Chapter 28
28
Reuben wrapped his arm around Faith and tried not to scowl at all the reporters.
What the hell were they all doing here? And why were they taking photos of him? No one was interested in him. Although the press was becoming more interested in Alejandro. For years, they’d worked hard to keep his image out of the news. But times were changing.
There were rumors that the new police chief was setting up a taskforce to look into Alejandro. If he was seen to be giving money to charities, and helping the people of New York, well, it would make it harder for the police chief to take him down.
It was all smoke and mirrors, which Reuben hated but it was a part of life.
Lucky for Alejandro, the press seemed to love him and Cat.
“Mr. Jones is it true that you used to represent the Venturo family?”
He worked hard to keep his frown off his face. What the hell?
“Did you know that Abel Venturo has just been found dead in his prison cell?” that same reporter yelled out. “Didn’t you defend members of his family? His son who was charged with child abuse?”
What. The. Fuck.
Abel was dead? No, he hadn’t known that. Not that it was any less than the old bastard deserved.
Around them, people were buzzing. Circling.
Fuck.
Reuben knew should say something. But if he opened his mouth, he was probably going to tell this dickhead what he thought of him.
Then he remembered Faith. So he stopped and turned to the reporter who was grinning at him.
“Is he? I’m not sure why that would interest me. Or why you’d be talking about something like that at a charity dinner for a children’s hospital. Also, you need to do your research. I’ve never defended anyone who was accused of child abuse.”
The reporter scowled, but Reuben ignored him and gently guided Faith past. All he cared about was getting Faith inside and away from these assholes. He helped her inside, holding her steady as she tripped slightly.
“Are you all right?” he murmured.
“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry.”
She was probably upset over that shit show outside.
They handed her coat over to be checked in. Then he guided her down a dark hallway.
Turning, he pressed her against the wall and cupped her face between his hands. “Faith, I didn’t know all of those reporters would be here. Did that asshole upset you?”
He’d end him if he had.
“What? No. Although what was he talking about?”
“Something that is old news and best left in the past,” he told her. “You will not worry about it.”
She huffed at him. “You know, when you’re in a relationship you’re meant to share the things that are affecting you. Not bottle them up and just tell me not to worry. It doesn’t work like that.”
Amusement filled him. She was so cute when she was fired up.
“A relationship, huh?”
A blush filled her cheeks.
“You’re so cute when you get all bossy.”
“I am?” She stared up at him with her lips open. If she wasn’t careful, he was going to take that as an invitation.
Fuck. He didn’t need a hard-on right now. They were at a dinner for sick children, for fuck’s sake.
“Yes, but you need to stop. You’re making me hard.”
“Reuben!” She slapped his chest, her cheeks going bright red. “You can’t say that sort of thing in public.”
Dear Lord. She was so corruptible. So damn innocent.
He placed his hands on the wall by her head and leaned in to whisper to her. “Then you don’t want to hear how I want to slide your dress up to your waist, then kneel before you to stick my tongue deep inside your sweet fucking pussy.”
“Oh God. Your mouth. You . . . that’s so naughty.”
“I’m just getting started, baby.”
Leaning in, he nipped at her lip.
“It just makes me so angry how that reporter was saying all that horrible stuff to get a response out of you.”
“That’s what they do.”
“Well, someone ought to wash his mouth out.”
Hmm. The reporter had some things wrong, but he wasn’t far off. He’d helped defend various Venturo family members at one time or another. But he’d never defended anyone on child abuse charges.
“I’ll remember that the next time you lie or say something naughty.”
She gasped. “You can’t wash my mouth out with soap.”
Hmm, no. It wasn’t something he’d ever do.
“What about a bit of mustard on your tongue,” he suggested.
“I don’t like mustard.”
“I know, you always ask for no mustard. That’s why it’s a punishment.”
“That’s diabolical,” she told him.
“Thank you.”
“Hey! That wasn’t a compliment.”
Grasping her chin to keep her face still, he moved his mouth to hers. Fuck.
Why were they here again?
His cock throbbed incessantly. All he wanted was to take her back into the limo, lie her out on the back seat, and feast.
You need to calm down.
He just had to make it through this banquet. And then he’d have her all to himself. Reuben knew he was on edge. He’d been away from her for days, which hadn’t sat well with him.
There had been several times when he’d picked up the phone to demand that she come to him. But he’d held back, reminding himself that she was scared of flying.
He would get her on a plane one day. But when he did, he’d be with her to take care of her.
His worry over Juliet and her injuries, combined with not having Faith in his sight, had wreaked havoc on him.
He was tired.
That wasn’t something he was used to admitting. But he felt exhausted.
“We should go in,” she said.
“Do we have to?” he groaned.
“Yes. Although I need to check my makeup. You’ve probably smudged it.”
“It looks fine.”
“But Cammie spent ages on it and she’ll be upset if it’s wrecked when I go in. I better check it.”
“Faith,” he said sternly. “You look beautiful. Who cares about Cammie and her feelings?”
“She’s my friend. She’s been good to me.”
He grunted. He didn’t care about her friend. Taking her hand, he led her into the main ballroom area, where someone guided them to their table.
Great. Now he got to sit with a bunch of pompous, boring bastards.
And Alejandro and Cat. That was something.
“Blossom!” Turning, Reuben drew Faith against him so her back was pressed to his front as Cat threw herself at them. He braced her so she didn’t fall over. She seemed to be having some trouble walking tonight.
Cat wrapped her arms around Faith, holding her tight. Thank goodness Reuben was bracing her.
“Yay! You’re here. Weren’t those reporters out there nuts? Ooh, you look so gorgeous. So classy.” Cat sighed. “I wish I looked as pretty as you.”
“You look beautiful,” Alejandro said from behind his wife, frowning slightly. “You’re also in trouble.”
“Me? Why?” Cat turned to pout up at him.
“You ran off on me.”
“Pfft. Because I saw my new best friend, Blossom.”
“And now you’re squeezing the life out of her. Poor Faith can hardly breathe.”
“Oh, sorry!” Cat leaned back and gave Faith a chagrined look. “Sometimes, I don’t know my own strength.”
“It’s fine, Cat. It’s really good to see you too.”
To her surprise, she actually meant that. Cat might be a bit crazy, but she was fun and nice. She was also a friendly face at an event where Faith didn’t know anyone.
They all took their seats. Unfortunately, Reuben and Alejandro were seated together, so she and Cat were too far apart to talk.
She glanced up with a smile as an older man sat next to her. Her smile dropped a bit as she recognized Lucien Leonard. The man who’d visited Reuben the other day. Shit, his sister wasn’t here, was she?
“Hello. We meet again.”
“Mr. Leonard. Good to see you,” she lied.
“Now, please, call me Lucien. Unfortunately, we didn’t get introduced the other day.”
“I’m Faith,” she replied. “Are you here alone?”
“Ahh, yes, my sister had something else to do. And I’m currently unattached.”
Okay. Yeah. That smile was creepy.
“Leonard,” Reuben said in a sharp voice, leaning over her. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Yes, I was kindly invited. It’s good to see you. Perhaps I can have a private word with Alejandro later.”
“He’s busy,” Reuben said as he stood. “Swap seats with me, baby.”
She moved into his seat gratefully. Alejandro did the same with Cat so they were sandwiched safely between the two men.
“Baby, do you need a drink?” He nodded at the wine and water on the table.
“I’ll have a white wine, please.”
Reuben nodded stiffly as Lucien turned to speak to the other person next to him.
“Are you all right?” she asked quietly.
“I don’t like him talking to you,” he told her. He poured her a glass of wine and put it in her hand.
Well. She guessed he often acted crazy. So it shouldn’t be unexpected.
“Yay. Now we get to talk.”
Turning, she blinked in surprise to find Cat sitting beside her. “Tell me what your favorite color is. And your favorite food. Ooh, ice cream?”
“Reuben’s is vanilla,” she told Cat.
“Pfft. No, it’s not. No one’s favorite is vanilla,” Cat protested.
Faith grinned. “That’s exactly what I said.”
“How are you doing?” Cat asked. “With Reuben.”
“Um, well . . .” She didn’t want to gossip. Or complain.
“It’s okay, you can tell me. I’m a vault.”
“He’s demanding, and he seems to think he gets to boss me around and that he’ll always get his own way.” Whoa. She’d just really blurted that all out, huh?
“Uh-huh, I get you, girlfriend. Alejandro is the same. But what you’ve got to realize is that they might think they’re in charge, but you have the power.”
Faith gave her a doubting look. She didn’t think she had any power.
“You do. Because, ultimately, they want you to be happy. Sure, they like to be in control, but they just want you safe and settled, because that makes them happy. Pick your battles. Sometimes, you’ve got to give a little to get something back. If there’s something you really don’t like, then you just have to change it. But like, subtly, and stuff. I’m not good at that part yet.”
Faith was kind of confused. Did she have any power?
Yeah, no. She didn’t see it.
“Also, we should be grateful. My friend, Immy . . . well, let’s just say that I’m glad I only have one man to deal with.”
What did that mean?
“I have to pee. Come with me.” Cat stood. Alejandro had left to talk to someone a few minutes ago, giving Cat a firm order to stay.
Faith knew the girl code, so she stood as well.
Reuben reached up and grabbed her hand instantly. “Where do you think you are going?”
“Cat has to pee.”
He raised his eyebrows. “And that means that you have to go?”
“Girl code.” That was all she said, and she had to hold back a smile as he gave her an impatient look.
“Girl code? Meaning you have to go too?” Reuben asked
“Yep, girl code.” Cat leaned into her. “And I really have to go.”
“I’ll go with you,” Reuben said, standing.
“You don’t have to, we’ll be fine,” she said with a small frown.
“Yeah, I can protect Faith,” Cat said. “Rafael has been teaching me self-defense.”
“Um, we’re just going to the bathroom,” Faith said.
“You’re having trouble walking tonight. I’ll escort you there and back. Besides, Alejandro will not want you just wandering off.” That last part had been aimed at Cat, who just shrugged.
“I’m not having trouble walking,” Faith protested. “I just can’t walk in these shoes.”
“Your shoes?” he asked.
“Yeah. They’ve got a heel. I can’t walk in heels.”
“Then take them off,” Reuben told her.
Take them off? Like she could just do that?
“I can’t walk around without shoes on.”
Reuben frowned. “True. The floor is probably filthy, especially in the bathroom. I’ll have Steven go out and get you something to wear. What would you like? Sneakers?”
Sneakers? Was he for real right now?
“I can’t wear sneakers with this dress.”
“Yes, you can. I don’t like the idea of you in uncomfortable shoes.”
“Aww, while this conversation is really sweet, I’m about to do the pee dance,” Cat complained.
Shoot.
“Reuben,” she said firmly. “I’m fine in these shoes.”
Pick your battles. Sometimes, you’ve got to give a little to get something back.
“But I would appreciate you helping me to the bathroom.”
“Good job,” Cat fake-whispered.
Dear Lord.
Reuben gave them a suspicious look, but then wrapped his arm around her waist. Then he held his crooked arm out to Cat, who took it with a giggle.
After they’d come back from the bathroom, Alejandro rejoined them.
“Take off your shoes while you’re sitting down,” Reuben commanded.
“I can’t.”
“Do you need me to do it for you?” he asked calmly.
But she knew a threat when she heard one. She slid off her shoes. Ahh, the relief was instant.
Reuben grabbed her leg and put it over his thigh. She tensed, but then the food was served.
Reuben was right. It was crap.
The emcee got up on stage and started talking. She tried to pay attention, but he was boring, and Reuben kept touching her. He’d pushed her dress up to the top of her thighs and his hand was now rubbing along her inner thigh.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a low voice.
“Eat your steak. You need the iron.”
“I do not.” What would he know about what she needed?
“Of course you do. Your period is due next week. Women need iron during their period.”
Dear Lord.
What was happening right now?
“You can’t . . . you can’t know that,” she told him.
“Why not?” he asked.
“B-because you just can’t!” She leaned in closer. “How would you know when my period is?”
“Because I’m very observant. I know that you get very pale, tired, and grouchy.”
“I do not!” How dare he!
Although she remembered how Matt would make excuses to stay away from her during her period. It had taken her a while to figure that out. And then she’d felt horrible that he stayed away for a few days each month.
Was she that horrible?
Was she the asshole?
Of course you are. You were so awful to be around that he avoided you.
Awesome. Something else to add to the Faith-is-a-problem chart.
“This is so embarrassing.”
“I don’t know why. It’s just a bodily function. And I have a few ideas on how to help you with the pain management.” He ran a finger over her panty-clad pussy and she shuddered. Up and down, over her clit.
“Next time we go out, you won’t wear panties.”
He could not be serious.
And yet, at the same time, she could feel her body heating at the thought.
“My girl likes that thought.” He slid his fingers under her panties and along her wet slit.
“Reuben, we can’t.”
“Of course we can. I’m going up to collect that award soon and give a short speech. I want to do that with the smell of your pussy on my fingers.”
Okay, now she knew she was bright red.
“You can’t say things like that!” What if someone heard him? People just didn’t speak like this.
“Why not?” he murmured. “If we had time and somewhere private, I’d take you there and feast on you. You’d taste better than any of this crappy food. And then I’d go make my speech with your arousal glistening on my lips. Do you think any of them would know what it was?”
Dear Lord.
No. Nope. This was not happening.
He slid two fingers deep inside her and she clenched down.
“Easy, baby. You’re going to relax and let me do what I like.”
“Or what?”
“Or I’ll have to punish you. And I think a fitting punishment would be a night of edging, don’t you?” he said as he withdrew his fingers.
Edging?
Holy Moly.
She knew about edging from her books. Matt would never have dared to have . . . urgh, she had to stop thinking about Matt.
Matt wasn’t here, and the truth was, she was glad.
For the first time, she could admit to herself that she didn’t want Matt to be here because . . . because perhaps he wasn’t what she really needed.
Perhaps this devilish man with a wicked tongue was what she needed. Even if he did say extremely naughty things in public.
And you like it.
You’re wet.
“Are you going to relax now, baby? Let me in?”
She nodded.
“That’s a good girl.”
Faith stole a look at Cat, but she and Alejandro were deep in conversation.
“Don’t look at them,” Reuben growled at her. “Your attention needs to be fully on me.”
She nearly rolled her eyes. Of course it had to be.
But she turned back to him. Everyone was listening to the emcee go on and on.
“You’re being such a good girl for me.”
Her breath was growing faster. This was so bad. At any moment, someone could catch on to what they were doing.
But she wasn’t stopping him.
His fingers slid back inside her.
Oh dear Lord.
Bad. So bad.
But so good.
Then he stilled with his fingers pressed deep inside her. She had to force herself not to move. Not to thrust her hips so she could feel some friction.
When she glanced at Reuben, the expression on his face was one of mild interest. How did he do that? He even reached for a glass of water and took a sip.
Curling his fingers inside her, he rubbed the tips against her passage.
Oh, hell.
Wow.
She shuddered, unable to stop herself. And then his fingers were gone. He slid them from her pussy before righting her panties and removing her leg from where it rested over his.
Nooo.
What was he doing?
In a daze of arousal, she realized t the emcee had just called his name. Oh God. She’d forgotten about his award.
Idiot.
Lucien leaned over toward her as Reuben walked on stage. His smile was oily. Slick.
“That was a nice little show the two of you put on. Too bad you didn’t get to come. I would have liked to hear the noises you’d have made.”
She shoved herself back in the seat, away from the sick bastard leering at her.
“Blossom? What’s wrong? Is he being rude? Annoying you?” Cat wrapped her arm around Faith’s shoulders and glared at Lucien.
“He better not be,” Alejandro said darkly. “What he better do, is get up and fucking leave before Reuben catches on that he’s upset his girl. Or I decide to do something about him.”
Lucien went a pale, sickly white. She couldn’t even take much enjoyment out of his fear. Her heart was racing too hard. What was she doing? This wasn’t her.
What was wrong with her?
Lucien got up and swiftly left. She felt paranoid. Studying everyone around her, she wondered if anyone else had worked out what was going on?
“Blossom? Are you all right?” Cat asked quietly as Reuben started his speech.
“I’m fine.”
Except she wasn’t.
Deep breath in. Let it out.
Just because some asshole was watching doesn’t make it wrong. It doesn’t make it dirty.
But what had she been thinking? Doing that in public?
Faith was a good girl.
Good girls didn’t do things like that. Her family would be so ashamed of her. Not that they’d ever learn about what she’d just done . . .
You did it in public, Faith!
“I need to go to the bathroom,” she said as Reuben was wrapping up his speech.
Cat gave her a concerned look, but she ignored her.
She had to time this right. If she left too early, he’d just finish his speech mid-sentence and chase after her. Leave it too late and he’d be back at the table.
So, while they were handing him the certificate, she got up.
“Faith, sit down,” Alejandro said firmly.
“No.”
He gaped at her, his mouth slightly open.
Yikes.
Had she really just told Alejandro De Leon no?
Seemed that she had. She rushed away as she heard Cat calling out for her. She felt terrible about leaving her new friend. But she had to get some fresh air. She had to think about all of this for a moment without having Reuben clouding up her mind. Filling it with lust and need.
Okay, that wasn’t fair.
She could have told him no. Even if he had threatened to edge her, he would have listened to her.
Wouldn’t he?
Fuck. She didn’t know. She was walking out of the building before she realized her mistake. Crap.
She didn’t have a ticket to get back in. And she also didn’t have Cammie’s jacket. Reuben held the ticket for the coat check.
Shit! She didn’t have any shoes on either. Her feet were already freezing.
Idiot.
A shiver ran through her and her teeth chattered as she looked around. What was she going to do now?
Run away?
Urgh, you’re being an idiot, Faith.
This is what you always do. You run from your problems rather than face them.
Shame had her curling her shoulders over.
Idiot.
She should have just shaken off what that asshole had said and enjoyed the rest of her night.
Glancing around, she frowned as she saw someone who looked familiar.
Was that the same guy who was looking for the accountant the other night when she was waiting for Steven to pick her up?
She took a step forward. But he disappeared into the shadows.
Nah. It was dark, and it was probably just someone who looked similar.
Suddenly, a large arm wrapped around her waist, making her scream.
Oh God!
Someone had grabbed her. They were going to kidnap her! Why hadn’t she stayed where the doorman could see her?
She wriggled, trying to loosen his hold on her. Bringing one foot forward so she could kick back at her captor when he bent to place his mouth by her ear.
“Don’t even think about kicking me. Baby, you are in such deep trouble. I hope you don’t expect to sit comfortably tomorrow.”
Fudge knuckles.