Chapter Sixteen
Aasia had been so captivated with seeing Bear and his smile that she almost missed Bentley who was approaching fast. She felt her stomach turn and instantly wondered what she ever saw in him.
He had good looks but that would fade and his ugliness would eventually show.
He said something, but she couldn’t understand.
His cocky smile set her on edge—an easy smile that sent the message that he thought he owned the place.
Bear stepped beside her and he placed his warm hand at the small of her back. A silent supportive gesture.
“What are you doing here?” Bentley said the words in a lowered voice.
“Enjoying drinks from the bar,” she said smartly. Bentley’s beady gaze settled on Bear, and then he brought his gaze onto Aasia, a smirk forming on his thin lips. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
She exhaled, squared her shoulders, and said confidently, “I deserve to be here. I played an important role in finding benefactors for the mobile lab. I worked hard. Don’t cause a scene.”
Bentley didn’t seem the least bit bothered by her plea. “You no longer work for MedLabOne.”
“Thanks for the reminder,” she said quietly.
Bear moved his hand and reached for her, giving it a squeeze of reassurance. Bentley’s attention fell to Aasia and Bear’s connected touch. “I think we’ve met?” Bentley said to Bear.
“Bentley, this is…” She realized she didn’t know how to introduce Bear. What name did he prefer?
“Ben Lane.” Bear extended his hand. “Aasia has told me a lot about you.”
Bentley nodded. Obviously, the handshake between the two was firm. “All good I hope.”
“Of course,” Aasia interjected. “No reason to be bitter because you fired me for no reason.”
His jaw tightened a smidgeon. “This isn’t the time or place.”
“Of course not.” She chewed on the corner of her mouth, wishing she could sink her teeth into him.
Bentley looked at her, really looked at her. There was something distant in him—disconnected. Sharper. Colder.
“You’re looking well.” He swept his gaze down her then back to her face. “I’m glad you’re not taking this too hard.”
“I’m doing wonderful,” she said sharply.
Bentley grabbed two champagne flutes from a tray and handed one to Bear before lifting his own. “A toast to new beginnings.”
“Well,” she said through clenched teeth, raising her own glass. “To new chapters.”
“I hope we can still be friends.” Bentley didn’t break eye contact.
“Bentley, I’d like to…” She started but Bear moved his fingers, reminding her that she didn’t need to lower herself to Bentley’s level. Draining her glass, she said in a fake happy tone, “Of course.”
“I need to make my rounds. Maybe we can talk before the party ends?”
Not on your life. “I don’t think we’ll be here too long.”
“Well, then, why don’t you both go and enjoy another drink.”
He swiveled on his polished loafers, and an urge came over her that she couldn’t resist. She caught Bentley by the elbow and stood on tiptoe to whisper in his ear.
“I have the financial reports. You should look closer. Especially at Deacon and his motives. He can’t be trusted.
” Then she released him and took a step back.
He narrowed his gaze before he weaved through the crowd.
Aasia felt her blood pressure return to normal. It helped that Bear still held her hand.
For the first time, having Bear next to her, she didn’t feel like she was alone.
“You can retract your claws now,” Bear said near her ear.
“That man irks me,” she said in a whisper.
“I think he likes having that control. What did you tell him?”
“I told him that Deacon Clark can’t be trusted.” She shoved her empty glass into Bear’s chest. “I need to go to the restroom. Suddenly I’m feeling sick.”
“You okay?”
“Wonderful.” She spun on her heels, lifted her skirt and made her way toward the bathroom. Bentley was insufferable.
Her path to the restroom was sidetracked by a familiar face. Deacon Clark. She had a tug of war with approaching him or leave well enough alone. Her feisty side won out.
“Deacon, what a surprise,” she blocked his exit in the hallway.
The tall, gangly man turned two shades whiter. “What are you doing here?”
“I have every right to be here,” she said. “And since you refused to return my calls, I have no other choice but to speak to you here.”
“You’re no longer with MedLabOne. We have nothing to say to each other. Now let me pass.” He tugged awkwardly at his bowtie.
“What are you hiding, Deacon?” There was no reason to beat around the bush.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. What are you hiding?” She faced him.
“Don’t eat the shrimp canapés. They cause terrible indigestion.” He winked then took a step.
She laid her hand on his wrist. “I know you’re up to something. I wonder how Bentley would feel if he knew you lied.”
After a long hesitation, he said, “I don’t like the tone you’re taking with me. I haven’t lied.”
“And I don’t like that I was fired.”
“I had nothing to do with that,” he said through the gap between his teeth.
“Should I call you Deacon, or is it Mike?” Seeing his face contort, she realized she’d hit a nerve.
“Oh, so it’s good enough that Bentley’s manager can dig up my past but not yours?
I wonder what everyone would think knowing you served three years in prison for insurance fraud?
I think I was let go before I could find out what you’re doing at MedLabOne.
I saw the data. Insurance fraud is a crime. ”
Anger washed over his features and his limbs shook. “How dare you…you, bitch. You think just because you were fucking the boss that you can say or do whatever you like?” He spit his words.
“This has nothing to do with my personal relationship with Bentley. If you were the one who forged my signature on documents that’s a crime too.” She didn’t flinch. “Bentley didn’t have access.”
“You think you’re so smart, don’t you?” He smirked.
“I think by your reaction I’m pretty damn smart. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
His laugh made the hair stand up on her neck. “Good luck proving your insane accusations. Now if you don’t move, I’m going to toss you through the wall. Got it?”
Reluctantly, she stepped aside. “This isn’t over, Deacon. Or should I say Mike?”
“Oh, it’s over, sweetheart,” he said cooly.