Page 37 of Watch Me Burn
Across the room, Damien’s head turns. Our eyes meet through the crowd, and heat spreads across my chest, crawling up my neck. He leans toward the mayor, his mouth moving, but his attention stays locked on me. Then he’s cutting through the clusters of guests, closing the distance between us.
“He’s coming back.” My hands find the fabric of my dress, smoothing wrinkles that aren’t there.
“Probably worried I’m scaring you off.”
“I don’t scare easily.”
Cade studies me, his gaze assessing. “No, it appears you don’t. If I may be so bold to say, I think you might be exactly what he needs.”
A brunette intercepts Damien. She’s stunning, all curves and confidence in a red dress that leaves nothing to the imagination.
“Oh, that’s not good.” Cade signals the bartender. “That’s his ex. We better go save him before he tosses her out on her ass.”
His tone is casual, almost amused rather than urgent. He slides a champagne flute toward me.
“Come on. Let’s go rescue your man.”
Chapter eleven
Damien
Inever let Luna out of my sight as I make my way through the crowd, shaking hands and accepting congratulations on another successful benefit. Last year’s event raised over five million for the foundation. We’re on track to exceed that tonight.
“Damien Wolfe, as I live and breathe.”
The voice hits me like a cascade of ice water as Francesca Vega steps in front of me, blocking my path back to Luna. She stands closer than appropriate, her red dress cut in a dramatic V that draws attention to the cleavage she’s spent considerable money perfecting. Her smile promises things I have zero interest in.
“Francesca. I didn’t know you were in Denver. Or that you were on the guest list.”
Nothing in my tone gives away the irritation at seeing my ex. If you can even call her an ex. Ours wasn’t a relationship. It was a fuckfest that turned into a shitshow of epic proportions. We fucked for three weeks, longer than I’ve fucked any other woman, other than Luna. But when it had run its course for me and I stopped answering her calls, she didn’t take it well, to say the least. It took months for me to get her off my back, and it was only after I introduced her to an acquaintance who was into her kinks that she stopped harassing me.
“Just flew in yesterday. When I heard about the benefit, I simply had to attend. Tiffany was so gracious to extend the last-minute invitation.”
I need to have a talk with my EA.
She places her hand on my arm, her red nails standing out against the black of my tux. “You know how I adore your passion for animals.”
I remove her hand. Every part of me recoils from the contact, from any touch but Luna’s.
“Your donation is always appreciated. If you’ll excuse me—”
“Don’t be so cold, darling.” She steps closer, the scent of her heavy perfume making me want to step back, but Damien Wolfe doesn’t retreat. “We had such fun together. Don’t you miss me… even a little?”
I spot Luna with Cade over her shoulder. The way she carries herself, confident and at ease despite the opulent surroundings, makes Francesca’s practiced seduction seem cheap and tawdry in comparison.
“No, I don’t. It was six years ago, Francesca. We’ve both moved on.”
Her smile falters, then hardens. “Have we?” She turns, following my gaze to Luna. “Ah. Not your usual type, is she?”
Luna and Cade reach us before I can respond. My hand moves to Luna’s back without thought, settling low, fingers splayed wide. The touch anchors me as her scent wraps around me. My breathing evens out. The tension in my shoulders loosens. And yes, everyone watching will know exactly what this means.
Mine.
“Luna, this is Francesca Vega. We knew each other some years ago.” The past tense is deliberate. “Francesca, Dr. Luna Foster.”
Francesca’s gaze slides over Luna from head to toe. Her lips curve into something that might be called a smile if it held any warmth.
“A doctor? How impressive.” Francesca’s tone makes it clear she finds it anything but. “What kind of medicine do you practice?”
