Page 200 of Manhattan Bossholes

“We highly value her contributions to Elixir,” I said woodenly. “But if she wishes to explore other options, we’ll wish her all the best.”

She looked disappointed at the lack of drama she could mine from my answer. I was just lucky she couldn’t see how much turmoil I was experiencing inside.

I hated the thought of Cora leaving to work for the competition, but didn’t I need some distance from her? Wasn’t that what I wanted?

I’d tried to take a step back lately, to look for that elusive balance where I could be with her without losing control of myself, but I hadn’t found it yet. All she had to do was bat her eyes at me or touch me, and all thoughts of self-control crumbled. I was clearly in over my head when it came to Cora, but I couldn’t bear the thought of giving her up. And the last thing I wanted was to wrestle my way through my feelings with this pack of sharks—er, pack of influencers—standing around watching. I needed someone else to babysit them for a while.

I looked across the room, trying to signal to Dominic that he needed to step in and distract them, but Dominic leaned against one of the bars, a series of empty shot glasses beside him. The bartender passed him another shot, and Dominic threw that back, too.

That wasn’t good. I thought back to the other times I’d seen him overindulging lately. It was becoming enough of a trend to have me worried—and start me wondering whether I should talk to the other guys about giving Dominic some sort of intervention. I didn’t think his drinking had gotten quite that bad yet, but how certain could I be? I was only aware of the drinking he was willing to do in public. Who the hell knew what he might do in private, on the nights he didn’t have Hailey to worry about? I ran my hand down my face. Damnit, Dom.

I studied the crowd, wondering if Trent or Paul might be able to keep tabs on him. Vincent and Piper were still on their honeymoon, so my options were limited. The guys had wandered off. I pulled my phone out, about to text them, when my eyes landed on Cora. She stood out in the crowd, just as she always had to me. But her arms were crossed as she stared up at the man towering over her.

It was goddamn Levi! How’d that guy get himself on the guest list?

My last fucking nerve frayed to pieces as I stormed across the floor, grabbing Levi by the arm and escorting him out of the event. I dragged him from the room, grinding my teeth as he sputtered in confused surprise.

Cora dashed along behind us, hissing my name, but all I could focus on was Levi trying to wrench himself out of my grip. Not a chance in hell, buddy.

I ducked down a back hallway, out of sight of the main event space, and shoved Levi up against the wall, my forearm rammed up against his windpipe. “How the hell did you get in here?”

“Aiden!” Cora said, clearly alarmed. “Let him go!”

“What the fu—” Levi started as I removed my forearm, his words cutting off as I grabbed him by the shirt collar instead, giving him a hard shake.

“What’s it gonna take for you to get the message, huh?”

“Get your damn attack dog off me,” Levi spat at Cora, shoving at my chest.

“Don’t look at her!” I snapped, seeing nothing but red. “Just leave Cora the hell alone.”

“Is this how the guy treats you too?” Levi asked, still talking to Cora.

“No,” she said, sounding hurt and confused. I wished she were anywhere but here right now. “Aiden, that’s enough. Please. Just…both of you, stop this. What is happening right now?”

“You can’t call off a rabid animal,” Levi said. “That’s what’s happening. I’m guessing this freak never told you he practically attacked me at your apartment building the other week?”

“What?” Her voice hitched in genuine surprise. “What are you talking about?” She caught my eye. “Aiden, is that true?”

Levi smirked, looking from Cora to me. He shoved at me again, and this time I stumbled back a couple steps, caught off guard by her question. “Figured you hadn’t told her,” Levi said. “Because that wouldn’t fit the charming little lie you’ve sold her about you being the perfect boyfriend. But in reality, you’re an unhinged, controlling⁠—”

“Shut the hell up!” I growled, my fist clenching at my side.

“I know you think I’m the problem,” Levi continued, his voice getting louder as he focused on Cora, pleading with her. “But this is the guy you really have to be worried about. He’s clearly dangerous.”

I lifted my arm, winding up to take a punch. If the guy wouldn’t shut his mouth I’d shut it for him.

“I’m the one who loves you, Cora,” Levi said. “I only want to make you happy.”

“Does any of this look like it’s making me happy?” she cried, pressing her fingers to her temples.

“Here you are!” a voice cut in, interrupting my raging thoughts. I turned to see Dominic, hurrying down the hall toward…oh holy crap. Heading down the hall toward Elio, who was standing a little ways down from us, with his phone in his hand—pointed right at me.

“So glad I found you. I was hoping we could talk,” Dom continued, getting close enough to wrap an arm around Elio’s shoulders, guiding him back toward the party. “I just love your socials. Oh, are you getting footage from tonight? Can I take a look?”

There was a minor scuffle as he managed to swipe the phone out of Elio’s hands.

“Oh, whoops!” Dominic said. “I think I deleted it. So clumsy! My bad, man. Here, let me get you a drink to make up for it.” Dominic’s arm tightened its grip, pulling the man with him down the hallway. “Elixir could have big things in store for you. How would you feel about a partnership?”