“Look,” he sighs out. “I’m sorry about all the hot, naked photos I showed a few people.”
“A few people? Really?” I scoff. “You showed every compound you visited. I had to move into the western region just to get away from the perverted eyes.”
“I’m sorry. Sheesh. You sure know how to hold a grudge. Besides, Hale followed you, and so did Clay. It’s not like you went alone.”
“Just stop speaking to me,” I growl, and then I stomp off to rejoin Brazen despite my earlier attempts to stay away.
“Miss me?” he provocatively entices in front of the very stiff business suits standing all around.
“I just don’t really know anyone here, and I’d like to stay away from the few I do,” I whisper.
He smirks, and his hand pulls mine in his.
“Gentlemen, this is Araya Crush who I’m sure you’ve heard me raving about in the past. If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to escort Ms. Crush to the ballroom area now for the festivities.”
They all nod respectfully, and Brazen pulls my arm in his as we walk back toward the compound.
“You really don’t care what everyone else thinks about your feelings for me, do you?” I muse while looking back at the men who seem unfazed by his words or my being so close to him.
“Why would I? There’s nothing at all wrong with being in love with you. You’re the most incredible woman they’ll ever meet. You’re smart, fearless, brave, kind, and beyond beautiful. When I’m standing beside you, they’re not anything but jealous. Nothing is scandalous unless you act like it is, and there’s absolutely nothing for me to be ashamed of with you, baby,” he murmurs so genuinely before his lips catch mine.
I indulge in the sweet kiss momentarily before gently pushing him away, and then I shake my head.
“Though I think you’re amazing most of the time, you are still not in the clear. Thank you for saying that though,” I utter softly, and his hand grazes my cheek with a caress before he kisses my forehead.
“There’s nothing to thank me for. I’d never let anyone think less of me for being in love with someone as phenomenal as you. My mother would be a bitch to anyone I loved, so she doesn’t count,” he chuckles out.
I laugh lightly, and then I lean my head over on his arm as we make our way into the ballroom. The waves of formally decadent dresses and panty-dropping suits fill the room with intrigue and sex-appeal. The small children playing together catch my eye, and I notice the pale eyes staring without prejudice into the hybrid blue ones. The children are laughing, mingling, and not at all aware of the pain they’ve escaped because of someone as incredible as Hale.
“I’m sorry you didn’t have that growing up. I don’t know how you can stand the sight of me given the hell you endured,” Brazen murmurs guiltily.
“Because you’re not like the ones I knew. You were that sweet voice cheering up the girl crying in the bathroom floor when her world fell apart. You were that relentless romantic who chased me around for a year until I finally gave in. You were who guy who made me fall in love against impossible odds. Now, you’re that guy who got too close to my ex in too many ways.”
He pulls my hand up to feel that incredible chill from his breath before kissing it with his icy lips. The shiver that follows is so delicious I almost forget about everything he has done.
“I’m still that guy you fell in love with, baby. The only thing I’ll ever agree with Hale about is your safety,” he sighs, and then a new face invades our heart-to-heart.
“Captain Mordel, I need to speak to you about a field operation I need you to run. We believe we have a trail on the last used payment blood packs. If you don’t mind that is,” the husky man thunders out.
“I’ll meet you in the conference room in about five minutes,” Brazen says reluctantly.
The man nods appreciatively, and then Brazen turns back to me.
“Come by my room, and we’ll discuss this better after while. I really love talking to you, baby. I love your voice, and I love feeling your body close to mine. I promise I won’t do anything but talk and listen. Please think about it?”
My head pops back, and then I nod.
“I’ll think about it, but don’t show up at my place if I don’t come to yours,” I threaten while pointing a warning finger at him.
He smiles as though he feels a slight bit of victory, and then he kisses the back of my hand before walking away. I look around, and I see Ty walking toward me.
Stay the fuck away, you slimy bastard.
“One dance. That’s all I’m asking,” he urges.
“No dance, that’s all you’re getting,” I retort with a snort of derision.
“Araya, do you realize how bad it fucking hurt when you left me for Hale? One second it’s you and me, and I was so fucking in love with you. You refused to ever tell me you loved me, but you told him right away. I was pissed, and I acted out during a drunken few months. Cut me some slack.”
