Page 132 of Sugar

“No, thanks.”

“What’re you drinking?” he asked automatically, like my acceptance was a foregone conclusion in his head. “Wait, what’d you say?”

I forced a polite smile. “I’m heading out. Enjoy your night.”

I tried to dislodge his hold, but rather than releasing me, he acted like my movement had tugged him to stand.

“It’s too early to leave. One drink.”

“I’m set.”

Standing closer, his gaze slowly traveled down my body. The sharp sting of alcohol wafted from his breath. “Yeah, I knew I would’ve remembered you. You should be in movies, though. I can help with that. Make some calls for you.”

“I’m not interested,” I said.

“Everyone wants to be in a movie, gorgeous,” he accused like I was lying. “One glass of champagne. A celebratory toast.”

“Like I said, I’m leaving.”

He tilted his head. “With that old guy?”

I reared back. “Excuse me?”

He didn’t catch the warning in my tone. His own was filled with bitterness. “What’s with that? First, they had me competing with Tripp fucking Carter on screen. Who the hell is going to buy that any woman in their right mind would be torn between me and him?”

Correct. Because stalker or not, I thought Cassandra should’ve chosen him.

“Then I’ve been watching you all night, wondering when you’d make your way over to me. I thought you finally worked up your nerve, but now you’re shooting down a drink withmeto leave withhim?” His incredulousness showed that not only was he entitled and rude, he was also stupid.

Very,verystupid.

He somehow still managed to double down on it. “Why are you even here with the old guy?” There was a brief pause, and a calculating look came into his glossy eyes. “Is he someone important?”

I stopped trying to be discreet and yanked my arm from him. I didn’t bother to respond—it would be a waste of energy and brain cells—as I spun away.

And then froze.

Easton stood close, his gaze dark and intense as he watched.

Listened.

Because I hadn’t turned to catch his approach. He’d been standing there.

I wasn’t sure for how long or how much he’d overheard, but I got the feeling it was enough when his glare cut to Chase Majors.

Uh oh.

I moved quickly before either man opened their mouth to turn an awkward situation into a disaster. Closing the distance, I put my hand on Easton’s chest and pushed.

Unsurprisingly, he didn’t move. Not even a centimeter.

I lifted onto my toes and snaked my hand to the back of his neck, forcing him to look down at me. “You’ve made some promises that need to be fulfilled.” I lowered my voice until I wasn’t even sure if he could hear me over the noise of the party. “Ineed to be filled.”

He must’ve been able to because with one last murderous glare over my head, he wrapped an arm tightly around my shoulders and turned to take me home.

Finally.

Chapter 28

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