Page 45 of Ruthless Dream

Boris smiles, not immediately breaking eye contact with me. “I don’t think reminding Ciaran that you have guards stationed on you twenty-four seven is rude.”

Adeline’s body curls into my side. She pulls my hand out of my pocket so she can hold onto it.

She squeezes tight when Boris brings up the bodyguards.

I survived being assaulted and was almost killed, but I’m all good now. That’s what Adeline said to me last week at the restaurant. She didn’t know it, but I’d short circuited over the words before forcing myself to go over to Henson. Partly because I didn’t know how to respond.

I can feel something, subtle as it is, radiating off Adeline. She smiles all the time. Mainly sarcastic when I’m around. She forces herself to always appear okay.

I’ll never be able to forgive Boris for not realizing he put Adeline in danger.

“And on that note, we’re leaving.” Adeline tugs me away. I nod in goodbye, noting Boris’s narrowed eyes.

“Lovely family you’ve got,” I murmur, wishing a half-second later my accent would swallow the words.

Adeline’s shoulders tense.

“I need to speak to you,” she says, continuing to pull me forward.

“Can’t it wait?” I ask, seeing someone I’d like a chance to speak to.

She speeds up, pushing a door open. The hallway lights are dimmer, and the noise is considerably lower. A few people mill about, women heading to the toilets.

Adeline glances around, not finding the spot private enough. She marches us down the hall, finding an alcove.

“You need to be a better boyfriend,” she declares, whirling to face me.

I’ve just gotten shit on by her entire fucking family.

“You need to be a better girlfriend.” The words snap from me, a gut reaction now that I don’t have to remain aloof in a ballroom.

Adeline huffs, frowning at the insult. “I’ve been fucking great!”

I don’t know what the fuck she’s on about.

A lock of hair has fallen from the elaborate updo she’s wearing. It’s dark against her pale skin. I can’t help but brush it off her shoulder.

She slaps my hand away. “You’re going to tell them about Wallen. Say you heard something. Immediately. Pass it along to our security guards. Play up the doting boyfriend.”

My hand hovers, still trying to play with her hair. There’s something brittle in her voice. I’ve spent enough time in the sparring ring to know a desperate opponent.

She has no idea this part of my plan is already ruined. Her father is aware Wallen is up to something. He can’t possibly know all the details, though, otherwise I’d be dumped in the Hudson. Jack’s death remains our secret.

I could keep looking into the old bodyguard, just to see if I find something. Try to piece together what information he got out of Adeline.

I consider doing this because of some conscience buried deep within me that I hardly recognize. It helps, knowing I hate Jack for how he dared to touch Adeline.

Despite the conscience, I’m still a fucked up man.

“And what do I get in return?” I ask, playing with her hair.

“A girlfriend who doesn’t kill you in your sleep.”

I lift a brow, doubtful.

She lifts her chin. “Networking.”

My hand stills, her hair silky against the pads of my fingertips.