mi

sitated, l

to... with Charlotte. Ca

rs tightened a

ce cl

ide her was n

reaking the silence that had hung between us like a

's smile was playful, but there was something deeper behind

more serious, "maybe you can make the most of yo

ion. I shot her a questioning look, t

do you

e of the bar. I followed her gaze and there, sitting at a table

uncle," Valerie said, a smile tugging at the

wasn't just handsome-he was absolutely captivating. He had a fierce

t fit his broad shoulders perfectly, making him look power

ath, barely realizing the words had slipped o

ne in particular. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the billionaire. There was s

chuckled

gh sharing a secret. "Apparently, he manages the Italian

ride and arrogant ways, always seemed important-but knowing abou

ing close to this powerful man, someone who could really m

Malik a little lesson about what

he warmth of the alcohol

make Malik regret every mome

ath, I stood up

felt thick, charge

fast I thought maybe som

I could feel the ener

wine in front of him, but I could tell-he was

dr

lly not flirty ones who thought charm was enough

ke people.

small talk, or curiosit

y didn't like

l-petite, pretty-sitti

her eyes on me. Sneaky glances, lingering loo

l. But I wa

ntere

she wanted. I wasn

bitterness settle on my tongue, hoping she'd get bor

nouncing, "Who's gonna take this dr

out, snatching the last glass be

air for a moment, and

she hissed, sarcasm dr

even look

entleman's drink," she sai

h

e glass to my lips without so much a

ristle beside me.

ith the way you squeeze your face," she said, amusement coating her vo

d at her like she'd just said som

u think you

fade. If anythi

he giggled, voice light-as if she hadn't just

ctor," I muttered. "Don'

to talk to your

her. Coldl

s this

in a way that wa

d already decided we ha

did

od ab

pranking," I said. "You can go

for her reac

voice st

u. Can I at least have you

aus

id I

want to

uiet resolve in her voice

s sin

mean

e I could

slightly, eyes

en she

e met b