Page 46 of His Stolen Queen
He was near.
Among the smell of paint, perfume, cologne, and warm food, his scent punched through, overwhelming each and every one.
"Alice."
I closed my eyes—drew a deep cleansing breath—before turning to greet the man who'd gotten so far under my skin.
My mind was not prepared for what greeted me. He was dressed in an all-black three-piece suit. His jacket was unbuttoned, as well as the top two buttons of his shirt. The dark color brought out the unique blue of his eyes in vivid detail.
I hadn't seen him since that kiss we'd shared, much to my relief—and frustration. Out of sight, out of mind. It was easy to pretend that nothing had occurred when he wasn't constantly invading my space. It was bad enough that he constantly invaded my traitorous mind.
And seeing him now, with my husband at my side, had my heart thumping in shame and nerves. After this event was over, I never had to see Acheron Angelou again, and then I planned on telling David what happened between us. The guilt would just eat me alive if I didn't confess, consequences be damned.
"It is good to see you, Alice." He didn't glance at David once, even though my husband's arm was curved around me.
"Mr. Angelou." My voice quivered, and I immediately cleared my throat. "Thank you for inviting us. The house looks incredible."
"I had an incredible and talented designer." His eyes never wavered from mine, their intensity creating waves of desire to crash around me. His naked want shone brightly in his stare, so much so that David shifted on his feet next to me.
"This is my husband," I quickly introduced. The sooner we got this over with, the sooner we could leave. And then I would have to face the repercussions of what I'd done. "David Harper."
David grinned and stretched out a hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
Acheron glanced down, and for a horrible second, I was afraid he would dismiss him. But to my relief, he very slowly extended his hand in greeting.
"Honey, this is the owner. Acheron Angelou."
David tensed, his whole body stilling. It only lasted a second because he immediately ripped his hand from Acheron's. "I'm sorry, what? Did-did you say his name is Acheron?" he choked out.
David's arm dropped from around my waist, and he stepped away. Confused, I followed his movements as his face drained of color. He was glancing between us in growing horror.
"David…?"
Unperturbed by my husband's behavior, Acheron inclined his head. "A pleasure to finally meet Alice’s…husband." His tone was wrapped in smug disdain.
I ignored him as I focused on David, his expression now laced in agony as he stared at Acheron.
"Honey? What's wrong?" I worried, attempting to draw him back.
He shook his head, his body recoiling from mine. "I have to get out of here," he rushed out before swinging on his heel and bolting.
"What? Dav—"
Acheron held onto my arm when I rushed to follow. "Let him go," he gritted out. "It is not safe."
His words didn't register with me. I needed to find David. Why had he reacted like that? Surely, he couldn't know about my betrayal? There was no way.
"No! Something's wrong. I need to find him."
"Leave him," he ordered.
I whirled around and hit him with a glare. "He's my husband," I hissed, well aware that the other guests were openly staring.
Acheron's grip loosened at my declaration, and I took advantage of his weakness and escaped. My footsteps thundered against the marble floor as my frantic gaze bounced around the room in search of my husband.
Thankfully, I caught up with him before he could leave the penthouse.
"David! What's going on?"
