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“Another Quantum bites the dust,” Axel shook his head dramatically before lifting it up and grinning, “More babes for me!”
“Not if I get to them first,” Vincent winked.
Dominic stepped forward. “So Delilah Malone is the woman to make an honest man out of you, huh,” he teased. “After the way you chased off that guy who was talking to her at the grand opening, we knew that something was up. I’m happy for you, Seb.”
Dominic shook my hand firmly.
“Thanks, bro. It means a lot.”
“Seems like your fiancée can’t keep her eyes off you,” Nate teased, a smirk plastered on his lips.
All six eyes turned in unison to Delilah, who froze like a deer caught in headlights. She turned to the table in front of her, pretending to adjust the perfectly placed tablecloth.
My brothers chuckled.
“I guess I’m needed,” I said, straightening my jacket. “I’ll see you guys later.”
“Don’t let this one get away, Seb,” Leo called after me.
Not in this lifetime.
I waltzed up to Delilah, spun her around and kissed her passionately. She was stunned at first, but then she melted into the kiss and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Delilah Malone,” a voice drawled behind us. “I guess congratulations are in order.”
Delilah stiffened in my grasp, her eyes widened, and she stopped breathing. I pressed my forehead to hers and cupped her face.
“Sweetheart, breathe. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you, okay?” I whispered to her.
I kept my gaze on her, and when she nodded and was breathing again, I turned to the man of the voice. Elliot Hawthorne. Delilah stood behind me, her hand under my jacket, gripping my shirt at the back.
“Mr. Hawthorne, thank you for accepting my invitation,” I said, my voice firm as I shot daggers at him.
Hawthorne ignored me and spoke to Delilah. “Delilah, you look beautiful in that dress. The way it hugs your curves…” Hawthorne paused and smiled at me. “You look simply delicious.”
Delilah gripped my shirt tighter. I knew Hawthorne wanted to get a reaction from me, but I wouldn’t allow him the privilege.
My voice dripped with venom as I spoke, just low enough for Hawthorne to hear me. “As you heard tonight in my speech, I will protect Delilah fromanythingandanyonewho’d try to hurt her.”
Hawthorne laughed, but there was no humor in it. “As yes, the speech. But you also stated till your dying breath. What happens when you’re no more, Mr. Quantum? You may havepaid off her financial debt, but Delilah here owes a debt that money can’t buy.”
“If I were you, I’d take the money while I’m ahead. Make no mistake, Mr. Hawthorne, just because I’m wearing a suit doesn’t mean I’m soft. Let me make this clear: Delilah is mine, and I’m not letting her go. No one will ever touch her as long as I’m around.”
“And let me make myself very clear, Mr. Quantum: I always get what I want.”
Abruptly, Hawthorne turned and stalked out of the ballroom.
Chapter 14 - Delilah
“Delilah, are you okay?” Sebastien’s voice was soft and his gaze filled with concern.
My head was spinning, and I felt as though someone had sucked all the air out of the room. Sebastien’s arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close to him.
“I don’t understand how Elliot got in here. I gave strict instructions that no one gets in without an invitation,” I whispered shakily.
“His name full name is Elliot Hawthorn, and he got in because I sent him an invitation.”
My eyes widened and I stepped back. Sebastien’s arms loosened around me, still gently resting on my hips. “You did what?” I hissed.