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Suddenly Mark pulled back. His eyes flared dangerously but his voice was cool when he spoke. “Are you done with that nonsense?”
I blinked once, twice, and then a third time just to be certain that I had heard him correctly.
“To what are you referring, Mr. Williams?”
His face was granite. “The panic mode that you were attempting to fall into. I trust that you are over it?”
I wanted to smack his stubbled cheek so badly that my palms burned. “I am over it.”
I bent down and picked up my clutch that had fallen. I made no move to hide my actions and knew that he got a bird’s eye view of my ass and likely more.
Well, fuck him. I didn’t need his pity.
It was rather silent on the way to the venue. Mark seemed to be contemplating something and I was still seething. Once the driver opened the door, Mark stepped out and then reached a hand in for me to take. I almost didn’t, but then I didn’t want to be seen as petty even though Lord knew I was acting that way.
There were flashing lights from the camera and I felt Mark squeeze my arm. “Smile, Sutton.”
A bright smile flashed across my face and I began to walk on my stilettos like I was born to it. The slinky blood red dress fit my curves like a glove. If Mark wanted a show, I would be the best fucking actress that he had ever seen.
There were whispers and catcalls from the crowd as this was my first official presentation in society. I killed it, each step feeling more confident, each smile becoming more genuine. They were just people. The reporters, the patrons, the clients. They put their pants on the same way I did.
I heard Mark’s name being called by a familiar voice the moment we entered the ballroom. He had also turned and extended his hand to Elliot Brand, the business mogul I had met earlier in the week. On his arm was a lovely blonde woman who seemed a bit shy.
She was introduced as his wife, Mandy, and I learned that she had recently given birth to a baby girl. Soon it was the talk of sleepless nights and fussy times as Mandy told me about her sister who was also expecting a boy in the fall.
I had completely forgotten about the nerves as Mandy introduced me to some of her friends. We got to talking about a child watch project that she had just implemented at Brand Enterprises. I asked if I could meet with her another time to go over the particulars. It seemed like something that Sutton, the company, should look into.
Mark never was far from my side, but he allowed me to make my own way at the gala. I was thrilled to see Candice, and she too introduced me to so many people that I knew I wouldn’t remember but a handful.
It wasn’t until we were sitting in silence on the way home that something occurred to me.
“You did it on purpose,” I said incredulously.
Mark raised a brow. “What are you talking about?”
“Tonight, before the benefit when I was freaking out. You made me angry on purpose.”
Mark’s look didn’t change, but I could tell that I was right, and he didn’t confirm or deny it.
“You did a fantastic job tonight, Sutton.” He smiled at me briefly before his phone began to ring and he apologized for taking the call.
I sat back in the seat in a daze. I wasn’t sure how I was feeling at that point. Mark Williams had gone out of his way to help me. Not only that, but it was happening time and time again. He wasn’t warm fuzzies by any means, but he was shrewd and knew what I needed when I needed it.
Damn, I might be falling for the man.
He had loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top few buttons on his shirt. The scent of his expensive cologne permeated the area until it was all I could smell. He was a dangerous man to fall in love with. I needed to protect myself.
He glanced at me during his call and mouthed ‘sorry’ before shooting me a crooked grin.
Shit, I hoped it wasn’t too late.
Chapter Sixteen
Sutton
“Candice, explain to me one more time the collaborative project that we are working on with Dentex.”
Candice smiled, her white teeth flashing against her olive skin. “I would rather talk about you and Mr. Williams at the charity benefit.”