AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Kissing you,” he replied nonchalantly.
I clenched my jaw. “So that’s what you wanted all along. You brought me in here under false pretenses to see your studio—”
“I didn’t. You were sad, and I hugged you. You looked up at me and we kissed.”
“We didn’t kiss, you kissed me,” I hissed.
“And you’re upset? We did nothing wrong. It was innocent. There is so much more I want to show you in my arms, Nadia.” His gaze was concentrated.
I shook my head. “Stop. I don’t want to listen to anymore—”
“Why not? Because you liked it.” His nostrils flared.
I glared at him. “I did not. I…I didn’t even know you were going to kiss me—”
“But I felt your kiss back, and it felt good. You don’t want to admit it because you’re waiting for Paul Crane—”
“I’m not waiting for Paul; we’re together.” My words were rushed, and I crossed my arms. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I do, Nadia. I know men like Paul.” He sighed heavily. “You don’t have to worry. I won’t kiss you again. I don’t want you right now. Not while you’re still yearning for a man that left you behind, and before you deny it again, he’s not in Paris, and that is the truth. He stopped by for sex. That, I’m sure of.”
My face burned, and I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand as his words cut in like a knife to the bone, swift and deep. How dare he?
He winced. “Pardon. Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend—”
“But you did,” I snapped. “My private life is none of your concern.”
He blew out his breath. “I’m sorry, Nadia. You bring out a need in me to protect you in my own way. He’s mistreating you. I only wanted to say you deserve better—”
“No, you wanted to hurt me. You meant every word. And I thought…” I blinked back tears and covered my mouth. What did I think? I thought he was at the very least a friend.
“I like you very much. You must know that. Please, look at me.” His expression softened. “We are alike, you and me, and if you were mine, I would shut down my life to be at your side. Nothing would be more important than taking care of you. I’d show you how good a man treats a woman he cares for.”
I squinted and crossed my arms. “You talk this way to me? You have a girlfriend.”
He looked confused. “Dominique? Copine. She’s a friend.”
I thought about the look on her face as she stared at him outside the club. It wasn’t completely indifferent. And what about Josephine’s eagerness when Hayden crooked a finger? We were all a game to him. He doesn’t think highly of me either. To him, I’m Paul Crane’s sad escort that he occasionally visits for sex.
I shook my head and swallowed, crossing my arms. “I think it’s best I leave now.”
He blew out his breath and moved in the direction of the door. “You can go. If that’s what you want to do.”
I followed him back to the room where guests were chatting, and he went to greet them while I went in search of Xander. He was outside kissing Wyatt in the hallway when I walked up. “We’re leaving. We can drop you off, Wyatt,” I told him in a flat tone.
“Sure. So, what were you two up to?” Wyatt teased.
I stiffened. “Nothing at all. I saw his studio and his sketches, that’s it.” I snapped.
Wyatt held up his hands. “Excuse.”
“Nadia.” Xander said my name in his “you’re being rude” way.
My head throbbed. “Sorry, Wyatt.” I rubbed my temples.
He smiled. “It’s fine. I know you adore me.”
“I do,” I told Wyatt.
