Page 21 of The Billionaire's Secret
I head to Oliver’s.Since I agreed to take her to the party, Salem seems almost giddy.I’m glad I made her happy.I wish…I wish…I clench my hands into fists.Forget it.But I have tonight.I’ll dance with her.I’ll remember what she feels like in my arms.
And then what?Then…then I’ll get over whatever this is.I swear I will.
Sure.I believe you, the dark part of me sneers.You’re not that fucking strong.
Chapter Eight
Salem
Ifthiswereadate, I’d link my arm with Locke’s.I’d smile and lean up for his kiss.I’d let him know I yearn for his touch.I’d ask him to make love to me.To stay the night and hold me.
But it’s not a date.And unfortunately for me, I’ve realized that he’s nothing like what I thought the world of the rich was.This man is kind and charming.Like me, he carries wounds given to him by selfish people because of their greed.
When he looks at me and I see the same hunger in his eyes, I want to feed it.I want to lay down my mental swords and remove my armor.I want to stand naked physically and emotionally before him.
My heart…right or wrong…I’ve fallen for him.
I don’t want to lie to him any longer.I shouldn’t.I’ll tell him what happened to me and my family and then…then what?And then nothing.The love is one-sided.We can’t be more than boss and employee.
He wants me but it’s just desire.
I dart a glance at him as we step from the car and he comes around to my side.He’s always handsome but even more devastatingly so in his tux that I fantasize hides a sculpted body.
His dark hair is styled rakishly like it holds a hint of rebellion.If he were mine, I’d run my fingers through his hair.I’d trace his lips with mine.
He extends his arm.But he isn’t mine.I tuck my hand into the crook of his elbow and I’m aware of every step we take.
We walk around the back of the home, one of the lavish older mansions Laketon Heights is known for.It’s a city steeped in history brewed with old money.
The backyard is dotted with tables covered with white fabric artfully draped.In the center of each is a masterpiece of flowers and carefully arranged food dishes ringed with gold trim.
Lights hang from the trees, their glow holding back the night.Music plays faintly from somewhere as if it dare not be loud enough to intrude over the noise of the important people gathered.
I search the crowd for Heloise but don’t see her.
“Champagne?”Locke asks retrieving a glass from a server.“I’m driving so I won’t drink but go ahead if you want.”
I take a glass to calm my nerves.I’ve received more than a few interested stares.First directed at the man at my side, then at the necklace.Scrutiny makes me uncomfortable.
“Oh, darling, you’re here!”
I hadn’t heard Heloise Perry approach, but I turn when she comes into my line of vision and I’m thrilled to see her.
Before I can ask to speak to her privately, she beats me to it.“Let me steal Salem from you for a few minutes,” she says to Locke.
He lifts one brow, but if he’s surprised that she knows me, he doesn’t show it.
Heloise leads me around the side of the home to another massive flower garden bathed in lights strung from the trees here as well.
“I apologize that you tried to get to me and I wasn’t available,” she says.“I’ve been in and out of the country for the last few months.What’s going on?”
I tell her what Doug and his family did.“You were at the shop with me when I designed that piece in memory of my grandmother.You know they’re mine.”
“I do.It was beautiful.”
I clench my jaw to hold my tears at bay.The way DB Jewelry had taken the design was like they’d ripped away a part of my heart.
Heloise clicks her tongue.“I can’t believe he behaved so shamefully.I thought the two of you were about to get married.I had no idea they were thieves like that.You should drag them to court.”
