Free Ruined (A Dark Alpha Billionaire Romance) by Katie Silver Page A

wrapping his other arm around my waist.
     
    I felt the warmth of his body pressed against me and let him guide me as we swayed in time to the beating music. My initial discomfort dissolved as I found the rhythm and moved against the boy’s body. He held me tightly against him, resting his hands on my waist and hips.
     
    “May I cut in?”
     
    The voice caught my attention. I glanced up into Blake’s flashing green eyes. His angular face held a neutral expression but I could see the darkness in his eyes and he looked down at me.
     
    “Yes, of course,” I breathed, pushing away from the boy who now looked so young and silly compared to Blake’s imposing, muscular form.
     
    “I’ll, uh, see you later,” the boy said awkwardly as he backed away.
     
    Blake moved in immediately and took my hand in his.
     
    “Do you like him?” He asked me, his face still unreadable.
     
    “Who, that guy?” I asked with a blush.  “I don’t even know his name. He just asked to dance.”
     
    “I don’t like seeing you with anyone else.” Blake looked at me with an expression something like a menacing pout.
     
    I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped my mouth. “You don’t really get to be jealous, you know,” I told him. “You are at this party with all these beautiful women. You could have any of them.”
     
    “I don’t want any of them.” His hand moved to the small of my back, pressing me up against his muscular chest. I breathed in the woody, citrusy smell of his cologne and felt the heat of his body through the smooth fabric of his suit. I lay my head against his chest and let him pull me tightly against him. We swayed quietly with the music for a few magical moments.
     
    “Harrison, I’ve been looking for you!”
     
    A portly man wobbled up to us, holding tightly onto the hand of a beautiful young woman who looked young enough to be his daughter.
     
    “You found me.” Blake’s voice was matter-of-fact, with a slight hint of irritation, but he pulled away from me and held his hand out to the man.
     
    “I’ve been wanting to discuss some of those new account portfolios. Ladies, you’ll excuse us?” The man took hold of Blake’s arm and pulled him away, leaving me with his beautiful companion.
     
    “Hi, I’m Grace,” I said, extending my hand to the woman.
     
    “Ohh, so you are zee party planner,” the girl replied with a thick Russian accent. “I vas theenking that you ver vith Blake Harrison. Too bad. But very lovely party.” She gestured lazily around the room. “Hm, maybe you steel have a chance, yes? With Meester Harrison?”
     
    “No, I don’t think so.” I felt the blood coloring my cheeks and looked down. “I’m just his employee. I hope you enjoy the rest of the party though.”
     
    I excused myself and rushed off quickly. As I mingled and checked in with the various vendors, I kept my eye out for Blake. Occasionally, I would see him surrounded by throngs of women, or walking off in deep conversation with a group of businessmen and women, but he never came looking for me again. I eventually found an empty seat and grabbed a glass of champagne. The tasty bubbles dulled the pain from my shoes and quieted my worried thoughts. After two more glasses, I realized that I was completely drunk.
     
    I wandered up the side staircase and into Blake’s study. The chair there was so comfortable. It smelled like him, strong and masculine. I would just rest my eyes for a minute, and then make it back downstairs in time to hear his speech to all the guests.
     
    I felt my eyes flutter closed as I curled up in a ball, snuggling up against the warm leather chair that embraced my tired body.

 
    Chapter 6.
     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
    Strong hands gently stroked my hair. It felt so nice and comforting.
     
    “I’m asleep, Daniel,” I mumbled, as I shifted slightly.
     
    The hand yanked away abruptly.
     
    My eyes fluttered open. Staring down at me was Blake Harrison’s very