Page 61 of Where We Began

“I'm sorry, I should have hurried there sooner.”

He shrugs, running a hand down his silver tie. I watch, completely hooked on his tiny movements. They make me think of how precisely he can touch my body. “My parents have it under control. Don't forget, this is their house. They're not going to pretend this event was your idea.”

I'm taken aback. “Oh.”

He offers his elbow. “Walk with me. We'll make a grand entrance.”

Lighting up with a grin, I wrap my arm around his thick bicep. It thrills me to be this close to him. He smells divine, and the walk to the ballroom goes too quickly. I could stroll down an endless hallway with this man.

We approach the double doors. Security is dotted around, and I realize that, for once, they're not watching out for me. They're checking their lists as people arrive, marking off names, and sometimes even peering into bags or coats. The Bradleys are rich and powerful, and I forgot they could have enemies. I'm not the only one who hates them.

When we get to the entrance, the security man—Miles, I recognize him—glances at us. He eyeballs our woven arms, but says nothing. He nods as we pass.

The room inside is breathtaking. Mellie took all of my input, and the result is a ballroom that is straight out of a winter wonderland. The tables around the perimeter are draped in white satin. Tall high tops circling closer to the middle are studded with trays of drinks. Every surface is decorated tastefully with silver-glittered pinecone arrangements.

Seeing the pinecones make my heart jump. They remind me of Dominic and me in the forest... of his strong hands on my hips, his cock buried in me to my limit as we both orgasm. We haven't had a moment alone to repeat that encounter.

“I know what you're thinking about,” he says softly beside me. I snap my eyes to him in shock; he's smirking. “I'm thinking about it, too. Maybe we can reenact our fun in here later, when everyone has gone.”

I want to screamyes please!I bite my bottom lip because Silas and Annie are approaching us. He's dressed similar to Dominic, a red triangle sticking from his jacket pocket. The green fabric that clings to Annie shows off her small waist and streamlined hips.

“Dominic,” Silas says, not offering a hand to either of us. Annie's openly staring at our arm-link the way Miles was. On impulse, I slide my hand away, hanging it at my side. She doesn't appear any less sour.

Silas clears his throat. “This event is starting well. There are a few prospects who want to chat with me, and the night is very young.”

I manage a smile. “I'm happy to hear that.”

He gives me a curious look. “It's good to see you taking your situation so seriously.” His eyes narrow further, and I feel Dominic tensing. His protective aura is fierce. “It should go without saying, but I hope you weren't planning to cause any trouble tonight?”

“What kind of trouble?” I ask slowly.

Annie speaks up first, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “Don't go begging anyone for help. None of the people attending would risk their own livelihoods by getting involved in yours.”

My mouth opens. I work my jaw, searching for a response. “I wasn't planning on trying anything like that.”

She nods curtly. With a final glance at us both, she sways off into the crowd. Silas lingers a second before he follows her. I shake my head, crossing my arms. “Amazing, aren't they?” I ask.

Dominic makes a gritty, sharp sound. I stare up at him and catch the anger leaving his face. He's calm as a stone, and just as welcoming. “She hates seeing us together.”

I blink twice. “Annie? Why does she care what we do?”

His lips twitch at the corners, becoming a bitter smile. “Seeing me happy makes her miserable.”

I place my hand gently on his shoulder. “Well. Then she'll have to get used to being miserable, I guess.”

Dominic fixates on my hand. Then, he gazes into my eyes, taking in my sympathetic smile. My heart beats quicker when he smiles back. “I guess so.” He nods towards the group. “You attended smaller gatherings here before, right?”

“Very small. Your dad sometimes had a few friends... or business associates I guess, over for drinks. I guess there were some holiday parties, too.” He tenses when I mention those. “The guys would flirt at times, but they didn't want to talk to me.” I scan the faces in the room, narrowing in on a few eager, creepy grins. “These guys, though, they look like they're ready to eat me alive.”

His eyes darken severely. “If anyone tries anything, tell me.”

I watch him makes angry fists, the veins in the backs of his hands dancing. It thrills me to know he's so protective. “Thanks,” I say, reaching out to brush his wrist. “I think I can handle them. But I'll let you know if it gets out of control.”

Dominic considers me for a long minute. “I almost want to leave right now,” he whispers. His body guides me backwards, my calves bumping the chair. “Take you upstairs to my room and forget all about this party.”

I've never seen his room, not since he came back. I didn't go in there once after he left for school. I wonder how it looks now. How his bed would feel. If we got under his covers, like we did as kids, what would happen?

His eyes are smoldering. They twitch, spotting something to my left. Intrigued, I follow his line of sight and see a man in the crowd. He's wearing a brown vest over a white shirt, the rest of his outfit as gray as an elephant. “Someone important?” I ask.

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