CHAPTER 24
George
I see him take her hand and jealousy courses through me. Who the fuck does Rainez think he is?
What’s worse, I can’t even step in. I can’t claim my ground. I’m being respectful of Leo’s wishes, when in reality I want to throw her over my shoulder and drag her back to my cave. I feel a primal urge to beat my chest, to show this boy who the alpha really is.
I need to get a grip.
Hands shaking, I excuse myself from a conversation I haven’t heard a word of and head to the bar for a sparkling water and ice. I sneak a glance back, he’s still talking to her animatedly. She cuts him off and he bows his head, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
What the fuck? I school my face, hiding the emotion simmering below. I’ve never been a jealous person; I didn’t care when Olivia flirted with any of the players, accepted it as part of having a hot fiancée surrounded by horny athletes.
I’m now realizing that I probably just didn’t care. It’s not a nice revelation and my mood darkens further.
I feel a tap on my shoulder and my back stiffens. I don’t want to come across as totally unapproachable at a work event, but I wish I could tell them to f—
‘George?’
I spin around. Leo’s looking up at me, her sparkling eyes turning to concern as she clocks my expression. ‘George? What’s wrong?’
I tell myself not to mention it, to push down the feelings bubbling inside. But as I’m starting to find out, my usual control is tested in her presence.
‘Enjoying your conversation with Rainez?’ I try to keep my voice even but a hint of bitterness slips through.
Her concern turns to instant anger.
‘Are you kidding me?’ Her hand goes to her hip as she levels me with a glare.
I immediately know I’ve fucked up.
Luckily the music is loud, but I also know she won’t make a scene. She whispers loudly at me, her face neutral, but I can see the fire in her eyes . . .
‘You leave me on my own at a party straight away. The man-child comes over to speak to me. He asks me my name. He kisses my hand. He feeds me a bullshit line about being a model, I politely listen, despite literally not giving a shit. And you’re mad at me?
’ She shakes her head. ‘Men, you’re all fucking unbelievable! ’
She goes to walk away, but I take a step, blocking her exit. ‘I’m sorry, Leo.’ I bow my head. ‘I’m an idiot. A total Neanderthal.’
‘You’re no better than Gordon if you think I’m here with any other intention than to support you.’
‘Gordon? What did he say?’
‘Nothing, just, what the fuck was that?’ She looks concerned again now. I want to open up to her, perhaps show her some of the less desirable sides of me. But now really isn’t the time.
‘I’ve never been jealous before, but seeing Rainez hitting on you, I did not like that.’
‘Just because he’s hitting on me doesn’t mean I’m open to receiving it. You do know that?’ She rolls her eyes now. ‘I’m not some tennis groupie, looking to bang anyone in the Top Ten!’
‘It would be an incentive to keep my ranking though.’ I risk a joke and breathe a sigh of relief when she smirks. ‘I’m sorry, Leo, I’m a fucking idiot. The worst.’ I look her in the eye; her anger seems to have dissipated. ‘Forgive me?’
‘Just don’t be that guy.’ Her little finger finds mine, a secret point of contact that makes my whole body pulse with energy. ‘You don’t need to be.’
‘I really like you, Leo,’ I blurt out, surprising us both. ‘You’ve made me really happy the past few days.’
Her eyes shine as she looks up. ‘I like you too, George.’
‘I wish I could kiss you right now.’ My index finger starts stroking her palm, hands still hidden at our sides.
‘So do I, but we can’t, not here.’
An idea pops into my mind.
‘Leo, do you trust me?’
She thinks for less than a second. ‘Yes. I do.’
‘Come with me. Now.’ I stride off, checking behind to see Leo following as we exit the main room, passing Gordon on the way out. ‘Just getting some air, bloody boiling in there,’ I tell him as we hurry past.
I see Gordon raise an eyebrow, but I don’t care. I need her.