Free His Allure, Her Passion by Juliana Haygert

definitely coming to you.”
    Hayley looked around, trying to find an escape route through the crowd. The only way she could go would lead her straight into Patrick’s path.
    “What do I do?”
    Sarah opened her mouth to answer, but she clamped her lips when Patrick stepped into their circle.
    “Hello, Hayley,” he said as if she were alone.
    Sarah’s eyes widened. “I’m out of here.”
    Hayley wanted to hold Sarah, but Patrick took the other model’s place as soon as she retreated.
    “You look amazing.” Patrick smiled, his hazel eyes shining. “How have you been?”
    “I-I’m fine.” Her stomach revolved like before she'd step onto the runway.
    He stepped closer to her. “I’ve been trying to call you. Did you change your number?”
    Hayley tried to put more distance in between them, but there was a wall of people behind her. And they smelled like cheap beer and cigars. “No, I didn’t.”
    “We need to talk, Hayley.” He reached out and grasped her hand.
    Patrick was a handsome guy, not much taller than she was, but with broad shoulders and short, silky chestnut hair. And yet, the enchantment wasn’t there. The enchantment had never been there.
    “No, Patrick.” She pulled her hand to herself. “We have talked. It’s over.”
    “It can’t be over. I still love you.”
    “I’m sorry,” she whispered, before stepping away from him.
    But where would she go? Up to Dylan and his bimbos or leave and lose the opportunity of meeting some famous people in the fashion world? It wasn’t everyday she had VIP entrance to such a club. It also wasn’t everyday she felt such painful jealousy. She refused to look up. God, what if he was already kissing one of them? Or the three of them? And she was here, standing like a spare tire, waiting for the paparazzi to find her and take her photos and mock her. The next day, all the magazines and newspapers would have headlines of how stupid she was.
    Her breathing grew shallow and she made up her mind. She turned to the exit, but Patrick appeared beside her, holding her arm.
    “Can you please just listen to me?”
    She turned to him. “Haven’t you heard? I’m dating.”
    Patrick’s expression hardened. “Yes, I heard. But that guy is a womanizer. When he’s done with you, he’ll throw you away.” He slipped his hand to her shoulder, gripping it and pulling her closer to him. “I won’t ever do that to you.”
    With her hands on his chest, Hayley pulled away. “That’s none of your business. And I’m not making up with you, Patrick. It’s over.”
    “Are you really in love with that guy?” Patrick leaned over her, his eyes narrowed. “He’s a jerk, Hayley. He’ll use you and break your heart. He’ll even squash it with his feet afterward.”
    “No, I won’t,” Dylan’s voice came loud and clear above the loud music from behind Patrick.
    Hayley’s pulse quickened as Dylan stepped between them, taking her hand and weaving his fingers through hers.
    Patrick straightened up, as if he could get as tall and menacing as Dylan. “Excuse me, but I’m talking to my girlfriend.”
    “I’m not your girlfriend!” Rage boiled into Hayley’s stomach. How dare he? “I broke up with you five months ago. Get over it.”
    Patrick flinched. “Suit yourself. But be warned. He,” his finger pointed to Dylan, “will break your heart. And when you come running and crying to me, I won’t be there for you.”
    With a final glare at both of them, Patrick strutted away.
    Dylan’s arm slid to her back, pressing her close to him. “First, I doubt he won’t be waiting for you, if you ever went after him, which I hope you won’t. Second,” he caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, “you know I would never use you, right?”
    “As far as I know, we’re using each other,” she teased, hoping her fake smile covered how confused she felt. But Dylan remained serious and she had to avert her eyes. “I saw you were with a couple of girls up there.