Page 128 of Wild Thing
“Steven, who, what and how I fuck is none of your business.”
Steven, taken back by my brash answer, nearly choked imagining that scenario. “You’re a grown woman, you can make your own choices," he said with a shrug. "I’m just saying… I’m a fan of bad girls.”
God, he made my skin crawl.
I turned my attention back to Brax and Ally. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.
Instead, I drained my champagne glass and reached for the bottle, immediately pouring myself another glass.
"Dylan?”
I turned to find Marie standing behind me, her hands gentle as they pressed onto my shoulders.
She leaned down, and whispered, “Everything alright?”
“Yes, everything’s fine Marie,” I lied, giving her a somber smile.
She gave my shoulders a supportive squeeze. She knew I was lying but didn't push it.
I considered excusing myself from the table to search for Taylor when movement caught my attention.
Once again, I was drawn back to Brax and Ally.
Her arm draped casually over the back of Brax’s chair, her fingers lightly grazing the back of his neck in that way people do when they’re comfortable with each other.
A nauseating wave of disgust washed over me.
I needed to stop looking. Ihadto stop looking.
Reluctantly, I tore my eyes away from them. But of course, fate had other plans.
I was about to excuse myself, when I spotted Greg making his way toward our table, moving through the crowd with his usual confidence.
I braced myself. It was time to pretend, to slip back into the role I had been playing all week—the calm, professional, collected version of myself that had nothing to hide.
Marie stood up first, her smile welcoming, as always. I followed suit, standing as well. Greg was my client, after all, and I had to pretend everything was fine. I couldn’t let the cracks in my facade show, not in front of him.
“Dylan, you look beautiful,” Greg said, his voice friendly, like he didn't try to fuck me over by inviting Ally here.
I summoned a fake smile. “Thanks, Greg,” I replied.
"Dylan, I’d like you to come over and meet Henderson," Greg said, his voice casual, yet with a hint of business-like authority. "He’s the VP at Omega and wasn’t able to attend our meeting earlier this week. He’s just come back from knee surgery, so he’s a bit ginger on his feet. Otherwise, I would’ve brought theold man over myself. Would you mind joining me for a quick introduction?"
My stomach tightened at the request.
Oh no. Please no.
I steeled myself and took a deep breath. This was something I couldn’t avoid, not without looking like I was trying to hide something.
I nodded, squaring my shoulders. I responded with the calmest tone I could muster, "Of course."
Greg looped his arm through mine. It felt like I was walking right into the lions den.
This motherfucker knew what he was doing.
He was holding my feet to the flames and didn't care that I was burning alive.
Brax noticed my presence before I'd even gotten to their table. He must’ve felt the subtle change in the air. His head snapped around, his eyes locking on mine.
