Page 138 of Savage Suit

“Your manners are atrocious, Channing, and your intrusion is even worse. Ms. Hagen’s attributes are not up for discussion. You’ve said enough. Leave.”

If I punched him, the news would spread before I left this building.

Luckily, the bastard knew not to go further. He understood he’d said enough. “No harm intended, Noah. I apologize to both you and the lady. Please excuse me.”

Channing slithered off like a wounded lizard. I glared at his back as he skulked to Claude Amage, who flashed me a mocking grin.

I fought off the urge to flip him off. Instead, I looked at Ryan. The moment I gazed into her beautiful, inquisitive eyes, I calmed down. “I’m sorry, Ryan. He’s an insensitive ass.”

“He creeped me the fuck out. Unfortunately, this is a significant business event.”

“Yes. Competition size up each other. Executives search for new talent for their bullpens.”

Ryan gave me a playful smirk. “Why are you here, Mr. Keegan? Are you looking for new talent?” she purred.

“One reason I attend is to scope out my competitors for the yearly bonanza Amage awards. This year my biggest rival is Sauncier. Besides, I don’t have to find new talent. I’m standing next to a very brilliant young woman, proven to be a formidable contender in our bid for this contract.”

“You’re going to give me an impossibly inflated ego.”

I attempted a sincere smile, but I was still angry at Channing. His interaction with Ryan reminded me of my deep hatred for that fucker.

“Are you okay?” she asked softly.

“Channing and I have a history,” I admitted darkly.

“Not a very good one, I take it.”

“No.” I clenched my jaw, so I wouldn’t betray my mother and tell her secret. “If he comes near you again, I won’t be able to ignore his bullshit. I’ll have to beat the shit out of him.” I was more than ready to make good on my words. Channing Powers and Claude Amage had a lot to atone for, especially regarding my mother.

I couldn’t take it if either of them targeted Ryan again. Knowing how he operated, I understood Channing’s only intention tonight had been to objectify Ryan and fuck with me.

The orchestra returned to the stage. Soon, they were playingWhat a Wonderful Worldby Louis Armstrong.

She took my hand in hers. “Dance with me,” she said. “Worry about him another day. That asshole isn’t worth your time. Don’t give him the power to ruin your night.”

It was our night, and she was right, so I guided her to the dance floor and drew her into my arms, moving to the slow heartfelt composition.

Ryan and I were so close I heard her breath catch as I moved against her. Her body shuddered against mine.

“Ryan.”

Slowly, she raised her head, and we gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. I grinned, unable to do anything else.

“What are you smiling at?”

“You. You’re gorgeous.”

“I know,” she replied without shame.

My dick ached, and I longed to lose myself in her again.

“Of course, I could say the same about you, Noah.”

“Careful, Ms. Hagen,” I said playfully, her words igniting my blood.

The powerful urge to kiss her in the middle of the dance floor almost overrode my common sense.

The music drifted away, but I held her against me a moment longer than necessary before I released her. I’d fucked with those snakes enough for tonight.