Jealousy
673 Words
Aria had learned one thing about Damian Cross.
He hated sharing.
Not money.
Not power.
Her.
It became obvious at the charity gala.
The ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers and expensive gowns. Aria felt completely out of place until Damian’s hand settled gently against the small of her back.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured.
She smiled. “You’ve said that already.”
“I know.”
His eyes lingered on her.
“I wanted to say it again.”
Before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.
“Damian.”
He turned.
A tall, elegant woman stood before them, wearing a stunning silver dress.
“Victoria.”
Her eyes moved to Aria.
“And who is this?”
Damian’s expression immediately cooled.
“Aria.”
Victoria smiled politely.
“Of course.”
There was something about her tone that Aria didn’t like.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Aria said.
Victoria’s smile remained.
“Likewise.”
She turned back to Damian.
“I haven’t seen you in months. We should catch up.”
“We have nothing to catch up about.”
Victoria’s expression faltered.
Aria looked between them.
There was definitely a story there.
Later, while Damian spoke with a group of investors, Aria stepped onto the balcony for some air.
She barely had a moment alone before Victoria joined her.
“You’re serious about him?”
Aria frowned.
“Excuse me?”
“Damian.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Victoria gave a quiet laugh.
“You should be careful.”
“About what?”
“Men like Damian don’t fall in love easily.”
Aria’s stomach tightened.
“I’m not asking him to.”
“Good.”
Victoria walked away.
Aria stared after her.
She hated that the woman’s words had gotten under her skin.
A few minutes later, Damian appeared.
“There you are.”
“I needed air.”
His eyes searched her face.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Aria.”
She sighed.
“Victoria came to talk to me.”
His expression hardened.
“What did she say?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters if it upset you.”
Aria looked at him.
“She asked if I was serious about you.”
“And what did you say?”
“That I didn’t know.”
Damian stepped closer.
“You know.”
She swallowed.
“Do I?”
He took her hand.
“You do.”
“How?”
“Because you’re standing here.”
His fingers tightened around hers.
“Because you haven’t walked away.”
She looked into his eyes.
“And if I did?”
His expression changed.
“I’d follow you.”
Her heart fluttered.
“That’s very possessive.”
“Yes.”
“At least you’re honest.”
“I’ve never been good at pretending when it comes to you.”
He moved closer.
“Are you jealous?”
Aria frowned.
“No.”
“Another lie.”
She laughed despite herself.
“Maybe a little.”
“Good.”
“Why is that good?”
“Because I was jealous too.”
“Of who?”
“Every man who looked at you tonight.”
She smiled.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Probably.”
His hand came up to her cheek.
“But I’m serious about you.”
The words stole her smile.
“You are?”
“More than I intended to be.”
He leaned closer.
Aria’s heart raced.
“Damian…”
“Tell me to stop.”
She didn’t.
Their lips met.
The kiss was slow and warm, carrying everything neither of them had been brave enough to say.
When they parted, Damian rested his forehead against hers.
“You’re trouble.”
Aria smiled.
“So are you.”
His eyes softened.
“Then we’re perfect for each other.”
And for the first time that night, Aria stopped worrying about Victoria.
Because whatever history Damian had with her…
he was choosing Aria now.
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