Chapter 8
Only now did Jasper really look at my face–actually see me.]
Those eyes that once held nothing but warmth for me were now cold as ice, looking at me like I was some stranger he wanted gone.]
Seeing me draw that line between Jasper and myself, Hextor lightened his grip on my hand, like he was afraid I might slip away.
Jasper’s voice caught in his throat. “Are you seriously going through with this? Marrying Harrington?”
“Who the hell gave you the right to harass my daughter, Callahan?“[]
Dad’s commanding voice cut through the room as he strode to my side, his eyes boring into Jasper.[]
Jasper’s shoulders instantly slumped, all his boldness evaporating
“I’m sorry…”
In front of my father, he always shrank back to that orphan boy, feeling lesser.[]
because he was the one who’d been taken in, been given charity.[]
Watching Jasper retreat into that familiar posture, I didn’t rush to comfort him like I always had before.[]
In the past, I would have reassured him constantly that Dad was hard on him because he saw potential in him. That he was every bit our equal at Montclair. That he’d eventually control more shares than I would.[]
But Dad giving him every luxury, me giving him every ounce of my devotion–none of it could compete with Doria’s manipulative little “I understand your struggle being dependent on others, Jasper” act.[]
Jasper’s eyes darted between Hextor and me, before he finally forced a smile for my father. “I wasn’t thinking clearly, It’s Charlotte’s birthday and engagement celebration. I haven’t even offered my congratulations yet.“[]
He raised his glass toward me with pleading eyes, but Hextor smoothly intercepted it:[]
“Charlotte doesn’t drink. I’ll take that for her.“]
Hextor tossed back the drink in one smooth motion, his throat working in a way that was impossible not to notice.[]
Watching Hextor’s power move, Jasper went sheet–white.]
A slideshow of memories flashed through his mind–all those times I’d intercepted drinks meant for him at countless business dinners.[]
Regret hit him like a delayed hangover.]
Jasper’s eyes reddened. With a bitter smile, he backed away and disappeared into the crowd.[]
After the party wound down, Hextor leaned in close, his voice dropping to a more intimate register.[]
“So, is my fiancée taking me home tonight?”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “I–what?”
Hextor studied my face with those intense eyes, his voice taking on a vulnerable edge that somehow made him even more magnetic. “You don’t want me at your place? I understand–the wheelchair’s a mood killer. Most women can’t handle it…“]
This sensitive side of Hextor clashed so dramatically with his ruthless reputation that I stumbled over myself to reassure him:]
“God, no! The wheelchair doesn’t bother me at all. I just–you came all the way from DC. I should have thought about where you’d stay.”
Behind us, Hextor’s assistant rolled his eyes dramatically, refusing to witness his boss’s Oscar–worthy performance.[]
Hextor caught my hand, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. “You really don’t mind all this?” His eyes flicked down to his legs.]
My gaze involuntarily followed his, then accidentally traveled upward, lingering a moment too long.[]
Damn..
“See something interesting? His voice had regained its confident edge.
TO X%%
Bor Me Back Aper 10wise Washier on’s Crown Tvenon.
Chapter
Aty face burned as I quickly looked away. “N nothing! I was just-
“Don’t worry about kids. We could always try IVT down the road
Hestor squeezed my hand, his touch lingering. Why would we need IVE]
1 stammered, mortified to spell it out!]
Bextors lips cnved
My eyes widened as 1 stared at him!]
Was he saying…]
smile. Having children should be… hands on, don’t you thinte []
Hextor gripped the armrests of his wheelchair and rose to his full height, unfolding like a predator from hiding.[]
The man towered over me by at least halt a head–casily 63–his shoulders broad enough to block out the chandelier light behind him.
He pulled me against him with surprising strength, his touch feather light despite the power I could feel coiled in his body. “The accident only damaged my legs. They’re mostly healed after two years of therapy. The wheelchair is… convenient. Everything else you’ve heard is just tall“]
Embarrassment washed through me, along with something else a flutter of excitement.]
Though I understood the wheelchair wasn’t just about convenience. A reputation for disability had likely lowered countless guards around him.]
That thought sent a chill through me!]
If Hextor had designs on Montclair Industries, I might be playing right into his hands…]
A cold sweat broke out across my skin.[]
Oblivious to my internal panic–or perhaps perfectly aware of it–Hextor’s fingers traced my jawline. “You’re trembling. Cold? Let’s get you somewhere warmer.“[]
The double meaning wasn’t lost on me.[]
I nodded, my mind racing even as my body responded to his touch.[]
With a smile that promised things I wasn’t ready to think about, Hextor slipped a crystal bracelet onto my wrist, his fingers lingering against my pulse point.
The moment I saw it, everything clicked. “It was you who saved me that nighter“]
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