Bought For Love

I wouldn’t have taken her seriously, except for the fact that I felt Miles stiffen next to me. I didn’t know what the story was behind what she’d said or if it was true, but if so, I was hurt that he hadn’t shared it with me himself. I didn’t let that stop me from offering Eva a fake, bright smile. No way was I going to let her know the impact her jab had on me. I was going to save that reaction for when Miles and I were alone.

Chapter Nine

MILES

Shit!

If looks could kill, Eva would be writhing in pain under my glare. I knew she was spoiled and vindictive, but considering she was the one who walked away from our relationship once she learned of my past, I hadn’t expected her to stoop so low just to stick it to me once I’d replaced her.

I glanced down at Emma and saw right through the bright smile on her face. Her green eyes were darkened, swimming with confusion and hurt. I never should have let myself get distracted from telling her.

If I’d learned anything about Emma over our weeks together, it was how compassionate and loving she was. I should have trusted that she would hear me out and look beyond my youthful indiscretions. Now, I would be doing triage instead of being out in front of the disaster.

“Wanting what you can’t have is so unbecoming, Eva,” Emma said smoothly, her plastic, dimple-less smile firmly affixed to her face.

Eva’s eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth to reply, but Emma cut her off.

“Your efforts to drive a wedge between me and Miles are bordering on pathetic.” Obviously done with the confrontation, Emma glided smoothly around Eva and didn’t look back, leaving a speechless Eva in her wake.

As fucked-up as it made me, I was seriously turned on by Emma’s courage and the way her ass swayed in the form-fitting gown she was wearing. I tried to shake off the haze of lust as I hurried after her.

Once I caught up to her, I slipped my arm around her waist and pulled her back against me. “You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart,” I murmured in her ear.

“And yet, you don’t trust me.”

Slowly, I turned her around and stared into her eyes. “Emma, I trust you more than anyone else in my life. I just haven’t…gotten around to sharing everything.”

Her pouty lips turned down, and I forced away the thought of how they looked wrapped around…for fuck’s sake. Get it together, Deveraux.

“I—”

“Now isn’t the time, Miles,” Emma interrupted. Her tone was emotionless, and I fucking hated the blank look that had overtaken her face. She looked like every other empty-headed debutante at the event. “Let’s just get through tonight and we’ll talk later.”

I wanted to suggest we leave immediately. I didn’t like the idea of her stewing on Eva’s words without an explanation. But this event was sponsored by Sullivan’s company, and besides being my friend, he and Bradford Enterprises and Real Estate were huge donors to the charity.

Speaking of…

Emma stopped short as she entered the ballroom. I followed her line of sight and silently cursed when I realized she was staring at an easel with a sign that said, “Deveraux Foundation: for the victims of cybercrimes. Event sponsored by Bradford Enterprises and Real Estate.”

Son of a bitch. I’d forgotten to tell Emma that I’d started the charity. This would not help me to convince her that I trusted her.

“The charity is yours?” she whispered. She looked up at me with hurt in her eyes. “Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Then she shook her head and the anger returned. “You know what? Never mind.”

She stalked into the ballroom, and I hurried to catch up with her. I managed to take hold of her arm and gently tug her around to face me. I opened my mouth to try and explain but was interrupted by a familiar female voice calling to Emma.

“Emma,” Kinsley walked up with a wide smile and pulled Emma into a hug. “It’s great to see you.”

A heavy hand landed on my shoulder, and I turned my head to see Sullivan standing next to me, his eyes still glued to his wife. “Thanks for coming, ginger,” he snarked.

Kinsley broke into a fit of giggles, and Emma cracked a half smile. The sight of her tilted lips soothed some of the rawness inside me, but worry still invaded my thoughts.

“Um, Kinsley, can I talk to you for a minute?” Emma asked quietly. Kinsley nodded, and they walked off to a secluded corner.

“I saw Eva talking to you guys when you came in,” Sullivan stated. “That have anything to do with the tension between you and your better half?”

“I hadn’t told Emma about the conviction yet.”

Sullivan grunted and shook his head, glancing toward the ice queen I used to date. “What did you ever see in that woman?”