Page 211 of Poison Aches

“And it doesn’t matter what or whom it is,” George finishes.

With that, he and Vaughn get up as if to leave, but before they do, Vaughn kisses me on the cheek. “See you later, beautiful.”

Emmett’s cold glare pierces Vaughn who just shrugs but remains where he stands.

Emmett’s glare lands on me next.

He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t need to because his eyes speak volumes.

I almost reach up to rub the cheek Vaughn just kissed, but then Emmett leans in close to me.

He holds my stare, then his gaze drops down to my lips.

And then he does another bizarre and insane thing… cups the side of my face gently, pulls me closer, runs his thumb over my bottom lip in a move so carnal and so hypnotic, I can’t breathe.

He pulls me even closer, until I can almost feel his lips on mine.

Then he speaks.

“Behave.”

With that, he lets go, stands up, and leaves with a chuckling George and a silent Vaughn, leaving me reeling with confusion, heated lust, and now, a target on my back.

CHAPTER 28

Ivy

“What was that?”

As soon the boys are gone, I’m left with the Hughes family, all of them looking at me with varying looks of shock, envy, and calculation.

At Beverly’s words, I stare at her, meeting her glare for glare.

“What was what?” I ask nonchalantly.

If she can threaten to use my grandmother and brother for her own means without batting an eyelash, why should I give her an explanation… even if I need one myself about what just happened here.

“How exactly do you know those men?” Beverly demands. “Not only does George Beaumont know you, but both Emmett and Vaughn Easton looked like they were both fixated on you!”

Ah yes. Both Vaughn's and Emmett’s behavior tonight was just mind blowing. I don’t even know how to explain it, but I won’t express that to these people.

“Well, isn’t that what you wanted?” I say steadily, looking at my mother. “Me being your pawn so that you get in partnership with the Eastons. Isn’t that right, Governor?”

I turn to look at him.

I know a calculative man when I see one, but now he looks even more excited.

“Well done!” he suddenly says. “You got them both to spend millions on you without even saying a word, that’s brilliant!”

Shocked, Beverly and Melissa turn to look at him.

“Dad!”

Governor Hughes Ignores his beloved daughter and then he looks at me.

“Not only that but the Eastons gave us power to choose who will be the next heir, so now we need to deliberate who we want,” he says excitedly with his eyes glinting, practically planning his future in front of me.

Hmm, like husband like wife indeed.

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