five espresso shots back-to-back.

Three large chandeliers line the length of the ballroom and throw a romantic, glittery hue over the occupants, and I let my attention roam from my admirers for a brief moment so I can catch my breath.

The sudden attention homed in on me makes me self-conscious about the dress I picked for the evening. The soft deep red gown wraps around my curves in a snug fit and falls to the floor, covering my legs. A number my mother would be proud of.

Until I move.

Each step flashes onlookers with a teasing hint of skin through a slit that runs the full length of my right thigh, making panties a no-go for the evening along with dancing.

A stiff corset anchors my breasts from swaying too heavily as I walk, leaving my shoulders bare but for a few thin, crossing straps and a ribbon to tie around my neck.

To top the look off, I’ve picked impossibly high stilettos I’m still not too sure about, but make my legs look killer. Sacrifices had to be made.

Piper was right. It feels good to shed away the glasses and books of the Ivy League persona I’ve hidden behind since forever and just be a woman for once. Not studious India. Not plain Jane India. Not dependable India who never says no. But sexy India despite the setback of unwanted guests.

They continue to move toward me, but the milling guests make their progress slow.

I sweep my hair over my shoulder and catch quick glimpses of them beneath thick lashes and I can’t help but stiffen when my core clenches as their attention landsthereas my slit peels away to reveal skin.

I lower my gaze and descend the rest of the way, trying to compose myself but my knees can’t take the weight of their attention. I falter in my step as I reach the bottom landing.

Gravity takes over and I pitch forward into a wall of a man.

“Take your hands off me,” I seethe. I cast a glance around and hope no one is watching.

I get a grunt in response as a set of strong arms protectively wrap around me moments before I make an utter fool of myself. “I can touch, take, and possess anything I own and you, India Cambridge, belong to my brothers and me.” There’s a finality to his tone that has my body going into full-on lust mode. Shameful as that is. His voice is growly and possessive and caresses my libido in just the right manner that it’s hard not to nod my head and agree. Or, I’m just horny and the alpha in him knows how to tease the submissive in me.

My eyes travel upward and land on the hard, chiseled face of Stefan. From pelvis to nipples, my body presses against his. With my head craned back I watch as his nostrils flare as he takes in a deep breath like he’s filling his senses with my perfume.

I consider him for a moment and try to regather my thoughts. My knee-jerk reaction is to jump deeper into his arms and beg for forgiveness for partially ghosting them. But I don’t have that luxury with literally all the eyes of New York City’s elite watching me. One wrong move and people will pull contracts and ruin my father’s company. I can’t carry that weight on my shoulders.

“Let me go,” I state flatly, my eyes fixed to a point over his shoulder.

“Is that what you really want? If so, you need to look me in the eye and tell that to my face. Then and only then will I release you.”

My eyes snap to a passing couple. The Devereuxs. My mind works like a vault of information pulling up their details. Stuffy old-world money. By the book. Roughly worth fifteen billion with some change. Stockholders in the company and also contract holders. The real kicker is if they pull because of a scandal I create, they’ll take at least three other clients with them.

I raise my eyes to lock on Stefan’s darker ones but my lips can’t form the words. His gaze dips over my body, caressing over the pulse along the side of my neck before sliding to the steep cleavage-showing dip of my dress.

“You’re stunning. But I miss the glasses.”

“Contacts.” I keep my answer short but my heart quickens at his compliment. Between my thighs, I feel the ache of not having them touch me in so long.

Strong, warm hands rove over my bare back and I get the impression he can’t believe I’m in his arms any more than I can.

“Please. Really. You need to go.”

Stefan leans in a fraction until I feel the soft brush of his breath across my cheek to whisper in my ear, “You were not saying that the last time I held you this close.”

“To be fair, shedidbeg us to untie her.”

Maksym’s voice is a deep rugged gravelly caress over my senses.

“And then begged us to fuck her hard.” Tomas taps the side of his temple. “Memory like an elephant.”

The longer they talk the farther my heart drops.

“Shh.” I push at Stefan’s chest but of course, the lug doesn’t move. “Lower your voices.”

---