Corporate Heat: A Valentine's Day Mafia Romance by Lydia Hall

Author:Lydia Hall [Hall, Lydia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-05T00:00:00+00:00

20

RAYNE

Seth’s arm around my waist is too tight. He’s smiling, but his jaw is tense and I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong. Every chance he gets for a great photo op, he pushes the cameras away, forcing me to turn and walk in a new direction. I clutch my champagne flute in hand tightly so I don’t drop it.

“Seth, that’s too much,” I tell him, patting his hand, but his grip doesn’t loosen. Instead, he maneuvers me yet again away from the flash of a camera. This entire evening has been like this too, one tense situation after another, and I’m feeling like he’s the puppet master. It’s like he is controlling every step I take for some reason and I wonder if he’s embarrassed by me.

We come from very different backgrounds—mine very modest, or poor even, and his from money. I doubt he’s ever had to work hard just to support himself. His business is booming, keeping him wealthy, but I know he started out this way anyway. He’s said so himself a few times in our chats. Is that why he won’t be seen in pictures with me? Or is it that he has the perfect image of a wealthy bachelor and doesn’t want to appear “taken” so women will think he’s available and come to his firm?

My heart wrestles with thoughts about why he’s being sort of bossy and controlling tonight. He made it sound like this was going to be fun and enjoyable, but despite the ritzy “big band” music played by a live orchestra, and the festive decorations and atmosphere, I’m miserable. People around me are decked out in super expensive gowns and tuxedos, all with smiles on their face, but I’m digging deep just to maintain my positive attitude every time I have to shake hands with someone.

“Can I use the restroom?” I ask him, hoping for a single breath tonight that isn’t impeded by his strong grip.

“In a minute,” he grumbles. It’s the first visible sign of his attitude being less than pleasant. I sigh and squirm against the side of his body, setting my empty flute on a tray of a passing waiter.

“But I have to go now.” We’re standing in the middle of a crowd, though no one is specifically talking to us. I don’t know any of them, but their jewels and hairdos speak for themselves. These people are way out of my league. In fact, I’ve barely spoken to anyone other than to do introductions. Seth has done all the talking. I feel like a princess in this gown, but more like one of the ugly stepsisters than Cinderella.

“Ma’am,” a waiter says, approaching me. Holds a tray on his palm, balancing it while bowing. “A gentleman across the room has purchased this for you.” He gestures toward the far wall, but I don’t see anyone looking at me. It’s weird that a stranger would purchase a drink for me when I’ve been clinging to Seth’s side all night.

“Thank you,” I tell him, taking the fresh champagne flute.

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