Page 42 of Dark, Forbidden, & Taboo

True to Daddy’s parlor tricks, he’s gone all out on the hors d’oeuvres too. I pick up one of the Caviar and Crème Fraîche Tartlets and begin to nibble on it, wondering if I should have grabbed one of the parsnip-wrapped devils on horseback instead.

With a shrug, I give the young bartender a quick wave as I turn around, ready to make my way back to Daddy when my conscience stops me.

The one with the long, wavy dark hair with freshly added streaks of color. The one with the big, angry dark green eyes narrowed at me as it takes a step closer.

I watch as my conscience puts her hands on her hips, the curves of her body accentuated by the corset holding all of her rage together in a beautifully, tattooed body.

“Emily Parker.”

Chapter 11

Rock

Please stop talking.

I’ve never given a shit about these men and the games they play, but not being able to walk away because I’m being pelted with constant questions is starting to fucking grate on me.

I force an interested look into my eyes and grin again when Julius slaps my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.

“You’re a good boy, Rock. I’m glad that you and Emily are friends.”

We’ll see how you feel when I send her back a used up bitch after next month.

“Yeah, well …”

I run a hand back through my hair as I turn my face away. I’ve come to find that whenever I stop looking at him, he seems to forget that I’m here, and schmoozes one of his chronically rich buddies instead.

I tongue the inside of my cheek in curiosity when I see Emily having a heated discussion with some chick on the other side of the hall. Even though I can barely see her face, I can tell that she looks almost … ashamed.

The chick she’s talking to is standing in front of her, moving to the left or right whenever Emily tries to walk away, hands on her hips, squared up for a fight.

I wonder if they’d let me throw dollar bills at them while they tear each other to shreds?

“I’m gonna go grab a drink,” I announce, bowing out of the conversation—literally—as I decide to get eavesdrop.

I run a hand over my chin, catching Emily’s eye when she sees me coming, then shake my head to let her know that I’m not headingtowardher.

I saddle up at the refreshments table and start chatting up the boy as he pours me a glass of red wine, sipping, and straining to hear the heated conversation next to me.

Emily keeps glancing at me. I can see it out of the corner of my eye, but when I let out a laugh and keep chatting with the boy, I see her ease up a little.

Nothing I won’t be able to tell you to get me eventually,I think with a grin.

“I’m not doing this here!” she finally shouts, startling everyone within hearing distance.

“Fine,” the chick snarls, taking a step closer and sticking her finger in her face. “Then let’s find some privacy because I’m not leaving until I’ve had my say.”

Chapter 12

Emily

Davina and I wander in tense silence through the building. I’m trying to find a room she can say her peace in without prying eyes or perked up ears.

Somewhere far away from the damn ballroom, where Daddy might see her and try to relive old times.

She doesn’t know he still talks abouther.

She doesn’t know that he still thinks about her.

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