Page 114 of Fifth Avenue Fling

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With every minute that goes by, I get angrier, and they get drunker.

Every laugh, every stolen glance, and flirty smile makes me want to pour the wine over their heads.

With the caterers gone and dinner done, I’m alone in the kitchen, watching the party through the double doors.

Fuck.Maria is waving me over again.

Why doesn’t she allow me to pour her a large glass of wine like a normal person rather than top her up with a trickle every five minutes? Because she wants to look like a dainty wee bird in front of Killian, that’s why.

I march back to the dining area with two bottles of wine and make my way to Maria as two conversations compete loudly across the table.

NDA? I wouldn’t fucking wish these conversations on anyone; they’re so dull.

Every time I come over to fill Maria’s glass, she’s sitting closer to Killian. Soon enough, she’ll be on his lap.

She’s an advanced flirt, never missing an opportunity to ‘accidentally’ brush up against his arm. She knows she’s high value and is going for the money shot.

And Killian lets her. He’s barely looked at me except to give orders for drinks.

Tears prick my eyes, but I keep them in check.

Maria leans over to Killian, saying something to make him smile.

I stiffly lean over to pour more wine into Maria’s glass as she touches Killian’s hand.

She smiles at me gracefully, probably for Killian’s benefit. She crosses and uncrosses her legs under the table, and I know her leg has touched his.

I want to scream.

I want to vanish from the scene.

I hate him.

I absolutely hate him.

My hair grazes Killian’s shoulders as I lean over to top up his glass.

He tilts his head in my direction, almost touching his lips to my jaw.

“Thanks, Clodagh,” he says, locking eyes with me. “You’re doing a great job. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Clock off in thirty, okay?” He pauses. “I won’t need you anymore.”

Istarebackathimsilently.No, you won’t.You’ve made that loud and clear.

I knew he was cold-hearted and ruthless, but I didn’t think he would go to this level.

He said we were a mistake, yet I’m not allowed to date anyone else under his roof while he can parade someone in front of my nose.

The whiplash is brutal.

“I think some of the staff have a little crush, Killian,”Mariasaysinavoicethatcarries.“You should be careful. Of course, it’s completely understandable.”

Killian’s brows form a deep frown as he takes her in. He doesn’t like this comment one bit.

I don’t see how he responds, because Mayor Moron calls me over.Summons me with his fingers.

“Be a doll and bring me another scotch.” He squeezes my hand creepily with his sweaty one.

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