Page 58 of Entrapped
Circling the room with Colson by my side, I felt like a queen surveying her kingdom. We met with many of his associates, each introduction a subtle reminder of the world I’d stepped into. When we approached Cain Fairfax, a billionaire real estate developer with global interests, I couldn’t miss the predatory gleam in his eyes as they settled on me. He was young, only thirty, a confirmed bachelor with half the single women in the room trailing after him like moths to a flame.
“Cain Fairfax, may I present my wife, Josephine,” Colson introduced, his tone cordial but firm.
Cain smiled, extending his hand to me. His grip was warm, firm, and he clasped my hand with both of his, lingering just a bit longer than necessary. His smile seemed genuine, but something about it made my skin prickle.
“Are there more at home like you?” he asked, his voice smooth and laced with a hint of something suggestive.
A flush crept up my neck, and I felt a mixture of embarrassment and irritation. “No, just me,” I replied, my voice steady despite the unease crawling up my spine.
“Pity,” he said, his eyes raking over me. “A woman as beautiful as you must have great genes.”
Before I could respond, Colson stepped in, his arm slipping possessively around my waist. “Cain, in a room full of beautiful women, I’m sure you can find someone else to catch your attention other than my wife.”
Cain’s smirk didn’t falter as he held his hands up in mock surrender. “I meant no disrespect,” he said, though the glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.
I forced a smile, but anxiety gnawed at my insides, the edge of it sharp and unrelenting. Normally, I would have reached for a drink to calm my nerves, but tonight that wasn’t an option. Colson’s hand tightened around my waist, grounding me, giving me the courage I needed to speak.
“I’m sure you didn’t,” I said, meeting Cain’s gaze head-on. “But you should know, I’m not someone who’s easily impressed by flattery. And I’m certainly not here to be anyone’s entertainment.”
Cain’s smirk faded slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. “Of course not,” he said, but the light in his eyes dimmed, the predatory edge blunted.
"Colson, this one is a spitfire," Cain remarked, his tone laced with a mix of admiration and challenge.
"That’s why I chose her," Colson replied smoothly, his grip on my waist tightening just enough to remind me of his presence.
Cain nodded, a sly smile playing on his lips as he grabbed two flutes of champagne from a passing server. He handed one to me, his eyes filled with something that made me uneasy.
"A toast," he said, raising his glass. "To love rather than money."
Before I could react, Colson gently took the glass from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine. "Sweetheart, you told me not to let you drink," he reminded me, then downed the champagne in one gulp.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief. With the pregnancy still a secret, I didn’t want to raise any suspicion. The only ones who knew were my parents and Vaughn, who had figured it out on his own.
Cain chuckled, shaking his head. "You’re no fun, Colson."
"But I keep my promises," Colson replied, his voice steady, leaving no room for argument.
Just as the tension was thickening, Melissa Hartley appeared, tapping Cain on the shoulder. "Care for a dance?" she asked, her voice sweet but insistent.
Cain hesitated for a moment, his eyes lingering on me before he turned to Melissa. "Of course," he said, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor.
As they walked away, I leaned into Colson, whispering, "Thank you."
He kissed the top of my head, his breath warm against my ear. "I’d like a breather. Come upstairs with me," he murmured, his voice a soft command.
"Let me just check the kitchen first," I replied, glancing toward the bustling staff.
Colson didn’t let go of my hand as he led me to the kitchen, where I quickly ensured that everything was on schedule. The appetizers were almost finished, and the buffet would soon be set up around the perimeter of the dance floor. Satisfied that all was in order, I allowed Colson to guide me up the grand staircase.
His arm stayed firmly around me as we ascended, my heels clicking against the steps. We moved swiftly down the hall, but just as we passed Vaughn’s old room, the door swung open.
Vaughn stood there, looking disheveled, his shirt untucked and hair mussed. Behind him, Serena lay sprawled on the bed, her dress hiked up around her waist. I tried not to react, but the scene was hard to ignore.
"Dinner will be ready soon. Make sure you’re downstairs," I said, my voice steady despite the knot forming in my stomach.
As we continued down the hall, I glanced back and caught Vaughn’s gaze. He licked his lips seductively, a knowing smirk playing on his face. He knew exactly where we were headed and what we planned to do.
Colson didn’t look back. His focus was solely on me, his hand guiding me forward. When we reached the master bedroom, he closed the door behind us, the world outside fading away.
