Page 39 of Rival to the Billionaire

I take a deep breath to calm my racing heart, then drain my glass. Before I know it, I'm crossing the room heading straight for the two of them.

As I get closer, I notice Jenny's dancing closer to Julian than before. She likes looking at him, I think angrily. She likes getting closer.

She looks up and sees me approach, surprise flooding her hazel eyes. Especially when I grab her again by the arm and pull her closer to me.

I nod to a gaping Julian who only looks. "Mr. Sabado, good to see you again. Happy you're here." I motion over my shoulder. "Try the caviar, by the way. It's delicious."

He smiles, confused but still polite. "Thanks."

Jenny doesn't say anything as I pull her away from him, moving fast.

My heart is in my throat as we pass under the elegant chandeliers, over the lush carpet beneath our feet and by the tables of fine food.

I can feel her body vibrate with her breathing. I can smell the lavender on her skin. I can see the growing scowl on her face.

Still, she says nothing as I nearly drag her out of the ballroom for the cocktail hour and into the swank hallways of The Fountain Springs hotel.

And when we're finally in a quiet part of the lobby, into the nearest powder room, I practically tear my hand away from her arm, dropping it down to my side.

Once we're inside the small, wood-paneled room, I shut the door behind us. I don't say anything to her, but I do unfasten the buttons of my shirt, closest to my collar, desperate to get air.

It's like I can barely breathe after I've pulled her over here.

She keeps to herself, just standing there, like…nothing matters.

Like she can't care less that I'm here and that I just dragged her out of the party and into a bathroom.

After a few tense seconds, Jenny looks at her arm and rubs the place where I'd held her. "That hurt, you know."

"Good," I growl, eyes closed, trying to get a grip on my emotions. "I hurt you just like you're hurting me."

She blinks at me, confused and surprised. "I'm not even going to ask what the hell that could mean."

I open my eyes and take stock inside myself. I feel…off. “Fuck, I—I’m sorry," I say quietly. "I've just lost my mind, I think."

She doesn't say anything.

I stare at her, trying to piece my thoughts together.

I can barely stand this woman. But here I am, standing across from her, my eyes roaming over her upswept silky red hair and her sparkly red dress, thinking about how she's probably the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen in my life.

"Well…?” Jenny starts. "I'm guessing the Neanderthal resurfaced tonight for a reason. So, what is it this time, Ryder? What do you want to talk about?" She pauses for a second. "What do you want?"

I take in a breath and step forward, closing the gap between us, shaking my head. I reach for the back of her hair. She steps back, away from me.

I grab one of her soft, caramel arms and pull her to me.

"You," I say, my voice seemingly strangled. "You, Jenny. I think…I want you."

And then I pull her the last few inches toward me, my heart hammering a million beats a minute as I close my mouth over hers.

ChapterTwelve

JENNY

Ryder never calls me 'Jenny' anymore.

He calls me 'Forde' instead, a part of our unspoken rules in the distance that we've put between us these past few years. Problem is: Ryder's now obliterating that distance with one mind-blowing kiss.

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