Page 56 of Forbidden Bond

It takes me a few seconds to regain my composure. “You have every right to be upset.”

He fixes me with a dry look. “Thank you for granting me permission.”

“No. That’s not what I meant,” I say in frustration.

His gaze flicks to mine and a slow smile pulls on the corner of his mouth. Warmth rushes beneath my skin, a prickling, breathless heat traveling down to my toes.

“You’re pretty when you’re all riled up. Color fills your cheeks and your eyes flare up, twinkling like stars.”

I stare at him, uncomprehending. “What?”

“Nothing,” he mutters. “I’m drunk.”

“I could have told you that.”

“Whatever. I’m going home.” He gets to his feet only to end up stumbling backward. I quickly hold on to his arm.

He was speaking coherently; I hadn’t realized he was this far gone. Topher leans against me and I quickly search for Jameson, who’s already walking over.

“What do you need?” he questions, his green eyes flitting over Topher beside me.

“I’m going to take him home.”

“You want me to come with you?”

I shake my head. “No, go home. I’ll handle him.”

He hesitates. “I didn’t bring you here just to leave you alone with him, Katie.”

“I’ll be fine. Topher won’t do anything to me, I promise.”

He stares at us for a few more seconds before nodding. “Alright, fine.”

“Go home, Jamie,” I tell him seriously. I’m worried about what he’ll get up to when I’m not here. He’s on a good path and I’d hate to see him deviate from it because he was trying to help me.

He smiles. “Alright, Kitty Kat. I’ll go home.”

Jameson helps me lead Topher out of the club and toward the parking lot. It takes a while to find Topher’s black Mercedes.

“You sure you’ll be alright?” Jameson questions and I nod.

“I’ll be fine.”

He leaves while I turn to Topher.

“I need your keys.”

He shakes his head. “No one drives my baby.”

“Come on, I promise I’ll take good care of your precious car. I just need to get you home.”

He stares at me for a few seconds without saying a word. Finally, he sighs, reaching into his pockets and handing me the key. I unlock the car and help him into the passenger seat before taking my seat behind the wheel.

Just when I think Topher’s passed out, he turns his head and looks at me.

“Why did you seek me out? I was fine pretending you didn’t exist.”

“I hate playing pretend,” I say tightly.

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