Sophia snapped her head around. Some parts of Dane were just like before—the stunning harshness of his beauty, the directness of his gaze, the large imposing body. She responded to them all, heat and nerves rolling and twisting in her gut as she recalled what had happened earlier outside. But there was something about him that was also very different now—he was harder, colder, infinitely less approachable. His formal clothes seemed to accentuate those qualities.
The blonde from earlier was clinging to him like an octopus, arms like tentacles and one breast flattened from pressing into his bicep. Dane made no move to discourage her. Instead he studied Sophia, his eyes steady.
Anger lanced through her, the earlier sexual frustration fueling her temper. How dare he stand there, cool as a cucumber, like nothing had happened between them? Or was it a regular thing for him to drag a woman outside and take her to third base at a public event?
“If that was your concern, you didn’t have to bother,” she said, her words clipped. “I’m sure somebody else would’ve bid a decent amount…without creating a spectacle.”
“A spectacle?”
“The excessive amount will only create unnecessary gossip. I prefer to remain more anonymous.” George wasn’t the type to read tabloids, but she didn’t want him to get even a whiff of where she was. She didn’t think he’d try to confront her, but then again she hadn’t thought he was capable of attacking her.
“You gave up any expectation of anonymity when you started coming to events like this. Especially on his arm.” Dane’s gaze raked over his father, then Sophia.
“Pshhh. Don’t be ridiculous,” Salazar said. “I’m old news. Boring.”
“People are still speculating that The Eternal Couple won’t split after all,” Dane said. “There’s a betting pool.”
“Really? I had no idea.” Salazar seemed oddly energized by the thought. “Did you put some money down?”
“No.”
“Should’ve, since you were the one who delivered the papers. You know the odds better than anyone.” Salazar yawned. “I think I’m done for the evening. Not as young as I used to be.”
“None of us are,” Sophia said quickly.
“You ready to exit in triumph?” he said.
“Sure.” She was wiped out from the long trip and the impromptu auction, and her hip was killing her. Also, her nerves were too frayed to deal with a disapproving Dane…especially when Malibu Barbie was all over him. “Completely, totally ready.”
Salazar turned to his son. “Well, good night.” He gave the blonde a rakish smile, then offered his arm to Sophia.
She looked at it, hesitating. She could feel Dane’s gaze. He looked even colder and more remote.
Her mouth tightened. You know what? You aren’t the only one upset here, buddy.
She put her hand on Salazar’s arm.
* * *
Dane watched them leave, the muscles in his jaw bunching.
Son of a bitch.
Salazar had bid heavily on Sophia, and so had other men. She was an incredible prize. When Dane had gotten tired of the incremental bidding, he’d tossed out half a million to end the bullshit. He didn’t give a damn who the other women belonged to for an evening, but not Sophia. He’d be damned if his father would win her.
On the other hand…
Dane forcibly relaxed his fingers to avoid shattering his flute of champagne. He’d probably tipped his hand. Salazar wasn’t an idiot, especially when it came to women and sex.
This was why Dane was careful not to let his emotions show. Every time he got careless, he had to deal with an unpleasant aftermath with his family. Even his mistake of three years ago was coming back to haunt him.
“Honey, you all right?” his date said.
“Fine.”
“You wanna get going?” She pressed a huge plastic tit against his arm again. “I’ve been thinking of some…fun things,” she whispered into his ear.
Normally he’d like nothing more than to let her exercise what imagination she had, but the only thing he wanted right now was Sophia.
Sophia…
His possible future stepmom if Vanessa was to be believed.
Damn it.
Dane drove to his date’s place at exactly one mile per hour under the speed limit. It wasn’t far from his penthouse. He parked in front of the luxury condo building and stared straight ahead. He had to get ahold of himself before he did something he’d regret. Like speeding over to his father’s house, dragging Sophia out and finishing what they’d started in the garden.
“You want to come in for a nightcap?” the blonde said, dragging her fingernails lightly along his thigh.