Page 98 of Sweet Surrender

As I watch their interaction, a strange tightness settles in my chest. Interesting. He’s just finished apologizing to me for his behavior today, and now he’s flaunting his past lovers. You were right to keep your heart out of this, Hendrix. The way she leans into him, the way her fingers trail lightly along the fabric of his sleeve, makes my blood heat, though. She’s being so brazen, knowing he’s married and pursuing him anyway. How do women get off on that sort of bitchy behavior? Why don’t they stick up for each other?

Jase glances my way, amusement flickering in his gaze. He knows exactly what he’s doing. And dammit, he’s an asshole, but I don’t see that he’s into Madison. He’s playing a game. All right then.

“So, this must be the lucky woman who tamed the untamable Gizmo.” Madison’s voice is a sugarcoated barb as she finally acknowledges me. She extends a perfectly manicured hand, her smile anything but warm. “Madison Sinclair.”

“Hendrix Gizmodo.” I shake her hand, gripping just a little too tightly.

An innate jealousy flares within me. Yes, this is all pretend, but I am in fact sleeping with the man so the spike of emotion would seem normal.

She laughs, her gaze flickering between Jase and me like she’s piecing together a puzzle. “Well, aren’t you full of surprises?”

Jase tilts his head, clearly enjoying whatever game she’s playing. “Always.”

She looks familiar and for a second, I try and place her as a celebrity. But then it hits me where I’ve seen her before—in one of the many photos I found online of Jase. She was on his arm.

So it’s no surprise to me she’s trying to let me know she staked her claim before me. That she has slept with my husband. So do I make a discreet comment and let this go? Let the woman feel good about herself for “putting me in my place”? Or do I make myself visible, act my part for the appearance’s sake? After all, when this is over, there’s no doubt in my mind that Jase will be back to sleeping with every Madison who offers.

I shift closer to Jase, placing a hand on his chest, feeling the solid warmth beneath my palm. “I recognize you. You’ve been one of Jase’s dates before at an event like this.” My smile is quick and my voice is loaded with sweetness. “Who did you come with tonight, Madison? I can’t imagine you came alone.”

Jase goes completely still, all but choking on his next breath.

Madison’s smile falters slightly.

And for the first time tonight, I feel like I have the upper hand. Like I found my backbone and am finally on an even playing field.

Jase recovers quickly, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me against him. His lips brush my temple, lingering just long enough to send heat rushing through me. “She’s a quick learner,” he murmurs against my skin.

I know it’s all part of the act, but when he pulls back, I see something new in his expression—something unreadable, something dangerous.

Desire.

Pride.

Want.

As Madison makes a polite excuse and melts back into the crowd, I exhale slowly and try to regain my composure. Jase watches me, his gaze darker now, sharper.

“That was interesting,” he muses.

I arch a brow. “What was?”

His fingers brush against my hip, slow and deliberate. “You, getting jealous.”

“Please.” I snort. “I was just playing the part and letting her down gently.”

“Killing her with kindness?”

“Can’t be called a bitch when you’re sweet and complimentary, now can you?”

“True but you can still be jealous.” His voice is smooth, teasing, but there’s something else beneath it—something unsettling.

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes.

“Excuse me for a moment? I need to use the restroom. Will you be okay on your own?”

“Fine. Yes.” I watch him walk away and draw in a deep breath.

“Ah, there she is,” a smooth, confident voice says. “Thought he’d never leave your side.”