Page 9 of Innocent and Sweet

Chapter Four

Anissa shook yet another set of hands and wobbled against Kam. She’d greeted, spoken to and laughed at so many people over the course of the last three hours. Most of the attendees didn’t know her, and only a couple mentioned her father. She hadn’t been integral to the event.

A man approached. He smiled, but the joy never quite reached his eyes. He stuck out his hand. “Anissa Dunn. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Alex Gahan.” He leaned into her and kissed her cheek. “You’re lovelier in person.”

“Thank you?” She tensed. “I’m glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Gahan.”

Alex’s brown eyes glittered, and a dusting of whiskers darkened his cheeks. He stood a few inches taller than her, but shorter than Kam. He focused on her, seeming to ignore Kameron hulking beside her.

The longer Alex stared at her, the more she wanted to leave. “Did you need something, Mr. Gahan?”

“Alex. Mr. Gahan is my father.” Alex focused on her. “I haven’t seen you around the social circles. I’m sure I would’ve remembered you.”

“Since I got engaged, I haven’t wanted to run with the old crowd.” She’d never fit in with the rich kids and stood outside their cliques. “Have you met my fiancé?” On cue, Kam angled her a bit behind him. Anissa bumped his shoulder. “This is Kameron Stone. We’re getting married this summer.” She fumbled. “I mean next April.”

“We’ve discussed both time frames,” Kameron said. “Whatever my lady wants is what we’ll do.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “Married. Ah.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can we have a moment? Alone?”

“What’s wrong with right now?” Anissa asked. “Oh, and wherever I go is where Kam is. No question.” At least she’d found her backbone again. “What’s the issue?”

“I was told you weren’t engaged. Weren’t even in a dating relationship.” Alex shifted his gaze between her and Kameron. “Does your father know you’re doing this?”

“That I’m with Kameron? Of course. He blessed the union.” Okay, she might be pushing the envelope now. Oh, well. “We just haven’t made a big deal. I’m more of a fly-under-the-radar kind of girl.”

“You didn’t strike me as such.” Alex sighed. “Then good evening. I’d hoped to spend a few hours with you, but since you’re engaged, I’ll leave you tohim.” He shook his head as he walked away.

“Was that as awkward as I thought?” She held Kam’s hand. “He didn’t demand to see the ring, so that helps.”

“I’ll make sure you have one by the end of tomorrow,” Kam said. “I should’ve thought of that detail before now.”

“I don’t need another bauble.” She squeezed his fingers. She wanted a ring that came with his love, not just a sham. Still, she had to be practical. “A prop might not be a bad idea.”

He grinned. “Are you telling me you don’t want to be spoiled?”

Spoiled. Shit. He didn’t understand. She’d rather give up her damn charmed existence if it meant she’d have him in her life. “Let’s go. I’m tired.” She grasped his arm. “Trouble averted, and I’d like to get out of here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He escorted her down to the limo.

“Ani?” Alex rushed up to the car. “Wait.”

“Wait?” She waited by the open door. She didn’t have time for this. “What do you want?” If Alex tried something, she could duck into the car. Kam had her other side. Still, Alex showing up and calling her Ani annoyed her.

“Are you sure you want to marry him?” Alex asked. “He’s the help.”

“He cares about me.” She notched her chin in the air. “You’ve never spoken to me before today.” She slid her hand into Kam’s pocket. “I don’t get what the hell you’re doing, but I’m not interested.”

“I wanted to, but you’re never alone.” Alex shook his head. “You’re always got Beast Mode next to you. Now you’re marrying him.”

Beast Mode? So Kam looked scary… he wasn’t a beast. “What’s Kam supposed to do? He’s my protector.”

“For one thing, he’s not supposed to fuck the package,” Alex said. He groaned. “Jesus.”

“Hehas a name.” Kam stepped between her and Alex. “No one made her do anything. If you had truly wanted to make a move, you would’ve found a way.”

Alex shrugged.

Anissa climbed into the limo. She’d had enough. They could take their testosterone fight somewhere else. Alex wasn’t a threat to her other than he wanted to push in on her relationship. Too bad the relationship wasn’t real. Besides, Alex probably only saw dollar signs.

---