Page 31 of Devil's Claim

The amount of chemistry we shared was almost as dangerous as being seen. But delightful nonetheless. She was dropping clues about her life like crumbs left for a black bear. “Unless it’s necessary.”

She sighed but said nothing as we continued walking through the guests, most of which stole glances in our direction.

“Just so you know. I hate these things,” she said from beside me.

Her comment was as if she’d attended more than a few in her lifetime.

“Yes, so do I. They highlight the worst in people.”

“Come on, Kruz,” she said as she tipped her head toward me. “I have the distinct feeling you’re a powerful man in your home country. I imagine you sipping cocktails on a patio much like the one outside those doors being waited on hand and foot by a pack of servants.”

“You might be surprised,mi pequeño pastel.”

“What? No huge staff catering to your needs?”

I chuckled and nuzzled her ear as a woman drew close, her eyes pinned on my beautiful companion. I’d seen the kind of look the unknown woman was tossing in Christine’s direction several times before. My instant bristling was no longer a surprise. I’d felt Christine’s building anxiety from the moment I’d eased her into the passenger seat of the Ferrari I’d rented.

Perhaps I’d been foolish to do so, but when in Rome was the saying. Plus, she deserved to feel like a queen if only for one day.

“Uh-oh. The female tarantula is headed in our direction,” she said through gritted teeth, but she’d managed to keep a sweet smile on her face.

As soon as a waiter passed carrying lavish flutes filled with champagne, I relieved him of two glasses, handing her one. When I kissed Christine’s cheek, she shuddered in my hold.

Tonya made a face as expected and turned away.

“Very subtle but effective,” Christine said. “I appreciate it.”

“Anything for my accomplice.”

She gave me a dirty look. “Accomplice has a catchy ring to it. Maybe I wouldn’t mind watching her discomfort increase.”

I laughed softly, pushing her forward. The woman had no idea that not only had she taken my breath away, but that there wasn’t a single man in the room who hadn’t noticed her when she’d walked in. I’d immediately felt a twinge of jealousy. “Neither would I.”

The story I’d been told about her son had resonated with me all day. My first reaction upon hearing it lingered.

I was pissed.

Enough so a thought had furrowed in the back of my mind. If I had time, I’d act on it. That would depend on how today went and the days afterward.

Christine obviously didn’t know many people at the party. They were usually attended by those the two sets of parents believed would bring the most glitz to the table. In other words, the kind of presents that were expected for children of extreme wealth.

She turned toward me, pressing her hand against my chest. “Is this a full-service date?” Her eyes opened wide almost as soon as she asked the question. “I mean, do you dance? I have no idea. In fact, I know almost nothing about you. Except…” The light flush appearing on her cheeks boosted my hunger all over again.

“It’s better that you don’t.”

“So elusive.”

“Another way I stay alive.” I pulled her close, doing my best to enjoy the music. As we swayed back and forth, I gathered a sense we were being watched.

“You’re very confusing, Kruz. You like to play the badass card, but I sense a softness to you.”

“You sense wrong.” I pulled her even closer, constantly scanning the area.

“Haven’t you figured out yet? I’m never wrong.”

I wrapped my hand around her jaw. The move was entirely too possessive. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Dancing with her was entirely too dangerous for a man like me. The seconds turned into minutes and far too many people were watching us. If anyone here was working with Fassi, an alert had already gone out. She obviously felt me stiffen and pulled away.