Page 49 of Entwined

“For making me feel alive again.”

I frown, pulling her in close. “You…you can’t fall in love with me. I told you—my heart belongs to someone else.”

“I know. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re a good friend Christos. Who knew a divorcé, closer to forty than thirty, could still take life by the horns and have a second chance?”

“I did. I took my second chance at re-creating my future. Look at me now.”

“I am. You’re the most sought-after man in the world. And yet you’re dancing with me at a ball in Paris. Why aren’t you with her? With this mystery woman whom you barely speak of but by the faraway look often in your eyes—I know she’s always in your thoughts.”

“It’s complicated.”

“It always is.” Her lips curve into a smile.

“Allow me? I assure you my moves are much smoother than his.” My forced smile causes my teeth to gnash together but I can’t do anything but watch as Dimitri takes Nicole from my arms and spins her away. The two of us always gather a ton of press. Making a scene tonight would erase all the months of hard work Nicole and I have done to squash my nickname ofEl Diablonot only from the lips of many, but also their minds.

With the forced smile still on my lips, I turn away into the crowd eager to speak with me. Since I’ve become a philanthropist, many have sought my ear as to why my foundation should support whatever cause they peddle.

I discreetly search for Nicole, finding myself trapped in a conversation about the refugee crisis in Europe and ways private citizens can assist their governments. It got heated at one point; lots of good ideas were shared around rounds of champagne and caviar. Finally, I excuse myself as a waiter brings a round of fresh drinks. My eyes scan over the crowd for Nicole in her deep burgundy gown. But she’s nowhere to be found.

I slip my phone from my pocket and dial her.

It goes straight to voicemail.

Fucking Dimitri.

He always was a hot-head. He’s a DOM more ruthless than me, since I’ve opened up my emotions. But Nicole has no idea how dark and deep my secrets go. She has no idea to the alternate world I lived in. The sex dungeons, DOM/sub parties, sex clubs and women Dimitri and I often shared.

I need to save her from him. She’s too good. Too pure. With a hammering heart, I realize how much of a hypocrite I am. Who was there to save Jessie from me?

No one.

And he has Nicole somewhere out here in the dark. He’s going to hurt her in an effort to spite me.

I slip out a side door, discreetly hiding in shadows as my eyes adjust to the dim light outside. A maze of topiaries and trees make a small garden below.

There.

She’s running, catching her dress on twigs. I bolt down the stairs, grabbing her by the elbow as she slams into me.

“Nicole? Are you all right?”

Her eyes are wild, her pulse beats rapidly as she pants. Her arms rest on her abdomen as she tries to catch her breath. “Did he hurt you?”

“No. He just kissed me within an inch of my life. Literally stole my breath. I almost passed out from a lack of oxygen before he let me go.”

“I’ll kill him.” The beast who’s been dormant for months, leaps to life.

“No. Don’t. I liked it.”

She grabs the sleeve of my suit coat as I start in the direction she just fled from. “I really liked it. No one’s ever kissed me like that before.”

I turn back, taking in her wild hair, swollen lips and heaving breasts. She is magnificent. Her ex-husband; a fool. If my dove hadn’t already claimed me, I’d be tempted to seduce her.

“Stay away from him. He was once a friend, but now a bitter enemy.”

“What happened?”

I give her a long look.

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