Page 69 of Worship

My thoughts swirl with Drew’s words. “He’s protecting her.”I need to talk to him.My body pushes forward, and Michael pulls me back.

“Whoa, where are you going?”

I realize I started to bolt toward Luca. I shake my head, searching for another lie to tell.

“Sorry, I thought I saw something about to drop on the carpet.”Jesus, Gretchen, impulse control.

“Relax. It’s not your house, not your problem.” He laughs and others join in.

Blair gives me an eyebrow. I shake her off and go back to the conversation, hoping that tonight goes by quickly because my resolve seems to be fading.

ICAN STILL FEEL THEsilk of her skin on my fingertips. I touched her fucking wrist and my head is foggy. It’s not like I haven’t seen her; I’ve kept eyes on her for the last two months. I reasoned it was because I wanted to make sure she was safe from all my bullshit, but I know it’s because I can’t stand her being gone. I just need more time.

“Would you like me to get you a drink?” Shelby asks, standing next to me awkwardly.

I shake my head, moving my body between Gretchen’s watching eyes and Shelby.

“You aren’t my slave, Shelby. Stop being dramatic.”

She rolls her eyes.

“Sure. Is that why you forced me here, since I’m not a slave? I remember saying, ‘No, thanks.’”

I did force her, but I don’t enjoy babysitting her any more than she enjoys being with me.

“Oh, I’m sorry I brought you to a party with free food and booze,” I reply dryly, grabbing a crab cake from a passing platter and taking a bite.

“You brought me here to hurther.”

No, but I’m not altogether disappointed with the result.

I look Shelby in the eyes.

“I didn’t know she would be here. If I did, you would be locked in your room again.”

She crosses her arms like the child she is.

I see the realization cross her face, and her face becomes amused.

“You love her. Like really love her.”

I stare at Shelby, ignoring her nonquestion, uncomfortable with how delighted she seems. She starts to laugh.

“Holy shit.”

I touch her waist, letting my fingers sink in, watching her squirm from discomfort before pulling her flush to me and looking down at her face, “This is my only warning, Shelby. If you do anything, say anything, out of line…I’ll deliver you myself, right into Giovanni’s arms.”

My smile is evil and honest. I would throw her to the wolves, take away all my fucking protection, if she tries to hurt Gretchen.

Shelby’s eyes grow dark.Is that hurt or fear?It can’t be either—she doesn’t love me, but I know she envies anyone that has what she can’t. Her words are saturated in her bitterness. “Why not me?”

I let Shelby go with a small push away from my body.

“Because you could never be her.”

I walk away, motioning to Dante to keep an eye on her, and make my way to the patio for some fresh air. Dom comes up beside me and hands me a drink but says nothing. I take a swig. The scotch slides down my throat with an easy burn as we stand together quietly, looking in at the party through the glass wall.

“Great party,” I offer, twirling the liquid in the glass.