Page 9 of Pride
“The only time I’ll get any joy from seeing my face in the news,” he announced gruffly, “Is if it’s my mugshot after I’ve rid the world of anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to make a fucking rich list.”
Tobey threw his head back and laughed out loud, drawing the attention of everyone around him. “You’re just jealous because you’re not at the top spot.”
“Insanely,” he replied in a bored tone. Then he took another sip from his cut glass crystal tumbler, a glass that no one else in this room seemed to have, before glancing my way again. Instantly, the fury in his eyes disappeared, and the smouldering fire I’d seen before returned as he asked me. “Are you having a good night?”
I faltered, not entirely sure I’d be able to form coherent words when I answered.
“It’s been... interesting so far,” I replied, too conscious of the way my voice sounded as I tried to appear cool, calm, and collected. But I noticed the way his focus shifted from my eyes to my lips when I spoke. It made the flutters in my belly beat faster and more intensely.
Ethan Moore, who was standing next to Lloyd, leaned forward, cutting between us suddenly and interrupting our conversation.
“I’m Ethan,” he announced, reaching to shake my hand and pulling my attention away from Alex Kingston. “I’m sure Google can give you my resume if Lloyd hasn’t already filled you in.”
I gave a polite laugh in response. “It’s nice to meet you, Ethan.”
“And you are?” he asked.
“Emma. Emma Belmont.” I glanced around the circle, my cheeks burning as I met Alex Kingston’s penetrative gaze yet again. I don’t think I’d ever had such an intense first meeting with a man before.
Suddenly, Lloyd decided to retake control of the conversation. “Emma is from the Merivale Echo. She’s a reporter.”
Tobey’s eyes went wide, and he gave a low chuckle.
“You’re one of Gold’s minions? Wow.” He shook his head as if he were amazed. “I bet you have some stories to tell.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but Lloyd cut in.
“Can you believe she came as his plus one, but as you know, he isn’t welcome at these events, especially after what happened the last time. So he was refused entry. Security threw him to the floor and Emma had to step up to the plate.”
Lloyd clearly liked to exaggerate. There was no throwing to the floor involved. And what a way to introduce me and make me feel extra small at the same time.
But what did happen at the last event?
I was about to defend myself, but I heard Alex Kingston scoff beside me, then snap, “I’m sure Miss Belmont is grateful you brought that up again. Did you film it for prosperity?” He was mocking Lloyd, and I had to admit, I liked that he spoke up for me.
“I’m merely pointing out that Emma is here doing God’s work, so to speak,” Lloyd continued, digging himself a hole.
“Then show a bit of fucking respect and let her speak for herself,” Alex seethed, pinning Lloyd with what looked like a threatening glare.
Lloyd went to reply, his mouth flapping open and closed as he tried to respond despite being speechless, but I jumped in.
“That was quite an introduction. Thank you, Lloyd. And thank you for having me here tonight. I’m honoured to be here.”
“But he didn’t introduce you, though, did he?” Alex replied. “Not to me.” He turned his whole body to face me, holding his hand out for me to shake. “I’m Alex,” he said, his voice deep like smooth, rich velvet that I would happily drown in.
I peered down at his outstretched hand before taking it in mine and whispering, “I’m Emma.”
His hand felt warm and soft, and I shook it gently, as he stared at me. Then I felt him brush his finger gently over theback of my hand, such a small gesture, and yet, it sparked bolts of electricity between us. Sparks I knew he felt too, as his mouth fell open slightly.
I think I held his hand for a little longer than I should’ve, or maybe he held mine for too long, I don’t know. But neither one of us made the effort to break away, until Tobey whispered jovially, “All right you two, get a room.” And I pulled my hand away. But Alex ignored him, and I could see his chest rise and fall as he breathed deeply, glancing down at where my hand had touched his.
Fireworks.
That’s what it felt like, standing in this room with this magnetic man so close. His eyes on me like he was seeing something he couldn’t quite believe. Being near him made my spine tingle, he gave me butterflies.
“You don’t have a drink,” he suddenly announced. “Let me get you one.”
“I’m okay,” I replied. “I’m not drinking tonight.” But he didn’t listen and reached out to grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
