Page 127 of The Heart You Kept

I text him back:

Me

Are you sure?

An answer flies in:

Philippe

According to our sources.

Hmm….

What the fuck is going on here?

I glance over to them standing in the corner, Thomas’s hand is on the small of Alora’s back. He’s whispering something in her ear and she smiles up at him. Something sinister comes over me like never before, I imagine him touching her and thermonuclear rage sets in.

My body simmers as I feel adrenaline pump through my veins.

Calm down….

But I already know that’s an impossible task. I collect the drinks tray and walk back to the group. “Here you are.” I bite the side of my cheek to stop myself from saying something that they will regret.

Alora takes her champagne and takes a nervous sip; the rest of the room disappears as my eyes hold hers.

What are you up to?

Colette’s phone rings. “I have to take this.”

“Of course.” I nod. “Take your time.”

“Bonjour,” she answers as she walks out into the foyer.

Thomas’s eyes come to mine. “I didn’t quite catch your surname,” I repeat.

He hesitates and his eyes flick to Alora’s.

“Don’t look at her. Look at me, Mr. Stone,” I growl.

“Edward,” Alora whispers.

“Don’t dare Edward me. What the fuck are you doing here with her?” I demand.

“We’re friends,” Alora splutters.

“Do not answer for him.”

Our eyes are locked and I step forward. “So you get paid to sleep with women.”

“Pissed that I don’t give it away for free like you?” he fires back.

I clench my fists by my sides.

We glare at each other.

“Edward,” Alora whispers. “Stop it.”

“I’m going to ask you again. What are you doing here with Alora?”