Vicious Seduction

30

CHAPTER 20 LINA I exited the bathroom to see my stepfather standing with Oran. I hated it. I felt a visceral need to run full-tilt at Charles Brooks and shouldercheck him into next week. I didn’t want him anywhere near Oran. Embarrassment as thick and greasy as motor oil coated my insides, knowing that Oran was getting a dose of my family’s ugly nature. I wanted to drag him away so he didn’t see the filth I came from. My urge was so vehement, I had to question the reason. Why did I care what Oran Byrne thought of me or my family? Wouldn’t it be best if he thought the worst and left me alone? My stomach bottomed out, making the emptiness in my chest feel even more prominent. I’d had to face my greatest struggles in life alone. It hadn’t been easy, but I managed. I hadn’t realized until now how much I craved the support of a partner. My relationship with Oran wasn’t even real, yet I was scared of losing what amounted to the mere illusion of companionship. And? Come on, Lina. Be honest with yourself. I liked having Oran at my side. There, I admitted it. I was scared of losing him. I was picky as hell about who I allowed close to me. That was why I didn’t have many friends. Looking at Oran standing there with my stepfather, I realized I cared what Oran thought because I wanted him to like me. I didn’t want him to think I was trash. God, I was in trouble. The last thing I needed was to develop some misguided crush on the man.

I shook myself from my stupor and crossed toward them. No matter how unwise it was for me to encourage this insane fake engagement situation, I would rather swallow a fist full of nails than let my mother and stepfather detect the truth. In the same vein, I wanted to make sure Oran knew that I was not my mother or her worthless husband. I was nothing like them at all. Adrenaline burned like gasoline through my veins as I wrapped my arm around Oran’s and stood defiantly at his side. I could have kissed him when his hand came to rest over mine. I hadn’t been sure how he’d respond to my sudden show of unity, but he matched my stride and went headlong into battle at my side. That was how it felt when my mother approached—us against them. The solidarity was fortifying. I’d had innumerable showdowns with my mother and stepfather, but this was the first time I hadn’t had to face them alone. “Mr. Byrne, Carolina.” Eliza Brooks flashed a broad smile, reminding me of the wicked stepmother in Cinderella with comically high eyebrows and malice in her heart. “Eliza, Charles,” I responded in kind to keep us on equal footing. “I suppose the rumors are true, considering the way you’re glowing. When can we expect the new addition?” That was her not-so-kind way of implying I looked like I got knocked up and had to marry Oran, as if we’d suddenly teleported back to the nineteenth century. I was about to respond when Oran beat me to it. “I should be so lucky. Maybe one of these days, but for now, we plan to enjoy our time together.” He handled Eliza’s crass comment with tact and decorum. I couldn’t have handled it better myself. Gratitude flooded my cheeks with warmth. Eliza waved a hand flippantly. “Well, I could have sworn you’d already put on a little baby fluff.” Her tone was rife with mock confusion. “Regardless, I’m a little surprised you came to dinner tonight. Not exactly your finest showing of sensitivity after snubbing poor Lawrence.” My turn for a little condescension. “As if you’d know sensitivity if it slapped you in the face, Eliza.” “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, then,” she shot back, finally giving way to outright animosity before slipping her mask back into place with a grin. “I suppose it’s good you came. We have a visitor with us that you haven’t had the chance to formally meet. Oh, Ron!” She turned and waved over a middle-aged man from across the room. He was smartly dressed in a three-piece suit, swirling a tumbler of amber liquid in a hand outfitted with a large diamond pinky ring. His salacious smile made me queasy, but it was the sound of his voice that brought bile up to burn the back of my throat. “Carolina, you can’t imagine how happy I am to see you again.” I hadn’t realized I’d begun to squeeze Oran’s arm like a hungry python until he took a brief glance at my face. I couldn’t let go. Nor could I tear my eyes away from the monster across from me. My mother chuckled. “I was hoping you’d remember.” She reached a hand across to touch Oran’s hand like a heartfelt friend. “These two knew each other a long time ago, but it’s nothing to be jealous over.” She’d mounted a counterattack and struck me at my most vulnerable. A steel trap clamped its vicious teeth through the tender flesh of my heart. It wasn’t blood but agony that poured out of me. Agony and shame and horror. Eliza Brooks would have liked nothing more than to see me run from the club and never return. No matter how severe the pain, I couldn’t give her what she wanted—I refused to let her have the satisfaction—but I also couldn’t fight back. I couldn’t manage a word, but I didn’t run. I didn’t cower. I didn’t have to because for the first time, I wasn’t alone. “So you say,” Oran said with deadly calm. “But as her future husband, I’m a little overprotective. And with my past as a Byrne family enforcer, I tend to be a little trigger-happy, so it’s probably best if we excuse ourselves. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He slipped his arm from mine and pressed a scalding hand to my lower back, steering me to safety.