HIS DOE, HIS DAMNATION (An Erotic Billionaire Romance) novel Chapter 57

Alaric’s POV

I hated the parties my mother threw. They were always filled with self–absorbed asshole relatives who never stopped believing that their opinions were needed in affairs that concerned my own fucking life.

Delusional? Yes, they were. And I could just as easily tell them to stay the fuck away from me, but I wasn’t in such a bad mood tonight.

First, after what Meadow did for me, touching my hand as if she sensed that I was losing my cool earlier, it made me feel a sense of relief. Lifted this fucking heavy rock off my chest that I had no idea was even there.

I hadn’t felt that way in a long time.

So I figured the least I could do was behave, nod through a couple of conversations while she took care of her business in the bathroom.

Which, if I had to admit, was a long fucking time to be in the bathroom.

“Enjoying himself at a party?” My brother’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Never Ric Ashford. Nuh–uh Not my brother. I’m not even sure the word “fun” exis in your stick–up–the–ass dictionary.”

My gaze narrowed at him and he smirked. “No one would ever believe you own a club.”

“Where’s your date?” I muttered half–heartedly. “Left your pompous ass to find a more interesting man?”

Nolan huffed out a breath, grabbing two glasses of whiskey from a passing tray. He handed me one. “God, I fucking hope so. Too damn clingy, that one. Where’s your own date? Sorry–your wife.”

I decided to ignore his purposeful blunder. “Freshening up in the bathroom. All this has got to be overwhelming for her.” Raising the glass to my lips, I took a sip, enjoying the burn.

Nolan lifted a brow. “Overwhelming for her or for you?”

I didn’t answer.

Any normal person would take my non–answer as an answer, but not my brother. Not the man who loved to taunt me for days unending.

“I mean sure, your wife is probably not used to this kind of crowd. You, however, have only ever brought one girl to family functions like this. And the last time was over ten years ago.”

Slowly? I lifted my gaze to Nolan’s, keeping my expression indifferent. “Your point?”

“Well, thank you for asking.” Nolan drawled, his eyes glinting with mischief. “My point is…” He trailed off, looking at something over my shoulder.

I noticed the exact moment he froze. His face paled, his grip tightening around the glass in his hand

Fuck. Ric…”

Curious to see what had made him lose his breath, I turned around, brows pulled together fiercely.

My breath stopped. Every single thing just paused, I didn’t know the glass had slipped from my hand until I heard the crash as it broke.

A waiter nearby hurried to clean it up, but I wasn’t even focused on them.

Strutting toward me slowly, a shy smile on her face… was her.

My jaw clenched.

“Ric,” Nolan breathed behind me. I think Mutti invited you here with an ulterior motive in mind.”

No.

Fuck, no.

She couldn’t be here.

Anyone but her.

My nostrils flared as I whipped around to face my brother. “Right. And you conveniently didn’t know about this,” I gritted out.

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