Page 52 of Free Me

Gilbert’s face turns beet red, but he manages to keep a smile on his face. “No. Those are silly action books with ridiculous romantic subplots. Mine are serious mysteries.”

“Oh, that explains it.” I put on my most vapid look and smile. “I don’t read serious books. There’s enough negativity in the real world. I don’t need it in my fiction, too.” I pat his arm. “But don’t worry, I’m sure they’re great and if you put in the effort, you’ll be famous like Gary in no time.” I smile winningly at him. Is it horrible that I’m having fun? It’s horrible. I’m a bad person.

After a few moments of purple-faced deep breathing, Gilbert gets himself under control. “So, how long have you and Blake been together?”

His hand drifts from my lower back to the curve of my ass. Oh, no. You did not! I grab his hand and place it on my waist, giving him a serious glare. “Gilbert, hands where they are, or this dance is over.”

He practically leers at me and something about that rings bells and sends up red flags. “You can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“I most certainly can. And in case there is any doubt, I’m with Blake.”

His eyes gleam with triumph. “So, where did you meet?”

Oh, my sweet summer child. “Is that important?”

Gilbert shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I don’t know. I always find stories interesting. They can be great idea starters for books.” I nod but don’t answer. “You know, Stef, you’re very beautiful.”

A knot forms in my stomach. This isn’t just Gilbert grabbing an opportunity to dig into Blake’s personal life. “Thank you. That’s nice of you to say.”

“So, are you and Blake serious?”

I hold his gaze. “That’s none of your business.”

He leans closer. “It could be.”

Well, crap. I raise an eyebrow, forcing every ounce of sass I have into the look. “Oh really?”

“I’d love to take you out sometime.”

Dear gods, he can’t be serious. “No, thank you.” His hand drifts lower again, and I grab his wrist, squeezing hard, putting pressure on the nerve. “Thank you for the dance, but I should get back to Blake.”

Gilbert rubs his wrist and his expression turns scornful. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s too busy sucking up to donors.”

If it wouldn’t cause a scene and embarrass Blake, I’d slap the look from Gilbert’s face. But it would create all kinds of problems for Blake, so I don’t. Someone should congratulate me for my self-restraint. I need to get away from this repulsive jerk. “Excuse me.”

I take a step back, but Gilbert grabs my arm, pulling me back. “Come on, Stef. I know who you are.”

Icy dread freezes me to the spot. Nothing good ever came from a sentence like that. Not from a sleazy guy like Gilbert. I sneer harder than I’ve ever sneered in my life. “Well, aren’t you the genius. Blake introduced us not five minutes ago. Now, unless you’d like me to make a scene, I suggest you let go of my arm.”

Instead, he tightens his grip. “I know you’re the hot little number with the blonde hair and short skirt from Club Cake. Thatwasyou. So I’d be careful about threatening to make a scene. Do you honestly believe, if all these rich snobs knew Blake was dating a cross-dresser, they’d still want to open their wallets and help fund his pet charity?”

I don’t bother explaining the difference between a transgender person and someone who dresses gender non-conforming. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with either, but they aren’t the same. It’s a moot point, though. Gilbert isn’t interested in being educated. He’s trying to be intimidating and hurtful. When he attempts to pull me closer, I shove him just hard enough to give him pause. “What exactly are you threatening?”

“Come on, babe. All I want is to have a bit of fun, take you for drinks. Maybe fool around a little. We don’t even need to tell Blake about it.”

I stop moving. “Let. Me. Go.Now.”

“Seriously, you’re lucky the people here are even being civil to him tonight. I can’t believe he brought you to this. Do you really believe these conservatives are going to accept a femme twink like you? Wait until they get a load of you in a dress. You’re more than a bit over the top for this crowd. The best you can hope for is that they’ll overlook you. But more likely you’ll damage Blake’s reputation. You know that, right?”

Inside, I’m shaking with rage. How dare this piece of… oftrashthreaten me or Blake! He’s left me no choice. I take a calming breath and do the one thing I try never to do. I lean into my inner bitch.

“Aww, it’s so cute when you try to talk about things you don’t understand.” I boop him on the nose, and he rears back, deep red creeping up his neck. “You should stop, though, Gil. Your ignorance is showing.” I cock my hip to the side and give him a mocking once-over. “And if you actually think someone like me would ever have anything to do with”—I wave my hand to encompass all of him—“well, someone like you?” I snort and roll my eyes. “Please. Even if I wasn’t with Blake, I’d never be so desperate as to willingly let you touch me.”

I wrench my arm from his grip. “And as for threatening Blake by exposing me?” I make air quotes when I say ‘exposing.’ “Be my guest, and see how that goes for you.” I pat his cheek and make duck lips at him. “You’re going to have to do better than that if you’re trying to break me. I’m a diamond, formed under greater pressure than you’ll ever be capable of, you sad, sad excuse for a human.”

I turn around and almost run into Blake. “Oh!”

“Hello, gorgeous.” He slips his arm around my waist, taking my hand in his, dancing us away from Gilbert. For several beats neither of us says a word. As my adrenaline fades and the reality of what just happened sinks in, I start to tremble. I know Blake can feel it. “Are you alright?” He pulls me closer and I nod, resting my temple against his cheek.

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