Chapter 16
“There you are.” Adam’s arm snakes around my waist. I slightly recoil, having spent the entire night mentally breaking up with him—again. “Where have you been?”
“Schmoozing,” I lie. “Happy Birthday. I haven’t officially said it yet tonight.”
“Forty-five.” He huffs, then leans down, whispering, “I want to rip that dress off you later.”
It’s his birthday. I don’t want to ruin it, but I can’t. I really fucking cannot. “Declan,” he greets, looking away from me.
Declan looks between us, frowning. Once again, I really hope he didn’t see Gideon leave the bathroom before me. His eyes land on my champagne flute, or maybe they’re staring at the ring on my finger before he says “Happy Birthday” to Adam.
“Thanks for coming,” Adam says. I furrow my brows, not understanding this tone from Adam. It feels like their power dynamic has shifted to Declan being more in power. Adam tries to grab my hand, and I shrug it off as lightly as possible.
Declan gives me a tight smile before leaving us. He’s so fucking weird. I take a deep breath and decide to have this conversation with Adam right now. I have to do it.
“Adam.” He squints, then sips his whiskey, maybe understanding that I’m about to say something serious. I nervously adjust the strap of my dress, building up the courage to say what’s been on my mind. “I can’t do this anymore.”
He glares at me, then looks down, rubbing the back of his neck. When his eyes flick back up to mine, I see the sadness turn to frustration.
“It’s not because of Declan. I haven’t seen or talked to him until tonight.”
Adam’s body relaxes a little, and I feel guilty for not sharing that it’s about me and this flirtation I’m entertaining with Gideon.
“We broke up …” His body stiffens again, and in a softer voice, I barely say, “What we’ve been doing … It’s too messy.”
He leans down, placing a kiss on the top of my head. “I’ll give you space,” he whispers, then sips his drink while we stare at each other.
“We are business associates, okay?” My tone lacks the confidence I hoped it would have at this moment. “No more kisses or … you know.”
He steps back from me, looking around the room. “Okay.” I think we’re both on the edge of tears. He quickly taps his eye. Then, a slight smirk grows. “I already know how this ends,” he whispers confidently. “And it’s with me.”
These alpha fucking males and their arrogance. Part of me wants to sass back, We’ll see, but I hold my tongue.