His smile grew. He grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. “Yes, I’m sure you would have. Interestingly though, you say your gentleman is the better man, yet I’d guess you had no idea he secured tonight’s invitations using your name, your father’s name, instead of his own.”
He turned and bowed slightly before pulling her toward him. Samantha placed her hand on his shoulder and stared up at him as he started a slow waltz.
Her mind whirled. What was he talking about? Why would Caleb do such a thing and not mention it to her? Why would he do it at all?
“Be careful, Vincent. You’re dangerously close to sounding as if your interest in my affairs extends beyond casual curiosity. Tell me, where do you get your information?”
Vincent’s grip on her hand increased; pain shot through her palm and into her wrist. She bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to give him the satisfaction of crying out. She plastered a smile on her face for the benefit of anyone watching.
Tension radiated from him as he spoke next to her ear. “Do not waste your energy trying to intimidate me. I promise you, it will not work to your advantage. It seems your better man hasn’t told you everything. I wonder what else he’s hiding?”
Samantha’s temper flared, her mouth opening before she could stop it. “Go to hell.”
As if her outburst had been expected, Vincent smiled. “Come now, there is no need for all this hostility. I simply sought you out to assure you that I hold no ill feelings toward you, or your misguided notion about my relationship with my wife. I can forgive your accusations that I’d have some reason to harass you, as I can assure you, I have no such reason.”
Samantha’s feet stopped moving of their own accord. She needed to get in touch with Carlotta. Now.
She searched the crowd for Caleb. If he’d set this up without telling her, she’d kick his ass. Later. Right now, she could use an intervention.
The moment she captured his gaze he straightened, his defensive stance immediately drawing Joe’s attention. Joe glanced her way, and then leaned down to whisper in Amanda’s ear. Amanda tensed and nodded, then looked her way as well.
Interesting. None of them seemed surprised to see her with Vincent.
Chapter 15
Caleb closed the distance to Samantha within seconds.
Using more force than he’d intended, he jerked her from Vincent’s clutches. She swore and wobbled on her heels, her nails digging into his biceps for support. He placed a steadying hand at the small of her back and a low growl escaped his lips when she tried to move away.
He was so close to losing it.
Samantha was strong. Full of life. Fearless. Or, so Caleb had thought. Then, Vincent had come along and he’d gotten his first taste of what Samantha’s fear looked like.
He didn’t like it. Not one. Fucking. Bit. He’d like to give some of that fear back to the bastard—share the wealth.
Taking a deep breath, Caleb fought to steady his rapid heartbeat. He couldn’t let emotion cloud his judgment. He’d paved that road to hell before, and had the scars to prove it. He wouldn’t do it again.
Focus.
“What do you think you’re doing, Matteo?”
“Mr. Martin, I’ve been expecting you,” Vincent said.
Samantha’s muscles tensed under his hand. Caleb shifted her to his side and wrapped a protective arm around her waist—his need to reassure her as strong as his need to feel the warmth of her body.
Vincent addressed her. “I see our dance has come to an end.” He reached as if to touch her and Caleb shot out an arm to cut him off.
“Don’t even think about it.”
Vincent’s lip curled into a knowing smirk and offered a polite nod instead. “Remember what I said. Things are not always as they seem.”
Samantha cast a quizzical glance at Vincent. “So you’ve said.”
Caleb wasn’t in the mood for these games. Damn it, he should’ve kept a closer eye on her. They’d checked the gardens and casually inquired with the guests. Caleb had been certain Vincent hadn’t arrived before them. He and Joe had been watching the entrances, not considering Vincent would slip in from another direction. Not that it mattered anymore.
Faced with what he’d hoped to avoid, Caleb gently cupped Samantha’s neck. Her pulse raced under his hands. He bent his knees slightly, using his thumbs to raise her chin until she looked at him.
“You okay, sweetheart? Did he say something to upset you?”
Her hands trembled as she brushed an errant curl from her eyes. She nodded slowly as she stared off to an unknown spot behind him. “Yes … no.” She shook her head as if trying to clear her thoughts. “I mean, yes, I’m fine.”