Page 128 of Brazen Obsession

“Thank you.” I glance up at Dante and touch his arm.

When he glances down at me, his eyes soften. “We were just going to get some refreshment.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful.” Sherry looks up at David with a wide smile. “Weren’t you saying you needed to reach out to your nephew?”

David takes a breath, like Sherry is saying too much. “Your mother and I had a long discussion. It seems I’ve been taking advantage of you.”

Dante doesn’t say anything, but he pulls me in tighter against his side.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior.” David glances at Sherry and then lifts his gaze to meet Dante’s. “Not everyone is built for an arranged marriage. There’s something to be said about finding someone you love. If that’s Sara for you, then I wish you both a happy future.”

Dante clears his throat. “We’re in a somewhat different relationship.”

His uncle arches an eyebrow at him.

“Sara is with me. And Finn, Wyatt, and Drew Young.” Dante squeezes my hip. “We’re all in this relationship together and for the foreseeable future. I know it doesn’t align with your plans⁠—‍”

“David! What plans?” Sherry turns to him with a frown. “You said you were going to let him live his life.”

Dante and I make eye contact. Sherry isn’t David’s wife. She’s probably only a few years older than Dante.

“There are no plans.” He takes her hand and brings it to his lips. His focus only on her.

She searches his eyes and whatever she finds seems to settle her.

“I think we should get a drink,” David says to Sherry. “Let these two get back to their party. Dante?”

Dante inhales and meets David’s eyes.

“Whatever works for you.” He glances at Sherry and something softens in his gaze. “This world isn’t easy. If you find someone who makes you happy, you keep them.” He looks at me. “A pleasure, as always, Sara.”

I nod to him and Sherry waves to us as David pulls her away.

Frankly, I’m speechless, but I’m sure that’s not the only confrontation we’ll have to deal with tonight, and that one went better than I ever imagined.

Drew

I smirk and nudge Wyatt as Dante and Sara walk off the dance floor and duck through a hidden door.

“What?” Wyatt turns.

“I never took Dante to be a rule breaker.” I shake my head, knowing Sara will come back warm and satisfied.

Wyatt chuckles. “We wouldn’t be with Sara if we didn’t break a few rules here and there.”

“Good point.” I take a drink from my glass as someone says my name. I turn and Owen Matthews walks my way. My smile grows. “They let you out of the kitchen?”

He grins. “For a good cause. We’re offering a dinner with me as the personal chef in the silent auction. My publicist thought it would be best if I attend tonight and make the rounds.”

“Excellent.” I turn to Wyatt. “Wyatt, this is Owen. The closest thing I have to a best friend.” Wyatt arches an eyebrow and takes Owen’s hand. “Owen, this is Wyatt, my fuck buddy.”

Wyatt closes his eyes and counts to maybe five before he glares at me. “That’s not how that term is used and you know it.”

I shrug and lean into Owen. “He’s a little stiff when you first meet him, but eventually he warms up.”

“How’s that going for you?” Wyatt asks dryly.

“I figure I’ll be a bestie before Christmas this year. If not, Christmas will seal the deal.” I glance toward the dance floor and find Hope and Juliette heading back our way.