Page 28 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“I should know,” the brunette next to me says, leaning back in her chair.

“What?” One of the women’s high-pitched voice slices through my ears. “When?”

“All I’m going to say is that,” I see her lean into the small circle they’ve created with the corner of myeye, “he’s no man. He’s a beast. I’m surprised the bite marks didn’t last longer.” She leans back with a dramatic sigh. “I felt sore for days. But it was so worth it.”

Jealousy and sadness crash into my chest like a wrecking ball. The heavy feeling is unfamiliar and unwelcome. I throw a quick glance towards the brunette, who takes a sip from her cup while the other women giggle and ask questions. I feel sick. I need to get out of here. The voice in my head tries to rationalize. Adrian is a thirty-two-year-old man, and, unlike me, he’s definitely slept with people before. But despite the logical voice in my head, the larger part of me feels hurt, the feeling so heavy that my chest feels tight.

I glance down at my hands, suddenly feeling self-conscious, inexperienced, and foolish. What could I possibly offer Adrian that he hasn’t already experienced with someone else? The thought gnaws at me.

“Strawberry daiquiri for the lady.” The bartender returns with a glass full of pink liquid. He places a napkin in front of me and the glasson top of it.

“Thank you.” I force a smile as I pinch the glass between three fingers.

“Well, go on.” The bartender gestures towards the glass. “Try it.”

I lift the glass to my lips and take a small sip. Sweet and tasty, just like he promised.

“That’s nice.” I nod with another small, forced smile. “Sweet and tasty,” I repeat the words, but my mind is elsewhere, consumed by strange feelings of jealousy, sadness, and insecurity. And I can’t seem to escape.

As I sit at the bar, sipping on whatever’s left of my drink, a man takes the seat next to mine. He’s dressed in a dark navy suit, his styled brown hair shining from the gel.

“Mind if I join you for a drink?” He smiles at me, wide and confident.

“Uh, sure.” I give him a polite nod, feeling a little wary of his sudden appearance.

“Seems like we’re both looking for a quieter place.” He raises a hand to the bartender. “That Glenlivet looks good. Bring me a glass.” The glen-what looks good? “I’m Daniel.” He extends a hand, and I take it.

“Elana.” Conversation with a stranger is at the bottom of the list of things I want. I’m not sure how to excuse myself without appearing rude. And I certainly don’t want to put my feet through more hell.

“So, what brings a beautiful woman like you to an event like this?” he asks, his tone smooth.

I offer a slight smile in response, not entirely comfortable with his forwardness. “Oh, just tagging along with… I came with someone.”

Daniel leans in closer, his gaze lingering on me. “And where is that someone, and how could they leave such a beautiful young lady all by herself?”

“I just needed to sit down for a bit,” I murmur, feeling awkward under his gaze.

“Well, I’m glad you did. I wouldn’t have found you otherwise.” He flashes me a smile as the bartender brings his drink.

“Cheers. To unexpected encounters.” He raises his glass and dings it into mine. He takes a sip, his throat bobbing as he swallows. Daniel continues to ask me questions about myself, his flattery becoming more pronounced with eachpassing moment.

I take sip after sip to make time pass between each of his questions and attempts at compliments. Before I know it, I’ve finished my drink.

“Would you like another one?” Daniel signals the bartender for another round.

“No, I think I’m done,” I protest.

“Oh, come on. It’s early, and whatever has gotten you down can’t be fixed with a single margarita or whatever it is you’re drinking.” He nods to the bartender, who looks at me. I shake my head at him, and the corners of his lips curl up slightly before he gives me a reassuring nod.

“So, it doesn’t seem like whoever you came with is showing up.” Daniel leans in closer, attempting to put his hand on my thigh. I tense up and instinctively move away as his hand brushes past my thigh and makes contact with the cushion beneath it instead.

I feel someone’s eyes on me, and the hair at the back of my neck rises. I don’t need to turn around to know he’s here. Nevertheless, I turn and immediately spot him, towering above everyone else, wrath radiating from him with each predatory stride towards me.

Chapter thirteen

C~ADRIAN~

Elana’s eyes land on me, and she stills. Her eyes widen as I approach. A flicker of fear dances within them, growing with each step I take towards her and the man seated beside her, his hand lingering dangerously close to her leg. She has no reason to fear me, but he should.