Page 15 of Embers in the Dark

The moment I approach the room filled with associates from his firm, I spot Myles. I can feel myself shake a bit at his presence, but I feel a little more at ease since his back is to me as he’s deep in conversation.

Someone he’s speaking to looks up and locks eyes with me and says something to Myles. Right then, Myles turns his gaze over to me. The easygoing smile that was on his face turns to stone when he sees me, his eyes rake me over from head to toe, taking in my outfit. I keep my head up high, walking over to him.

The moment I reach his group, I plaster a smile on my face, forcing myself to greet him. I can tell he’s angry, his eyes continually roaming over me.

I move my cheek toward Myles and greet him with a hug and kiss.

I whisper in his ear, “Good to see you, sweets.”

“What are you wearing?” he whispers so only I can hear him. I try not to let his words sting, but it’s hard not to feel hurt that of all the things to be greeted with, this is how he starts our interaction. Not even a "hello" or a "good to see you."

Pulling away, I wipe the little bit of dark red lipstick from his cheek that rubbed off on his skin. “Oops,” I say on a wink.

I turn and introduce myself to the group. Some look young enough to be fellow interns like Myles. At first, Myles remains silent, probably internally seething, but he finally pulls his head out of his ass and starts to take over introductions to his colleagues.

“Well, if this isn’t the stunning Baylee.” An older gentleman makes his way over to our group. “I’m Conrad Gontry, I’m this guy’s boss.” He thumbs over to Myles.

“Oh, well it’s a pleasure.” I go to shake his hand, but he pulls my hand to his lips. Myles has moved his hand to my lower back and I feel his hand stiffen around my waist, his fingers digging into my skin.

“I’ve heard great things from Myles about what an amazing woman he has by his side. He didn’t emphasize how stunning you are,” he says, looking anywhere but my face when he says this. The discomfort is climbing. So, we can add douche to the boss’s resume.

“That’s very kind. Thank you,” I say, trying to step further away from Mr. Gontry without being a total ass, although he’s a close second to my boyfriend in taking that award tonight.

“If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to grab a drink for Baylee.” Myles doesn’t wait for an answer and steers us away from the group, his grip on me only intensifying.

As we get closer to the bar, I expect us to order something,but he maneuvers us so we veer right, where we move away from the crowd and no one can hear our conversation. The moment we’re alone, there’s only fire in his eyes as he turns me to face him.

“That was a bit rude, no?” I comment.

“What the fuck are you wearing, Baylee?” He completely ignores my question.

“Excuse me?” I look down, making sure nothing is out of place.

“What the fuck is this dress?” he bites back.

“Normal,” I counter. Yes, I’m pushing his buttons.

“Like hell it is. Everyone is looking at you like you’re their next meal,” he says.

“I look good,” I say, a small laugh slips, only making Myles angrier.

“Baylee, don’t you see the way my coworkers are salivating as you walk by? You’re supposed to look like my future wife, not like someone that would get on your knees for any of these guys!” he whispers.

“Excuse me?” What. The. Fuck.

“You heard me. You look like you’re giving it away.” This asshole has the nerve to not even look sorry. “That’s not a half-bad idea. Maybe I should offer you to Mr. Gontry whenever he wants you to solidify my job.”

We stare at each other for an extra beat. I’m waiting to see his words click, hoping he has a heart somewhere in that hollow chest of his, but soon he just stalks off, leaving me in this corner without a care in the world.

I watch him move toward the bar, greeting another coworker in the process, as if his words didn’t just gut the person he claims to love. I wish I could say I feel the sting of tears, but all I feel is anger. I pull in a breath, steel my spine and walk over to Myles.

“Excuse me,” I interrupt. Myles and his colleague look over.

“Yes, love,” he says, as if he didn’t just insinuate I’d suck dick for anyone in this place. Fucking asshole.

I tamper the desire to roll my eyes. “Do you mind if I just pull him away for just another second?” I address the gentleman across from him.

The man nods and gives me a small smile. Myles looks annoyed by my request but complies and turns toward me.

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