Page 39 of Hidden Heir, Italian Wife

“If you need to blame me for his actions, blame me.Do notcome after my family,” Jax warned wrathfully.

“Odelia.” Dom came up to them and subtly aligned himself next to Jax. “It’s time for you to say good night to my stepmother.”

Odelia swung a disbelieving glare up at Dom. “You have made a mistake, Domenico. He’s a snake. He’ll turn on you when you least expect it.”

“Leave quietly. Don’t make this ugly.”

Odelia stalked away.

Bree might have breathed a little easier at that point, but Jax’s arms were still hard around her, crushing her ribs.

“Brielle, we haven’t danced yet. Will you do me the honor?” Dom asked.

She could feel the volatile energy still bottled within Jax, percolating and ready to explode. She was also aware of people casting looks their way. As subdued as the interaction had been, people had noticed.

“You need to stay a little longer,” Dom added quietly to Jax. “You know you do. Let us dance. You can ask Eve.”

Very slowly, as though his muscles were rusted shut, Jax released Bree and gave a barely perceptible nod.

Stage smile.

She accompanied Dom to the dance floor, where he adeptly guided her around, but she felt stiff and uncoordinated.

“I’m sorry Odelia upset you,” Dom said. “My father seized any means to attack the Viscontis. It resulted in some associations that have run their course. You won’t see her at any future event where I’m present. Evie is very taken with Sofia, by the way. She’s already talking about our spending Christmas in Como and asking you to join us there. She wants to get to know both of you properly.”

He was trying to distract her and ease her unsettled nerves. It didn’t work. Not when Jax swept by with Eve. His expression was still stiff. His sister’s was stark.

“Why do we have to stay longer?” Bree asked Dom.

“To show you won,” he said simply.

CHAPTER NINE

Jax had suspectedOdelia would go after Bree to get to him. She had been watching them all night and quickly followed Bree into the powder room.

At least Sofia was safely away from here. His driver had texted him after escorting her and Melissa into Melissa’s brownstone.

Jax was still furious, especially because the altercation had drawn fresh attention onto him. Not everyone would repeat his old scandal, but enough would give it air. His instinct was to take Bree out of here, rather than put up with the stares, but Dom was right. Leaving would have been a concession. Staying after the other couple had been ousted was a statement as to who was welcome here and who was not.

He waited while his brothers each danced with Bree, then Bree sat with Eve and Dom’s sisters for a while before Jax moved to collect her.

“You’re leaving?” Eve rose the moment he touched Bree’s shoulder. “You’ll have to excuse them slipping away,” she told the group. “They’re getting married tomorrow. Jax wants his beauty sleep.” She was teasing to keep the mood light.

“Your groom sets a high bar. I don’t want him outshining me at my own wedding.” Jax went along with the joke, even though he saw Bree’s expression stiffen at the mention of their wedding.

She didn’t say anything as they crossed the street and rode the elevator to the top floor, only exhaled a shaken breath as they entered the suite.

She started to twist the ring off.

“Don’t. Let me explain.” He moved to the bar. “Do you want wine or…?”

“Water.”

Smart.

He poured two from the filtered tap and brought the glasses to where she sat on the sofa, expression rigid, hands in her lap.

“Excavating my past is the last thing I want to do,” he said bluntly. “I had hoped Odelia would behave herself and I’d never have to speak of this again, but…” He scowled at the lack of bite in the sip he took from his glass. “I was engaged to her niece.”

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