Can we talk?
Coming to this godforsaken party wasn't my idea. It was all Leo's. And I was hating him for it, not until the sharp scent of lavender hit my nostrils, hardening my dick in a second.
My hungry eyes swiped the crowd, searching for the source of the scent. You don't wanna know how fucking shocked I was seeing her at a table, getting all close and shit with Liam-fucking-Roosevelt.
I was shocked out of my mind. First, I didn't expect to see her here. Miguel didn't mention she was coming here. Second, why the fuck was she glowing so much?
It kinda seemed like being separated from me wasn't hard on her at all. Like I've lost my sanity. I'm a walking ghost. But she seems fucking alright. Even prettier. That's kinda pissing me off right now.
And third, why was that bastard whispering into her ears?!
I gulped my drink and placed it on the table. Took a step towards them but got stopped by a voice.
“Vince, I was just looking for you.” It was Mr. Mario, a big shot in the business world.
It'd be nice to be acquainted with him, except I didn't have the patience for that right now. I had something more urgent to do.
“Later,” I dismissed him bluntly, going across the room to the corner Elena was at.
My fists were dangerously clenched when I got to them. Liam was the first to notice me. And then slowly, Elena spun around, stealing my breath away instantly.
Every fucking bit of emotion I'd fought down over the weeks clouded my mind instantly. The most being agony and jealousy.
“Vince,” she said breathlessly. Fuck, I missed hearing her say my name. Her eyes glowed like she'd missed me a lot.
Not as close as I did, but yeah.
“Elena,” I grumbled out in a needy tone. Our eyes were locked in for seconds, forgetting about every other motherfucker in the building. Until she broke the spellbound moment by looking away.
Liam chuckled. “Vince, my man. Good to see you.” He stretched his hand for a shake.
All I had for him was a flat scowl. It wasn't good to see him. It hasn't ever been. He withdrew the hand with a stiff chuckle.
“We're not enemies, Vince. We're just business rivals. I don't see why we can't be civil with each other when we meet.”
We're not enemies? I wouldn't be so sure about that.
I redirected my gaze back to Elena. “Can we talk?”
Her eyes blared in mid-panic. “Here?”
“Fuck, yes. Here.”
She swept her gaze over the crowd. But I wasn't buying that shit. I wasn't gonna be bothered by the crowd. Not right now. Not when seeing her again was making me lose the last strain of sanity I was holding onto. Not when she was getting all cozy with Liam.
“No.” She refused. “I'm in the middle of a conversation with Mr. Roosevelt here. I can't just leave him hanging.”
I gritted my teeth. “I'm sure whatever you're discussing with him can wait.”
“No, it can't.” She snapped, glaring at me. “You should go back to whoever you were with. It was nice seeing you. Have a nice day.”
I was taken aback for a second by her brutal dismissal. Then it hit me — she was mad at me. That's why she's deciding to stay talking to this bastard instead of coming with me.
I deserved that, true. But I'll be damned if I walked away and let her continue whatever sickly conversation they were having that got him leaning into her like that.
“Vince, maybe you two can talk later?” Liam butted in, driving me over the edge.
“Maybe you can shut up?” I growled back. Elena gasped.
“Vince!”
“What?” I snapped icily. “Are you coming with me on your own or do I drag you along? Either way, you're coming with me, Elena.”
She seemed hugely conflicted. Shaking. But I wasn't letting her off. I gave her a few seconds to decide and when she wouldn't, I lost it and grabbed her hand.
Liam held mine, stopping me. My rage tripled at his touch.
“If she doesn't wanna go with you, I don't think it's fair for you to force her to.”
“What?”
“She seems like she genuinely doesn't wanna go with you, Vince. Don't force her.”
“Hold on a sec. How long have you two been talking?” I was genuinely curious right now.
“Oh, just a few minutes ago.”
“Right. And you're already playing knight in shiny armor?” My grip was tighter on Elena's hand. She winced, struggling to get free of me. In her fucking dreams.
“I'm just not comfortable with you dragging her away,” Liam said. Then he gestured at the audience. “People are watching. You don't wanna make a scene.”
“Vince, you're hurting me.” Elena gasped, still struggling to free her hand. I was holding onto that hand like a maniac. A fucking jealous maniac, who's venting out my jealousy.
“Tell your friend that you're leaving with me. And if he tries to stop me again, we'd all be making the ugliest scene ever.” I gritted out.
She winced. “Stop it…”
“Tell him.” I bit out. She blinked back tears and turned to Liam. “I…I…” but the words never came out.
She stumbled and groaned. Her other hand went to her head, while her knees gave out. I was quick to catch her with ease. She was going unconscious. Now that's the kinda scene I didn't sign up for.
“Elena,” I whispered sharply, patting her cheek. “Hey, stay with me.”
“My head…” she groaned.
“What did you feed her?” I snapped at Liam.
“Nothing. I don't understand why she's being like this either.” He replied nervously.
“I hope so.” My last words were a threat. Then I slowly held her shoulders while making her walk.
“My head hurts…” she whispered.
“Did Liam do this to you?”
“No…”
Her feet dragged and before we got out of the hall, she already lost consciousness.
“Elena…” I patted her cheek again but she didn't budge.
Fuck it.
I scooped her up into my arms in bridal style, hurrying to my car.