Page 48 of Entwined

CHRISTOS

“DIMITRI? WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

He shrugs, “Something caught my eye.”

“Stay away from her.”

“But why? When you let her fly?”

All the muscles in my body tense. “Why do I always have the urge to punch your face in when I see you?”

“Because you know I’m your biggest threat.”

“Not anymore. I sold Devillo Industries.”

“I didn’t mean in the boardroom.” His eyes move past me, zeroing in on someone. I turn, fists clenching.

“She’s off-limits, too.”

“Ah. So, you’ve captured another dove?”

“It’s not like that. She works for me.”

“Yes, I know. Pictures of the two of you are everywhere since she’s been your date to every social function.”

“She’s my head of PR.”

“Is that all she is?”

“Yes,” I bite out through clenched teeth.

“She’s stunning. Dare I say, just as much asshewas.”

“What is it with you wanting what’s mine all the time?”

“What can I say? You have impeccable taste.”

“Look elsewhere.”

“I can’t tear my eyes away.”

“Let me assist you then.” I step in front of him, the tips of my shoes almost touching his. My jaw clenches as I remember how much he wanted Jessie for himself.

“Go back to whatever hole you’ve been hiding in.”

“I don’t hide from anyone.” He bites back, his own fists clenched at his side. “You should’ve done more research. I guess all those zeros on the check made you forget to look over your shoulder. While you were busy dismantling my company, I was busy buying yours. Yes… that’s right I spent a fuck-ton on solicitors burying my name under layers of LLC names. What can I say? I’ll never let bygones be bygones.”

“Christos? Is everything okay?” Nicole reaches us, placing a hand on my forearm. Dimitri’s jaw clenches watching her hand on me.

“You think I give a fuck? You’ll never beat me, but only feast on my scraps. After all, I sat at the table before you. Tasted everything first—especiallyher. You’re nothing but a guy who never gets first, second is the highest ribbon you’ll ever win.” I smirk, baiting him, enjoying that he always covets the woman on my arm. “Yes. Let’s dance,chérie. A woman must dance at a ball in Paris.”

She frowns but has worked for me long enough to know not to pry, at least not in front of Dimitri.

I twirl her out onto the dance floor in front of a dozen snapping cameras. Being at this charity ball tonight will be good for my image. She laughs as I spin her faster, dipping her low over one arm grandly.

“I love working for you. Thank you.”

“For what?”

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