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I giggle at his words, knowing he's just messing with me. Somehow, his words pull at the strings in my heart. What would life be like forever with him?
Through the drive to the event, Rafael keeps me talking about my day, something I know he's doing to help me not lose my shit. I'm nervous as hell.
We finally arrive at the event. Rafael told me the gala is hosted by one of the big donors funding a project for his company. As we walk in, camera lights left and right flash at us. I try not to focus on it and instead focus on his voice.
He's now telling me about his day. His hand is on my waist, gently holding me. He's soon ripped away from me, though. Immediately after he gets us a seat, he's bombarded by strings of questions from other people at our table.
No one asks any questions about me. No one acknowledges me. It makes me feel invisible and unwanted. I've always known him and I aren't on the same social level. But it still hurts to be ignored by the people in his circle.
At some point, I start thinking of how to escape, which comes as an excuse to get another drink. But Rafael, a gentleman to the core, offers to get me the drink, leaving me to the vultures. The eyes I thought found me invisible all turn to me the moment he walks away.
Gulping, I try to not cower under their gaze. If I'm ever going to make a place for myself among them, now's the chance. So I smile at all of them, and say hi to a few. Some respond, many don't. I don't let any of the ill attitudes get to me.
“Who do you think you are flaunting yourself in his arms like that?”
The words come from behind me. Glancing, I turn to see a beautiful blonde with perfect skin standing over me. I stand up to meet her.
“I'm not sure I know you. I'm Ivy Rogers. And you are?” I offer her my hand, plastering a smile on my face.
“No one that'll ever take your hand. What is Raf doing with someone like you,” she sneers.
I pause at her words. Raf. Someone like me? There's more to this girl. “Who are you to him?” I ask.
“The woman he was stupid enough to let go. But he's going to come crawling back to me soon enough. I don't care if it takes him twenty years to realize it. I'll wait. He’s mine. So run along and stop trying to fit where you don't belong.”
All I can do is gape at her, unable to form words. Her audacity is out of this world.
Rafael's arms come behind me, his height feeling like a shield over me. “Everything okay here? Tamara, I didn't think you'd be here,” he states.
Tamara doesn't speak, but from the smile on her face, I have a feeling she soon will. I need to stake my claim.
Turning to face him, I grab the drinks in his hands and drop them on the table. He watches me in surprise, his eyes lightening up in understanding when I return to him and wrap my hand around his neck just before I pull his head down so our mouths can meet.
Take that, Tamara. Shove your opinion of me where the sun doesn't shine. He's never going to be yours!
Chapter Seven
Rafael
Ivy kisses me right in front of the people attending the gala. I don't know if I should be happy or surprised just yet. But I am aroused. My dick that's now obsessed with her is already stirring in my pants. I peek an eye open to glance at Tamara. She's green in the face.
I open my other eye, and lo and behold, we're the center of attention.
Okay, it's sealed. I’m pleased.
Never in a million years would I ever think I'd find it impressive that a woman is laying a claim on me in front of many people, but for Ivy, I am beyond impressed. I'm fucking elated.
Groaning, I close my eyes again and let myself enjoy the way she feels against my body. Her mouth tastes like the champagne she's been drinking all night. There's also a hint of chocolate. I'm minutes away from ripping her clothes off and having my way with her right in front of the whole world, but I rein myself in and stop the kiss.
She's breathing harshly against my mouth. Her eyes are still closed. “Ivy?” I call her name.
She drops her head against my chest, her skin flushed.
“Don't let them see you cower,” I whisper against her left ear. “You made it this far, baby; don't back down now. Show them I'm the one who isn't deserving of you.”
Her eyes snap open, and she straightens away from me. There's no hiding my erection. So, I make no attempt.
Ivy turns around to face Tamara, who's stupidly still gaping at us. I had no idea what she told Ivy, but if my guess is anywhere near right, it's probably that she and I used to have sex. We were sexual friends with benefits for a while. But I ended it when I noticed she was becoming demanding, and I hadn't developed any feelings for her.
