Read Online Worth the Scandal by Karen Erickson - Free Book Online Page B

jaw, cradling her as if she were a delicate, fragile thing. “I don’t want you to look at another man, speak to another man unless I say or indicate that you can. You’re mine tonight.” The look in his gray-blue eyes was fierce, full of a fiery passion she’d never seen before.
    She found she rather liked it.
    “I can do that,” she whispered with a tiny nod, equally excited and perplexed by his request.
    If she pondered it long enough, she could half believe him. That he wanted her, so badly he’d do anything to have her, if just for one night.
    He smiled. A real smile, it lit his eyes and offered a teasing glimpse of a dimple in his left cheek. He kissed her, a quick brush of lips that sent a bolt of sensation straight through her, settling in her core. She very nearly stumbled as he withdrew and guided her toward the door, opening it to allow her entry.
    “Please don’t leave me alone,” she said as he stepped into place beside her. The place buzzed with activity, so many people within the large room, it was an absolute crush. The scent of cloying, expensive perfumes filled the air, and she wrinkled her nose.
    “I wouldn’t dare think of it,” he assured, slipping his arm around her waist. Glancing about, he studied everyone. Easy for him considering he was nearly a head taller than the majority of the people in the room, and she was a shrimp despite the four-inch heels.
    Gorgeous shoes they were too. Delicate and strappy, chiffon and bejeweled flowers stitched across the top, she truly felt like Cinderella at the ball, her handsome prince by her side.
    She only hoped she didn’t turn into a frump—or even worse, a pumpkin—when the clock struck midnight.
    Remain by her side Alex did. He introduced her to an endless stream of people and she had no recollection who they might be. The women eyed her with thinly veiled disdain, especially the unattached ones. The men eyed her with unabashed interest. It didn’t matter if they were married or not, some of them leered at her even with a woman on their arms. She’d never been observed so overtly before.
    Alex’s friend Giorgio Ricci was there, accompanied by his wife who was a rather beautiful woman if a bit plump. Guilt assuaged Tessa as she was introduced to the lady, and it took everything within her not to scream out in warning that her husband was a philandering fool.
    But she kept herself—and her urges—in check. Nodding politely and offering a few words in congratulations that her charity event being such a success before they were on their merry way.
    All the while, Alex remained firmly at her side, a determined look on his face. He was there to make an appearance, she kept reminding herself. He needed to look good to those influential in the Milan fashion industry, and Tessa firmly believed the majority of them were in this ballroom tonight.
    It was good business sense, being at the event. Not only did Worth Luxury Goods make a sizable donation but the chance to mingle amongst the glittering set of Milan’s wealthy was an opportunity even Hunter couldn’t have conjured up with all of his connections. Alex spoke with many of them, an endless stream of people seemed to swarm around him, looking for their chance to speak with him.
    Feeling decidedly like a fifth wheel, she excused herself, wishing to hide in the ladies’ room for a moment and get away from the crowds. He didn’t let her go, grabbing hold of her hand before she escaped.
    “They’ll be serving dinner soon,” he murmured close to her ear. “So don’t be gone too long.”
    “I’ll be back in five minutes.” She offered him a smile, wishing he’d kiss her again though she knew he wouldn’t. Too many people were watching and he wasn’t one to ever make a scene.
    He released his grip on her hand, and she made her way through the crowds toward the opposite side of the room. The rich scents of the impending dinner wafted throughout and the clink of glasses sounded as people