I blushed, the red flush flooding my cheeks as I pictured him sitting in his big office chair, thinking about me. I assumed that he did his work and thought about no one other than himself. He seemed like the type. But if he was thinking about me, it meant that I was more than just “one of those girls.” You know, the one-nighters that they brag about, maybe show off if it becomes a two or three-night thing, but never really care about. He was telling me I was different.
“Greyson Fitzgerald. How nice to see you, and your date.” A beautiful face I didn’t recognize looked at me for a moment, then right back to Greyson. She was gorgeous, mid-thirties and all curves as she looked him up and down.
I don’t know why, but I started to feel just a little jealous. Clearly that I was standing next to him didn’t matter in the least, she looked at me like I was an accessory, a purse or a watch there to aid someone, and nothing more.
“Claire, I didn’t expect to see you here. Your father around as well?” He grabbed me and pulled me into his side, his hand wrapped protectively around my waist.
f*ck
, what I wouldn’t give for us to be alone, instead of in the middle of all this. I didn’t want to be surrounded by people; I only wanted him. Screw friendship. I didn’t need that. I needed his body.
I tried to tell myself otherwise, but those words kept pounding away in my brain. It was impossible to ignore the feel of his hard muscles against my body as he clung to me.
“Yes, father is over at the bar, like always. Talking business or something like that. Me, I’m interested in a little bit more fun. Maybe you could meet me at my hotel room later, our usual?” She smiled at him then looked at me. “You could even bring your latest arm piece.”
I tried not to look insulted, but I was sure my face was less than gracious. This was his world I reminded myself. The world that he and my own family lived in. I was an outcast, and I’d always been glad for it.
So why was I so f*ck
ing jealous of this woman?
“I don’t think so, Claire. Not tonight.” He clenched his jaw and then looked at me. “I have my own plans.”
I watched as her pout turned from disappointment to anger. Anger directed at me. f*ck
. She looked like a snake ready to strike. I knew she was going to say something nasty before it even came out of her mouth. I prepared for the onslaught, but it never came. I never had to listen to anything escape her mouth because something worse came along.
My uncle.
f*ck
. I didn’t see him until he was upon us. I noticed him right before he said anything. I wish I hadn’t. I wish I could sink into the scenery, fade into a wall. Anything. Anything but that look on his face that told me everything I needed to know.
He was pissed. He was shocked. And he was controlling it the only way he knew. With politeness that barely concealed his true feelings.
“Greyson,” he said as he extended a hand to my date, his eyes never leaving my face. “I see you have found yourself a truly exquisite date.”
“Yes, your niece happens to be the perfect companion,” Greyson said, turning from Claire.
She skittered off, her teeth retracted as her eyes registered exactly who I was. At least there was a benefit to being the niece of one of the nastiest men in the city.
Even if I was going to be on the receiving end of that anger later.
“Uncle Denny,” I said, my smile weak. He leaned in for a kiss on the cheek.
He pinched my arm as he gave it. “We are going to have to talk about this later. Consequences, my dear.”
His irritation was unmistakable.
“Yes,” I said as he released me from his grip. I was in no position to be arguing with a man like him, not anywhere, but especially not in such a public forum. I just stood there, fulfilling my duties by looking subdued.
“You better not f*ck
around with her, Greyson. I know all about your reputation.” He glared at him, but Greyson just smiled.
He was f*ck
ing enjoying this. I had a feeling that Greyson was the kind of sadistic person who got off on other people’s discomfort. Was that why he brought me? Did he know my uncle would be here?
I glared at the two of them now, willing my uncle away so that I could question Greyson properly.
Not that it would happen here.
Finally, my uncle walked away, and I let out a big breath. I was not ready to have to discuss this with him. I had to figure out a way to spin it. I had to show him that I was taking his request seriously. I mean, what could be better than getting to know the heir of the mafia he was competing with? That was something, wasn’t it?
“Let me get you a drink,” Greyson said as he released me from his cobra-like hold. I didn’t have a chance to tell him what I wanted, he just walked over without me and ordered from the bar.
My eyes didn’t leave his body, they wouldn’t. No matter how hard I willed them, they were stuck to his muscular form. It was like my entire body was trying to tell me something.
“He’s the kind of man you can’t tear your eyes away from.” Claire settled back in next to me. “The kind you want even after you know he’s done with you.”
I wrenched myself away from him and looked at her.
“He will be done with you, you know that right?” she asked.