I shivered at his touch. “I’ll be fine.”
“Tove said you wouldn’t come over to me when you saw me talking to the women.” His voice was casual, but his eyes were studying me. Thanks, Tove.
“You were busy,” I replied dropping my head to end eye contact.
“I’m not too busy for you,” Elliott said taking my hand and squeezing it. “Ever,” he whispered.
My heartbeat quickened. I didn’t trust myself to look at him. I hated how suspicious I had been. He was free to do what he wanted. I had no right. Right? “Did Sophie have anything to share that would help the case?”
Elliott rubbed the hair on his jaw. “Not really. I invited her because I thought she was nice, and she’d be good for you to talk to since you’re seeing Dane and me. Sophie has previous experience in polyamorous and open relationships. Some of the members weren’t a part of the corruption.”
“Is that the only reason you asked her?” I broached carefully.
He captured my chin and my pulse jumped. “Is that all you want it to be?” he put the decision back on me.
I pursed my lips. “Yes. That’s all.”
“You’re jealous,” he grinned broadly.
Now I had to look at him, and when I did, his eyes bore into mine like a lightning bolt and I was struck. Exposed. There was an intensity between us that made my heart swell with emotions that weren’t welcomed by him. I turned away and noticed the tunnel was empty. “We should go have dinner…. I haven’t congratulated Angel or Dane.” I inhaled. Dane. I didn’t know how I’d react to him with Angel. I was conflicted.
Elliott exhaled and let go of my chin. “You can congratulate them later. Let’s go eat.”
We took our time before returning to the dining area to look at some of the displays before going to find our seats. One of the hostesses escorted us to our table where we found Sophie and Bradley. Awkward, wasn’t the half of it.
Instead of remaining in a tense silence, Elliott jumpstarted a conversation about the show. Sophie seemed to find everything he said fascinating and punctuated every laugh by a touch on Elliott’s arm. Elliott didn’t touch her, but he didn’t discourage it either. I ignored them and had two glasses of wine instead. I was about to have number three when Elliott cut me off. He removed the bottle and my half-filled glass.
“You’re not getting drunk tonight,” he said quietly, his tone curt.
I frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“I want your full attention, or do you only want to give it when Dane’s around?”
I stared at him in confusion. Elliott’s jaw was tight, and he was not looking at me. If I hadn’t known better, I’d say Elliott was jealous. My stomach knotted. My mind reminded me that this was their idea, but I was just as guilty.
“Gia, will you come to the restroom with me?” Sophie asked. It was sudden, but I rose and left without a backward glance. It only took me to the archway out of the room to regret it. I glanced back and saw Elliott staring over at me. My stomach fluttered.
“I’m so sorry. Bradley is tactless,” Sophie told me once we reached the hallway.
I smirked. “That’s one of the ways I’d put it.”
She burst into laughter. “You don’t have anything to worry about. We don’t push ourselves on anyone. Bradley knows better.”
I smirked. He does now.
“Elliott needs to clear his head too,” she added.
I couldn’t argue with that.
She leaned next to me by the sink while I powdered my face. “I’m really sorry for what happened to you. I didn’t have the same experience though. It was odd I lost my job, and I thought everything was over, but just like that, I got a call, and they rehired me this week.”
I bit my cheek. Just like that. “Didn’t you suspect anything by the sudden change?”
She shrugged her shoulders and brushed her long hair. “Life changes all the time these days. The Agency was bad, I believe, or some people were, but they found me a match. Bradley and I love each other. We left The Agency and joined a new exclusive club.”
I opened my mouth and closed it. After everything that she heard that happened with The Agency, I didn’t understand her willingness to join another. Though, I understood if sharing your partner was part of your relationship, they’d want to find other partners in the lifestyle.
She cocked a brow. “Go ahead and ask me. I’m sure you have questions.”
“Doesn’t it bother you to watch Bradley with other women?” I asked.
“Nope,” she said simply. “We love each other. When we have group sex or swap, it never goes beyond sex. We’re not interested in a new partner. We do it for pleasure. Our relationship is deeper because we have a lot in common.”
Her situation was different than my own. Dane had a connection with Angel. Elliott would want the option to have his own girlfriend if I kept Dane, who kept Angel.
“Things do work out if you all communicate and decide what’s best for you.” She held out her hand to show me her diamond ring. “We’re getting married.”
“Congratulations,” I replied forcing a lift to my voice.
“Thank you. I hope you work something out with Elliott and Dane,” she said putting her brush away. “It would be great to have new friends. I know it’s not easy to find people that will talk to you in this lifestyle. You can always call me. No judgments.”
“Thank you,” I said and meant it.
We exchanged numbers. It turned out Elliott had been right: I did need to speak with someone that had participated in their lifestyle while in an exclusive relationship. I felt better. Although, admittedly, a little tipsy.
“I’ll meet you back at the table.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
I nodded and went to stand in the stall to see if I had actually had too much to drink and might be sick. Once I was sure I was fine, I walked out to return to the hall, but it was blocked.
“I’m sorry,” one of the hostesses told me. “We have some dignitaries attending tonight. We must perform a security check before we let anyone back inside. You’re free to wait in the hotel bar.”
I smiled. More drinks. Elliott will be pleased. I was about to head there when I realized I didn’t have my handbag. I must have left it in the bathroom.
I doubled back and went into the stall that I had been in and fumbled. My purse landed on the tiled floor with a thud. I grimaced. I’m cutting myself off.
Just as I was bending down to collect it, a burst of laughter filled the room. Angel. I started walking out hoping to congratulate her on the show. There was still so much I’d like to discuss with her. I was halfway through pushing the door open when I heard a man’s voice: “No one in here? I’ve locked the door. How much time do we have?”
“Not long,” Angel answered in a loud whisper. “We’re alone. Dane’s off looking for his new lovely. He never could have just one. He always needs another woman to play with.”
“And you need many men,” the man teased her and snickered.
She giggled. “I played your game, and you never came back. You traded me. My game’s over now. I’m free.”
I went as far in the back as I could, hoping they wouldn’t check the stalls. My nerves were jumping. They had all my attention. Noisy kissing had me daring to peep through the thin gap in the stall to see who it was. The woman was indeed Angel, but the man, I wasn’t sure. He was wearing a suit like most men attending the show. His hair short and grey. Someone came to mind, but I had to be wrong.
“You’re not free, girl,” he said. “You’re still mine, and I say you need to leave New York.”
“I don’t want to leave. I just came back,” she whined. “I thought Simon loved me."
He chuckled. “I think he does, but you don’t love him. You love to play more. You loved all the other men.”
“I did at first,” she said and sighed heavily. “I was willing to give them up for you, but you traded me.”
“Because
you didn’t give up Dane,” he told her, and they fell silent. “Does he know about the baby?”
“No, Walter,” she answered him.
I covered my mouth. Dane’s father, Walter?
Someone pounded on the entrance to the restroom.
“Occupied,” Angel sung out. I didn’t hear the door open. The person must have gone away. It was too late to announce my presence now, so I remained as still as I could, hoping they’d soon leave, but then Walter said, “I need you to stop the DNA test. I’ll give you anything you want if you tell Dane Melinda is his.”
“I shouldn’t have left Dane,” Angel said sullenly. “I regret it now. He still loves me…. I should stay with him. I’m going to tell him everything tonight.”
“No, you can’t,” Walter replied in a placating tone. “If he finds out about what happened, it’ll be bad. You don’t want that, do you?”
“No,” she mumbled.
“Good girl,” he replied. “I don’t want to fight now. We don’t have much time.”
“You want me now, I fucked Dane on the way here,” Angel said giggling.
My stomach knotted. Did she? Like that matters right now. I admonished myself. I know I shouldn’t care, but it still hurt.
“You lie too much, girl,” Walter said. “Kiss me.”
His grunts and her moans let me know he had started making out with her. I couldn’t announce myself now and had no choice but to wait until they were done before leaving. That was the plan until Angel sung out.
“Come out, little kitty,” she purred and laughed.
“Wait. Someone is in here?” Walter said, his voice rising. “Who’s in here?” he yelled.
Angel laughed louder, and he cursed. “Are you playing with me now? You better be.”
I tensed. Or what? I made a decision right there: I’d come out and intervene. But then someone pounded on the door again, and after some shuffling with their clothing, they finally opened it.
“Who the hell let you in Father? And what the fuck are you doing in the bathroom with Angel?” It was Dane.
“Always nice to see you again, Son,” Walter said airily. “I was just wishing Angel well. I thought she was hurt so I helped her in here.”
“I asked him to help me in. Is that okay?” Angel purred to him.
“No. It’s not okay,” Dane said harshly. “I don’t want him here or alone with you. I’ve told you that, but…maybe you don’t remember, but he’s the last person to ask for help from or to be anywhere near. Dane was now directly in front of Walter, “I’ll get someone in security to remove you if you don’t leave now.”
“Stop overreacting. I’m leaving,” Walter grumbled. “I see you still hold grudges. Tonight of all nights, I thought you’d be putting the past aside, especially now that you have Angel back.”
“I won’t be putting anything with you aside,” Dane answered icily.
“Your show was nice Angel,” Walter said formally. “Good luck with my son.”
“No. I want Walter to stay,” Angel protested loudly. “You said I can have whatever I want Dane, and I want Walter and you to talk.”
“There’s nothing he can say to me,” Dane snapped. “I’m sorry I left you alone, Angel. Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?”
Walter cursed. “I did nothing to her.”
“Like I’d trust you,” Dane gritted. “Angel?”
“I’m fine. Did you find Gia?” Angel asked and giggled. “I hear she turns up in the oddest places.”
My pulse jumped. She knew I was here. Don’t tell him. Not now.
“No, but let’s go back to the table,” Dane answered.
“With Walter. He has something to tell you,” Angel said. There was shuffling and then quiet. I walked out of the stall and leaned against the wall.
Angel had to have known it was me. That was the only way I could explain her insistence. She had an affair with Walter. Was he the one that sent her away to The Agency? Was Melinda really Dane’s sister?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Stunned, I left the bathroom and headed back to the table and Elliott. I didn’t know how to approach Dane with what I had overheard, but Elliott needed to know Walter’s possible involvement. I took the anterior passage leading to the dining hall where I encountered a crowd of people ahead of me. On reaching one of the first rows, two male security guards came up with a couple of staff and erected a horizontal rope divider, cutting me off.
“We need to remove displays from the show through this hallway,” one of the guards announced. “If you would please follow our directions back to the hall. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
I reluctantly followed the directions of the staff but was dismayed when I found that they led us outside to the group of tents for the show and further to the other side of the park, on the sidewalk. Even there, there was still more security clearing the area, moving a group of us a couple of blocks away and behind a barrier. I shivered against the freezing temperatures as I scrabbled through my purse for my phone but couldn’t find it. I abandoned my search and took to the sidewalk by the park. Just as I was approaching a passerby to ask to borrow a phone, someone tapped me lightly on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, but you look lost. Do you need some help?” I turned around to find a tall, robust man standing behind me, and to my relief, he had on a uniform and badge I recognized as part of the hotel security.
“Maybe you can,” I replied to him. “I’m looking for the way back to the park?”
“If you follow me, I can show you,” he offered.
Normally, I would have gone with him, but nothing had been normal of late. I gazed past him down the street and spotted a clearing up ahead. “No. If you could just point me in the direction, I’ll find it.” I looked in my purse again for my phone. Nothing.
“Navigating New York City can be difficult for most,” he said. “But it’s a great place to escape.”
My brows rose. Escape. Was I that obvious? I eyed him curiously. He had a buzz hair almost white, but what caught my attention were his eyes. He was close to me and even under the street lights, I thought them unusual. They were pale, almost colorless.
His lips spread into a broad smile. “Do you have your phone? I have one you can use if you don’t.” He reached inside his jacket, but I quickly waved my hand to stop him.
“I do have a phone, and really… I’m fine. Thanks,” I said dismissively. I wasn’t sure why I cut off communication with him, but then an older couple approached him and asked for directions. His smile evaporated, but he answered them politely. Perhaps I was being paranoid, and he was being helpful.
I turned away from their group and saw Elliott, now hurrying toward me down the pavement with Tove. “Wait for me,” the man persisted, his voice strained. “I’ll take you.” He pushed through the couple, who gasped in astonishment.
I frowned at the man. “You should help them. I’ve found my friends.”
I didn’t wait for his response and rushed down the sidewalk to meet up with Elliott and Tove.
Elliott rushed up and grabbed me close, his body covering me in a powerful embrace. I looked passed him and didn’t see the man, but a crowd of people.
“Damn it, Gia. Where the hell did you go?” he growled. He took off his jacket and held it out for me. In the light from the street, I could see his scowl. “Put this on.”
“Please,” I added but followed his direction. Once it was on my shoulders, he took my hand and moved us along at a fast pace down the sidewalk. I smiled despite his anger and held him tighter. “I’m okay. I was sent out to go around the park and just realized I can’t find my phone. I must have left it in the bathroom. Is everything okay?”
“I ran into Dane. He needed to take Angel back to his place,” he said. “He was looking for you too, but I assured him I’d find you.” His quick pace had me practically jogging to keep up.
“Hey. Wait,” I said to him. “I’ve got something to tell you. Something just happened—”<
br />
“Yeah, it did. Sophie came back alone, and you disappeared,” he answered brusquely. “I need to tell Dane I found you.” He stopped to make a call, then returned to moving the both of us down the street.
My brows narrowed. “Are you going to talk to me? What’s with this caveman crap?”
Elliott grabbed my hand and wouldn’t slow down. “It’s you. You’ve reached the end of my patience tonight.”
We stopped near the stairs to go back at the entrance to the reception, but none of us went in.
“I’m firing you off guarding Gia,” Elliott griped at Tove. “She was left alone in a potentially dangerous situation when you were meant to be guarding her.”
“She was in the bathroom, and I was right outside,” Tove pointed out.
“And Sophie came back without her,” Elliott said. “That should have been enough for you to go inside to check to make sure it was safe. Anything could’ve happened to her. I trusted you to be thorough. I need someone guarding her that’s not afraid to cramp her style.”
“You’re right. Before I knew it, security was pushing us out of the area,” Tove replied. “I’m sorry, Gia, for failing you again.”
“No, Tove, I understand, and you shouldn’t be fired off guarding me,” I interjected. “I’m sorry you’re upset, Elliott, but I wasn’t that far away. I was late getting back to the table because I was still in the bathroom. You see, I overheard something important to the case—”
“You were trying to do some more investigating?” Elliott cut me off, his voice rising. “You can’t just go off on your own. You’re still in danger.”
I chewed on my bottom lip. I didn’t have a good argument against that. “I know, but I’m okay now. I don’t know why you’re so upset.”
“You don’t?” He clasped the sides of my face. His pale blue gaze bore into me with such a raw intensity that it stole my breath. “Did you stop to think how I felt when I couldn’t find you?”
The look he gave me was full of emotion and my heart constricted. My awareness of the cars and people around faded. There was only the two of us.
Dauntless (The Agency Dark Affairs Duet Book 2) Page 13