Kingston’s low growl rumbles in my ear. “I’m half tempted to lie to you, to wipe that thirsty look off your face.”
“Oh, stop. You’d have to be blind to miss how pretty that man is.” I lift up on my toes to nip Kingston’s jaw. “Don’t worry, big guy, I’m not going anywhere.”
His fingers flex around the side of my waist. “If you tried, you’d best believe I’d hunt your ass down.”
I ignore the sudden throbbing between my thighs and, instead, give him a wry look. “I have no doubt, Caveman.”
I continue scanning the ballroom until I stumble upon Charles and Preston, chatting with a couple of people. Mr. Davenport’s attention wanders as if he can sense someone watching him. My skin crawls when our gazes collide, and his eyes take a leisurely stroll down my body and back up again. Preston smirks when he comes back to my face and sees the shade I’m throwing. If I didn’t already know he prefers submissive women, I’d swear the bastard actually likes my attitude. Like, legit gets off on it. Thankfully, only a moment passes before his notice returns to the people in front of him.
Kingston’s hand tightens around mine when he sees what’s snagged my attention. Or who , rather.
“Relax, Jazz. He can’t touch you.”
“Cool as a cucumber over here,” I bluff.
“What are we talking about?” Ainsley asks, her confused gaze flicking between her father and us. “Who can’t touch you?”
Fuck. I forget there’s one person in our party of five who has no idea what’s going on.
Kingston answers before I get the chance. “There’s a good chance the guy who attacked Jazz is here tonight. I was reminding her that he won’t have a chance to get to her because one of us will be with her at all times.”
Shit. Is that true? I don’t know why I didn’t think about it before, but it’s absolutely possible. We already know he’s a student at Windsor, and he knows Peyton, which means he’s part of a wealthy family who runs in the same circles. Why did I agree to come to this thing again? Oh yeah, nailing sick fucks to the ground. That thought helps strengthen my resolve.
I straighten my spine, jerking my head to the patriarchs. “Any idea who they’re talking to?”
“My parents.” Bentley inclines his head toward the couple.
I startle, not expecting that answer, although now that I’m really looking at them, I can see the resemblance. Bentley’s dad is a light-skinned African American man, and his mom looks kinda like a Polynesian Heidi Klum. Both are absolutely stunning, which is no surprise considering how attractive their son is.
“Well, that solves the race equation. Sort of.”
“What?” Bentley laughs.
“You’re racially ambiguous, like Dwayne Johnson,” I explain. “Surely that’s not the first time you’ve heard that.”
“Never in those exact words,” Bentley says. “If people want to know, they usually just ask.”
“Eh.” I shrug. “It doesn’t really matter—I was just curious. I’ve always known I was biracial, but I think never meeting my father until recently made me naturally inquisitive about other mixed-race people. I know how annoying that question can be, though, so I would’ve never asked.”
Bentley swings his arm over my shoulder, much to Kingston’s annoyance. “Well, to satisfy your curiosity, my little kitty cat, my dad’s half Irish—hence, the Fitzgerald—and half Black, and my mom’s half German, half Hawaiian.”
All four parents look like they’re discussing something serious. “What do you think they’re talking about?”
Bent shrugs. “Probably VC stuff. My dad owns a firm.”
“What the hell is a VC?” I scrunch my nose.
“Venture capitalist,” he explains.
“Ah.” I nod my head in understanding.
“Should we take our seats?” Ainsley asks. “They should be serving the first course anytime now.”
Kingston knocks Bentley’s arm off my shoulder and takes my hand, leading me to the head table. However, before we can get there, Charles calls my name, motioning to join him.
“Fuck,” I mutter. “Looks like it’s showtime.”
“You guys go ahead. We’ll be right there.” Kingston’s fingers tighten around mine. “I’m right here, Jazz.”
Bentley, Reed, and Ainsley continue their trek across the ballroom, while Kingston and I veer left to meet with the sperm donor.
“Ah, there’s my beautiful daughter now,” Charles boasts. “Jasmine, I’d like you to meet some people.”
I stiffen when Charles wraps his hand around my shoulder, and his grip tightens in warning. “William and Lani Fitzgerald, I’d like you to meet Jasmine.”
I pretend not to notice the tension between Kingston and his father as I exchange pleasantries with Bentley’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald seem like genuinely good people, but it’s difficult to relax considering Kingston and I are currently bookended by his father and mine. Preston is standing slightly behind the Fitzgeralds, so they’re oblivious as he pins me with a blatantly lascivious stare.
I know Kingston’s trying to ignore the bait, but the rigid set of his jaw and the slight shift of his body to shield me from his father’s gaze gives him away. Preston’s lips curve into a smile as if he’s pleased by his son’s actions. Or, more likely, he’s pleased with himself for getting that reaction. Kingston’s dad looks positively gleeful when Charles pulls me back, nearly causing me to stumble. What the hell? It’s as if Sperm Donor is trying to widen the space between Mr. Davenport and me. Kingston and I exchange a quick glance, and it’s obvious he’s just as surprised by that move as I am. You know who’s not surprised?
Preston Davenport.
I think he’s intentionally goading Charles and Kingston right now. But why? It’s not like Charles has any actual parental instincts that would demand he protect me at all costs. I’m sure that thing he did a few seconds ago was a one-off. This has to be about control. I’m pretty sure I’m standing smack dab in the middle of a power struggle between Kingston’s father and mine. Awesome.
Not.
When Bentley’s parents excuse themselves to find their seats, Preston turns to me.
“Jasmine, you’re an absolute vision in that dress,” he practically purrs. “Remind me to thank whoever picked it out later.”
“Preston...” Charles says in warning.
“Dad,” Kingston grits out at the same time, shifting his body again so he’s blocking me even more.
“Relax. It was a compliment—I meant no harm. Although, it seems my son hasn’t gotten the memo. He’s practically pissing circles around her right now, isn’t he?” Preston’s greedy eyes are fixed on me the entire time, and I have to put some serious effort into not gagging.
Screw it, if Preston really wants to do this in front of all these people, game on, motherfucker .
I straighten my spine and step forward so my shoulders are flush with Kingston’s. “Why would he need to do that? It’s not like there’s anyone here who poses a threat. I mean, I share DNA with this one”—I jerk my head back toward Charles—"and the only one left is you .” I take a moment to look Preston up and down, my disinterest clear.
Kingston’s fingers tighten around mine so hard, I wince. He immediately loosens his grip, but the warning is clear. I’m not stupid; I know Preston Davenport is a lot more dangerous than he looks on the surface. But guess what? He’s not the only one.
Mr. Davenport’s cheeks redden. “You certainly are spirited, aren’t you?”
I pop a brow. “Your point?”
He pastes a fake smile on his face. “No point. Just an observation.” Preston slaps Kingston on the back. “Wouldn’t you agree, son?”
Kingston is practically vibrating with rage as he shrugs out of his father’s hold. “It’s one of the many things I appreciate about her.”
“I bet.” Preston laughs. “I’m sure she keeps things... interesting.”
“Can you not talk about me like I’m not standing right in front of you?”