Chapter 20
Chapter 20
SOPHIA
The party is hosted by one of the company’s investors, in his own house. I expected to see some familiar faces, but there are also many people I’ve never seen before.
And there’s one face I didn’t expect to see tonight. In fact, I don’t think I ever expected to see him again.
So let’s just say I’m caught off guard when my eyes find him right after I arrive. He’s talking to a blonde while they sip their drinks.
I position myself in a corner, trying to stay out of sight, and watch them for a while. It doesn’t look like they’re just talking. It looks like flirting, both of them smiling at each other the entire time.
The blonde is undeniably beautiful. And him… he doesn’t look like he’s changed much at all. Only his beard seems a little longer.
A month. It’s been a month since we were together. And since then, I haven’t gone a single day without remembering what we did, everything he made me feel, no matter how hard I tried to forget.
And just by looking at him now, I can feel desire pooling between my legs.
No, Sophia. You have to stay away from him.
Remember, you have no idea who he really is, and he’s certainly dangerous. Especially if everything you’ve been suspecting is true.
“Sophia Dempsey!” My spying is interrupted by Easton Carson, the host of the night. “You look stunning.” He stops beside me with a charming smile and takes my hand to give it a soft kiss.
“Thank you for the invitation.” I smile genuinely.
I like him. He’s one of the few who didn’t underestimate me years ago when I had to take charge of everything with no experience.
Even though he’s about twenty years older than me, he’s still an extremely attractive man. His blue eyes are magnetic, and his dark blond hair and beard are always flawless.
“You know hiding in a corner with all that beauty is a waste, don’t you?”
“I actually just got here. I was just catching my breath.”
“Then come have a drink with me.” He offers his arm, and I take it.
“Of course. I can’t say no to the host.”
We move through the crowd, people greeting us as we pass. I feel like all eyes are on us as we cross the large living room, and for a split second, my gaze collides with Dario’s.
But I look away quickly, before I can even read his expression. He’s not the focus tonight. I just need to stay away from him. I can’t afford to want to know why he’s here.
Easton stops by a waiter and grabs two glasses before handing me one.
“Your house is beautiful,” I say, glancing around, admiring the classic décor with wooden columns and dark and burgundy furniture.
“Thank you. I think it’s been a while since we last saw each other, Sophia. How are things at the company?” I feel his hand rest on my back, right on the exposed skin where the slit in my dress dips low, stopping just above my ass.
The touch sends a faint shiver through my skin. I clear my throat and take a sip of the champagne.
“They’re going well so far.”
“Good. Your parents would be proud.” I’d almost forgotten Easton had been a close friend of my father’s.
That probably makes his flirting a little weird, but he doesn’t seem to care. And honestly, neither do I.
Still, Easton probably doesn’t have any information relevant to my investigation tonight, so I can’t waste much time with him.
“Thank you. I hope so. Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
“Of course.”
I leave him behind, walking aimlessly, trying to spot any familiar faces along the way until I find a hallway.
I follow it to the end, toward what I hope is a bathroom. Luckily, it’s empty when I step inside.
Taking a deep breath, I stop in front of the marble sink, resting my hands on the surface. I meet my own reflection in the large mirror. I need to focus on finding a lead.
The sound of the door opening makes me turn my head. Dario steps inside, making my heart race and my body go on high alert.