Chapter 7
Seven
Nicholas
I came on too strong. Easy to see now after watching Maeve interact. I’m well aware that me lurking in the shadows is not my finest moment. However, she needs space. I didn’t want to hover as she greeted her cousins, even though I’m only using her to network with them. But after hearing the day Little Bit has had, even I found an ounce of sympathy for her. Empathy is something new for me. I don’t like it.
She’s about to be forced to either make a scene by refusing to sit next to the only people she doesn’t like, or sit with them and suffer through the meal. Most likely this will also throw her off her game for her big speech.
“I’m ready,” I tell my bodyguard and right-hand man, Arnoldo. He nods and goes back into the kitchen. While he takes care of that, I walk over to my fiancée who has reluctantly pulled the chair back to sit.
They haven’t realized I’m there, so I get to hear Leo’s attack. “Go ahead. Sit down. The chair looks sturdy enough.” What is this guy’s deal? “Or are you going to go cry to your big bad cousins?”
“How about she cry to her big bad fiancé instead?” All three turn toward me. In fact, everyone turns and all that can be heard is the low instrumental music. “Did you forget about me?” My voice comes out in good humor, but there’s no masking the coldness in my eyes. I level him with the glare I give to men whose life I’m about to end.
I lean down and place a kiss on Maeve’s forehead. “Looks like you also forgot me.”
“What?” she whispers.
“My seat. Did you forget to mark a plus one?”
Her eyes jump around the room and then she shrugs awkwardly. “I’m sorry.”
Her nervousness is cute. She has no clue what I’m doing for her. Of course this benefits me as well. “No worries. I’m only teasing.”
An employee off to the side whispers, “ Does Mr. Deschamps tease?”
“You’ve been so busy.” I make a show of taking her chin between my fingers. I look down at her as if she’s the most precious gem in the world. Her body relaxes under my gaze.
That’s it. Sweet little Maeve. She can’t deny her attraction to me.
They bring over a chair, another place setting, and wait for my word on where I’d like to sit. Not taking my eyes off Maeve, I tell Arnoldo, “Move the two on the end. Make room so I can be next to my bride.”
“ Nicholas, ” Maeve hisses. “You’re causing a scene. This is their day. Don’t take away from Alexa and Vin’s moment.” She’s precious.
“Maeve.” Tristan Goodman stands from his seat. Vincent follows, and then their other partner, Mark Papas stands. Maeve jerks from my touch, which bothers me. She dismisses me so quickly.
“Yes, Tristan?”
He walks around the table, the other two flanking him. “Are you going to introduce us?”
Vincent narrows his eyes on me. “To your fiancé?”
Extending my hand, I shake each of theirs. “Nicholas Deschamps.”
Tristan doesn’t look at me. “I know who you are. I want Maeve to tell me exactly who you are to her.”
Warmth vibrates through my body as I feel Maeve’s arm loop through mine. “This is Nicky.” Nicky? I’ve never been called that one before. I haven’t been called Nick since my father was alive. “And I know it sounds crazy, but we’re engaged.”
Vincent’s jaw drops. Tristan doesn’t show any expression on his face. Mark is glaring at me with distrust.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Tristan demands. He turns and narrows his eyes on me. Tristan Goodman hasn’t made it this far in our world by being trusting, na?ve, or stupid. He’s on to me.
Maeve leans closer to them and whispers, “I’m not trying to steal Alexa’s moment.”
Vincent nods and his eyes soften. “Not trying to steal her thunder. Always so considerate, Maevy.”
“Sure.” Tristan still doesn’t appear to be convinced. “We’ll talk later.” Looking forward to it.
I take the seat between Maeve and Leo. Never giving Leo a glance, but I feel his eyes burning into me, which means the fun is just starting. If there’s one thing I enjoy more than money and power, it’s playing games.
Throughout the meal, I make sure to accidentally bump him. Ignore anything he says, except to address him by the wrong name. Maeve and I tease each other, laugh, and for a moment, even I forget it’s pretend and get lost in enjoying her company. She does look ravishing in this red dress , especially wearing that red shade of lipstick. I’m surprised by how easily she falls into character.
“Oh Nicky, you have to try this.” She brings her fork to my lips. I’ve never eaten after someone. And I sure as hell haven’t been fed. My knee jerk reaction is to refuse, but I can feel her cousins and this fucker Leo’s eyes on us.
I part my lips and am shocked by how intimate the moment becomes. Her eyes stare at my lips before connecting with mine. The fork slides from my lips and then I watch in fascination as she then feeds herself from the same one.
“Delicious?” she asks, her voice turning husky.
“Extremely.”
I find myself wanting to return the favor and feed her. But I want her closer to me – no – I need her closer. I slide her chair against mine so our thighs are touching. When they bring the dessert, I immediately take a bite of ice cream and then scoop another one on my spoon.
“Open,” I command.
She doesn’t even hesitate. Her lips part and then close around the spoon. My dick hardens as her eyes flutter closed and she fucking moans. “That’s amazing.”
I give her another spoonful. But this time, I yank the spoon out faster so that I can bring my lips to hers. I taste the ice cream melting between our tongues. The sweetness of both her and it. The contrast between the heat of our mouths and the cold liquid heightens everything. I become painfully hard as I swallow her moans.
Our moment is interrupted by Leo’s throat clearing. It takes all my self-control not to raise my knife and slit it. Maeve’s lips are swollen and her eyes are wild. She turns away from me and busies herself with eating her own ice cream. She doesn’t offer me another bite.
Tristan and Vincent’s parents make a speech. Tristan makes one, as well. Not surprising Mark passes on speaking. Tori gushes and sings both their praises. Now it’s time for Maeve. I give her a kiss on the cheek and whisper against her skin, “You’ve got this.”
And I’ll cut out anyone’s tongue who dares to ruin this for her.
She stands and walks to the front, where they have the microphone. Leo turns toward Tina, and she snickers. I ease the knife from my place setting to bring it under the table. Without looking down or drawing any attention, I press the blade against his thigh. A smile plastered on my face, I lean toward him and whisper, “For every word you speak, I’m going to shove this into your thigh for disrespecting her.”
He straightens in his chair. I nod and turn my head back toward Maeve, but my fist with the knife remains at the side of his thigh, applying a hint of pressure.
Maeve gives a nervous little smile that only enhances how adorable she is. Her chest rises as she takes in a deep breath and then she begins.
“Vincent Goodman has always felt more like a big brother than a cousin. I hated when he and Tristan moved away, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but be excited for their new adventure. Today, I couldn’t be more excited for this new journey as well. Vincent, thank you for always treating me with respect, kindness, and being there for me all these years. I know you’re going to be that and more as a husband, and for that, Alexa is a really lucky lady. I haven’t gotten to know Alexa very well, but for her to win your heart, she’s undoubtedly a special person.” She smiles at Alexa. “Alexa, you’re the definition of a glowing bride. You are simply stunning. I don’t see you as someone who is marrying my cousin, but as a new sister. It’s clear you and Vincent are in love. I wish for you both to have a lifetime of love and all the happiness in the world. To Alexa and Vincent.”
Everyone cheers and toasts. Maeve quickly dabs her eyes as she hurries to hug the happy couple.
After the meal and speeches, it’s back to mingling. Leo and Trina couldn’t get away from the table fast enough. I’m just about to try and sneak another kiss from Maeve when her cousins and Mark appear.
“Somewhere we can talk in private?” Tristan asks.
“Gentlemen.” I stand. “Let’s go to my office.”