Chapter 29 #2
Jace stands, mocking my entire interaction, ignoring Ava and Jeff.
In return, we get mean mugs from not only Ava and Jeff but also my parents.
They have no idea what this girl put me through.
No idea. I watch as Ava’s parents dote on her, hand and foot, ordering her drinks and talking up her praises.
Meanwhile, my parents say not a single word about me. Ava’s smile shoots in my direction.
The man on stage begins speaking about the business’s growth and the dedication it took to achieve it.
“We are proud to promote Matt Lane as CEO. With his heart and dedication, this business will soar. Please give Matt a round of applause, come on up!” What heart?
I didn’t know he possessed one. My father stands proudly, smiling like I’ve never seen.
The very smile I craved from him, I yearned for him to look at me that way.
To be as proud of me as he is in this moment.
I look at my drink, still full, untouched by my lips.
Then I stick my finger in and stir. I can feel my heart pumping with resentment.
Jace watches out of the corner of his eye.
His hand slides onto my leg, where the slit falls open.
He leans in and whispers, “Be a good girl and stay quiet, while I take away those thoughts.” I swallow hard.
He can’t be serious. When his hand slides under the table, his fingers begin crawling up my bare thigh until he slides along the apex of my thigh.
My breath catches with desire, lust, and the fear of being caught.
His eyes flick to mine when he realizes I’m not wearing panties.
I couldn't risk the lines. His jaw flexes hard. I watch as he bites the inside of his lip before he faces forward again, watching my father thank every single person in the room, except me. Jace and I are so close that it would be impossible to see what he’s doing.
Ava turns around, grabbing her champagne from the table, and takes a sip.
Her eyes never leave mine. In that moment, Jace slides his finger through my slit, making my eyes drop, making Ava think she’s won; she believes I have backed down from her, again.
She couldn’t be more wrong, if only she knew.
Jace's strong finger works in and out of me, making my breath catch when he slides it out, running it up to my clit.
His eyes shift over to me once more, giving me a devilish grin.
His pressure intensifies as he rubs in circles, before sliding back inside.
My chest rises and falls as the sensation intensifies.
I focus on his finger, and the way he feels inside of me, feeling myself squeeze around his thick, tattooed finger, silently begging for more.
I roll my neck and tighten his hand between my thighs, a warning.
The crowd begins applauding; my mind spirals back to where we are as my father starts his descent to our table, and everyone stands.
Shit. Jace slowly removes his fingers and stands, pulling out my chair, giving me room to stand next to him.
When my father returns to the table, everyone begins shaking his hand.
Jace leans forward, placing his hand in my father’s, giving him a big smile, “Well done, Sir.” When my father drops his hand, Jace winks, and it clicks.
He just shook my father’s hand with his cum-soaked finger.
I don’t know why, but the thought of Jace being demanding with me and subtly giving punches where they are needed makes me weak in the knees.
The cameras around us flash, taking in this precious moment. I nod at my father and take my seat, escaping the photoshoot. I will not bow to him at his highest, when he wouldn’t save me at my lowest. I lean over to Jace, “I am going to the ladies' room.”
Just as the bathroom door closes, Ava pops in.
“Look who it is, Loveless Lilla Lane. Looks like Daddy never did find a way to love you.” Ava's dress is a long silver ballgown that shimmers with every movement—her hair in a tight bun, her flawless makeup making her green eyes pop. Continuing to wash my hands, I give her no response; there is none, because the reality is that she isn’t lying. She is simply stating the obvious.
She stands beside me applying her red lipstick, “I’m surprised to see you with Jace. He always did have a thing for charity cases.” Her words crash into my soul, opening the once-healed wounds.
I turn to her swiftly, after taking out my dripping, over-washed hands, I force her to step backwards, until the back of her head bumps into the wall.
My arms fly up beside her, ripping the paper towels and making her jump.
“Charity case? Me? Ava, you have it so wrong. A charity case is a person who receives assistance, help, someone like you. I didn’t have help, Ava.
I didn’t use daddy’s money for anything, unlike you.
” My stance towers over her, “I made it without a handout, I made myself into something you only wish you could achieve. All. On. My. Own, and as for Jace–”