Page 57 of Sold to Her Enemy

“That’s the point, Ava. When I ran into Mckenna after setting up the offices here, we hit it off and reconnected. Don’t you think people should be given a second chance?”

My sister stares at me, her deep brown eyes so much like our father’s. Her raven hair, loose around her shoulders, curtains her face as she shakes her head.

“Adrian, what are you doing?” She squeals out the question.

“Restoring my reputation. I imagine you have media here?” I say as casually as I can, but inside I’m cheering.

“Obviously! You can’t do this,” Ava pushes Mckenna, making her stumble back, but my sister grabs her shoulder. Mckenna cries out, trying to shake off Ava’s hand.

“Ava! What are you doing? Let go of her right now!” I grab Ava’s wrist and lift it off of Mckenna’s shoulder.

“What’s going on, Ava?” Oliver asks.

“Nothing, darling. It looked like Mckenna’s sleeve was going to fall down. I tried to adjust it, and I stumbled into her. Sorry.” Ava flashes him a smile, but she glares at us as soon as someone calls his name.

“Ava, relax. Mckenna is not her father, and she shouldn’t suffer from his crimes anymore. Now excuse us, we’re going to enjoy your engagement party. again, Oliver.” I shake his hand, startling him out of the conversation he was having about exchange rates with the couple behind us.

Ava’s hand curls into a fist, and she shakes her head. “Why did you have to ruin my night?”

“I didn’t ruin your night, Ava. I’m here to celebrate it with my girlfriend.” I lean down and kiss her cheek. “Think of how this looks for you, too. The children of the biotech industry giants are putting the past firmly to bed as one embarks on a new future.” I smile. “I can see the headline now.”

“You might be right, Adrian,” Ava’s voice is calm, but she is still glaring at Mckenna.

“We better find our seats.”

I smile, humming to myself, as we leave the line and find our seats, right close to the stage and within viewing distance of the piano.

“There, was that so bad?”

Mckenna’s face is pale, her lips are trembling. “Yes, Adrian, as far as encounters go with Ava, that one wasn’t bad.”

I frown, wondering what she means, but she stands on her tiptoes and her breath is warm against my ear. “Across the room, I think that’s Jana Whitters, the journalist who interviewed me.”

Mckenna gestures with her chin to a blonde lady in the corner, who is scrawling notes on her iPad.

“It’s hard to forget her face.” I know the journalist and she’s been a pain in my neck before. She’s the top journalist that reports for the society pages and is known for doing whatever she can for the scoop.

So, if she wants an update on that story, I’m going to give her one.

I pull out Mckenna’s chair for her, wait for her to sit, and then push it in. I sit down next to her, glancing to make sure Jana can see, take Mckenna’s hand in my hand, and lean in, slanting my lips over hers.

Mckenna is frozen for a moment before she kisses me back, and I am lost in the sweet taste of her tongue against mine. I slide my tongue down her throat, knowing she has no choice but to deal, and she deepens the kiss even more.

She whimpers against me, making my cock throb. I ease up and slowly trace her lips with mine before I sit back in my chair. Mckenna reaches for the water glass and takes a sip.

“People are staring.”

“I don’t care. I want them to stare, hellion. That’s the point, remember?” I cast my eyes around the room, grinning like I’ve won the prize.

Oliver’s father comes up on stage and taps the microphone.

“Good evening! Thank you for joining us at this party to celebrate our son’s engagement to a woman who is smart, talented, and too good for him.”

There is polite laughter, and I run my hand up to Mckenna’s thigh.

“We are so proud that Ava is joining our family, and I know this will be a successful marriage! Now, as you have appetizers, the bride-to-be will serenade us with one of her most popular compositions, Stars on the River. Esteemed guests, would you put your hands together for Ava McIntyre!”

A waiter places a tray of canapes on our table. The lights dim, and Ava strides over to the piano.

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