Page 32

I made my way to the veranda and found the party had overflowed into the open air, guests mingling with drinks in hand while servers navigated through with trays of high-end champagne.
I scanned the area, including every corner, and Calista wasn’t anywhere.
Maybe she was in the parks below. I frowned, knowing I’d have to fight the crowds and elevators once again, but made my way down.
Once I reached the main floor near the Book Castle, I took a shortcut down a hallway with the closest opening into the park. I descended a short set of stairs and walked around atall set of bushes. Just as I reached another grouping, a man’s voice drifted from a gathering of tall trees, halting me in my tracks.
“Your family needs me,” he declared. “You need to make your choice soon.”
I paused, waiting to hear if there was someone who needed my help.
“Out of everyone, you and I both know I’m the best husband for you, Calista. Nobody else can provide what your family needs. We should announce our engagement tonight.”
His words wrapped around me like a tightening noose, igniting a volcanic rage ready to explode.
Rumors had circulated that Dominic Lucianos might be the other suitor Cali was considering, but hearing it confirmed was another matter altogether.
And the way he spoke, dripping with entitlement and arrogance, made me nervous. Dominic was notorious for his overbearing nature, a man used to getting his way, particularly regarding women. Perhaps this was why the self-centered asshole remained single.
But there was no way in hell I would stand by and allow him to bully Calista like that.
I rushed in their direction just as Calista responded, “That’s not going to happen, Dominic.”
She faced him head-on, her posture a picture of defiance, her chin tilted upward with a mixture of irritation and strength.
In that moment, she looked more stunning than ever. Her blond hair was elegantly swept up with a few curls playfullycaressing her cheeks, revealing her graceful neck and shoulders. Her strapless dress hugged her figure, accentuating her curves, and her cleavage seemed poised to spill over at any moment.
“Your attempts to corner and intimidate me are doing nothing to help your case.”
My heart soared at her words, and I slowed my pace. She could take care of herself, and it might not be necessary for me to step in.
“I can tell you now that I won’t be choosing you.”
A grin tugged at my lips, satisfaction bubbling up at her rebuff.
But Dominic’s reaction was far from pleased.
With a sudden, forceful grip, he seized her upper arm, yanking her closer, his face twisted in a sneer as he growled, “Not so fast, Calista.”
I sprinted into action, closing the distance between us in just a few strides.
My shoulder crashed into Dominic’s chest, and he staggered back.
I pivoted, guiding Calista behind me, my arm braced across her shoulders.
Dominic’s hand remained locked on her arm, his fingers curling like iron bands.
Heat roared through my veins, each heartbeat hammering against my ribs. My fists balled at my sides, knuckles whitening, every vein in my neck throbbing. Blood pounded so loudly I could almost hear the echo on the paved path.
Calista’s breath caught. “Leon!” she whispered, voice trembling through the tension crackling in the air.
Dominic sneered, mouth curling into a cruel smile. “What the fuck are you doing, Boscos?”
The world sharpened around us: Calista’s pale cheek, the grit on Dominic’s jaw, the distant hum of traffic. Every second stretched. I counted, torn between ripping him apart and waiting for her word.
A single fingertip pressed against my forearm—Calista’s touch, light as a feather, firm enough to stop me in my tracks. I looked down, and her gaze met mine.
Her emerald eyes held something resolute, and even as her chest rose and fell, I knew.