Page 98 of The Tower

Tonight, I kick him firmly to the curb.

“Thank you,” I say, genuinely moved. “What did you say to Ruby?” I ask, with a mouthful of heaven.

“That you’re safe with me. And that Leo will leave her alone for the rest of the party or suffer the consequences.”

“Oh.” It’s silly, but tears prick my eyes. Cake and chivalry. Who knew those were my weak spots? “I guess I was wrong all those years. You’re not an asshole at all.”

“Perhaps,” he says, his eyes roaming over me in a way that leaves me tingling. “Or maybe I’m just one hell of an actor.”

I’m finishing my cake and am stealing a bit of Grimm’s when I spot Leo Grimm in the crowd. He flashes the same rakish grin that’s been splashed across the society pages at least a hundred times, then heads our way.

“The prodigal princess returns,” he says, his voice carrying that same irreverent tone that seems embedded in his DNA. “And looking far too good for my brother’s company.” He glances between me and Liam. “Quite the splash you two are making,” he adds, looking more than a little amused by the farce of it all.

“I know Liam already spoke to you,” I say, “but if you don’t stay away from Ruby, I’ll be kicking your ass, too.”

“The lady speaks! And with such authority.” He grins, unrepentant. “I was merely being hospitable to a guest at our family’s affair.”

I lift a brow. “I don’t think that word means what you think it means.”

He looks pointedly between me and Grimm. “Affair?”

“Hospitable,” I say. “I think the word you’re actually looking for is harassment.”

Leo holds his hands up. “Hey, I already said I’d give her space.”

“You did,” I agree. “I just don’t think you’re a man of your word.”

He turns to Liam. “I’ll talk to you later, bro.” He shoots a sideways glance at me. “And you’re right about that one. No doubt there.”

“Right?” I ask once Leo’s swallowed up by the crush of guests.

“That you’re the loveliest woman here,” he says, and while I don’t believe him, what woman in her right mind would argue with a compliment like that?

“I’m going to grab us some champagne to go with this,” Grimm says. “Don’t move.”

As he slips away through the crowd, I take another bite, closing my eyes to savor the rich flavor. I’m so lost in chocolate heaven that I don’t immediately notice the shift in the air, like the temperature has suddenly dropped. The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I know he’s there before I even turn around.

“There’s my beautiful fiancée.”

Desmond Bane’s voice slithers over me like oil on water. His smile is practiced. Perfect. The kind that appears in society magazines but it never reaches his eyes. Those remain cold and calculating. The eyes of a predator assessing its next meal.

He seems to think that will be me.

He steps closer, seeming to materialize from the crowd as if conjured by my worst fears. In his impeccable tuxedo with a massive gold watch that probably cost more than most people’s homes, he looks like success personified. Only those who know him—really know him—see the darkness underneath.

“I’m not your fiancée.” My voice is steadier than I feel. “I never was.”

His smile doesn’t falter, but something flickers in his eyes—a flash of rage quickly masked. “A momentary misunderstanding, darling. Your father and I have already discussed it. The announcement was merely … premature.”

I scan the crowd for Grimm, spotting him at the bar, his back to us as he waits for the champagne. I consider shouting for him, but it’s not as if Bane has me at knifepoint.

I can handle this. I’m clear enough now to fight my own battles.

“It wasn’t a misunderstanding,” I say, lifting my chin. “It was a mistake. One that won’t be repeated.”

Desmond’s expression doesn’t change, but his eyes harden to chips of ice. “Your father is quite determined about this match.”

“I don’t care how determined he is,” I say. “I won’t marry you.”