Chapter 541
“Hey, Dad,” Irene said, breaking through the tension that had built between us. “Want to give her some space? You’re kind of towering over her a bit.”
Irene’s words were like a reality check; I realized I was indeed towering over Judy and making a scene out of the situation.
The man who had been speaking to Judy, I recognized him as Gregor, Elana’s father. He was a former Alpha before he passed the title down to his Son after his retirement.
“Alpha Landry,” Gregor greeted, holding out his hand for me to shake.
I never had bad blood with the guy; I liked him just fine. He was well off and was a fierce and respected Alpha. I never had issues with him…. Until now. The way he looked at Judy, eating her up with his eyes, made me want to rip his head off.
“Gregor,” I greeted him informally, making his ears twitch. “Good to see you again.”
He nodded, his posture tense as he cleared his throat.
“I was just about to ask Miss Judy for a dance,” he told me, offering Judy his hand.
She stared at it with wide eyes, looking uncomfortable.
“I’m sure she’ll join you for a dance later. Judy and I have some matters to discuss,” I spoke before I could stop myself, I took a hold of Rachel’s hand and at first, she lit up like a Christmas tree, a smile lighting her face. But then I brought Rachel’s hand to Gregor’s outstretched hand, shocking them both. “Have you met a good friend of mine, Rachel?”
“I… I don’t believe we have,” Gregor stammered, a bit uncertain as he stared at Rachel.
I nodded.
“She’s the reason I was able to seal the deal with the shareholders last week. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Landry Corporation expansion, a deal so big that it’ll take my company to new heights?”
Gregor’s eyes grew wide; any wolf with rank had heard about this deal by now, so
I wasn’t surprised when I saw recognition flash through his eyes.
“Yes, of course, Alpha,” Gregor said, nodding his head. “Are you saying this woman was the reason for that deal closing?”
I nodded.
“I couldn’t have done it without her,” I explained. “I’m sure you’d love to pick her brain about how she did it. Join her for a dance and speak to her personally.”
Gregor nodded as he closed his hand around Rachel’s. Her face paled as she looked up at me, and I saw a flash of hurt in her eyes.
Don’t get me wrong, I felt bad about pawning her off to the old man, but I needed some space from her
constant presence, and I would get
just about anything to keep Gregor from looking at Judy with that type of longing.
“You can’t be serious,” Rachel murmured, her breath.
“It’s just one dance,” I assured her gently. “And then we will have that drink you suggested.”
She swallowed, her eyes searching mine for any hint of deceit. Finding none, she finally nodded and turned to Gregor.
“I would love that dance,” she told him politely.
He nodded, a happy smile lighting up his wrinkled features as he pulled her along with him to the dance floor where others danced elegantly with their partners.
“I’m going to get a drink,” Irene said, excusing herself as she walked towards the bar.
The second she was gone, I turned to Judy, her eyes were fixed on mine.
“Dance with me,” I told her. It wasn’t a question or a suggestion, but she blinked, her movements hesitant.
“W…what?” She stammered, finally finding her voice.
“You heard me,” I told her, grabbing hold of her hand and pulling her towards the dance floor.
My hand held hers, entwining our fingers, while my other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against my body. I could feel every curve, every breath, and every beat of her heart.
When I spoke, my voice was low and almost dangerous, my lips brushing across her ear deliberately, wanting her to feel the warmth of my breath against her cheek.
“Whose attention are you trying to
attract, Miss Montague?” I asked
pulling her even closer if possible.
“Because I’m about to gouge out every single eyeball in this room who looks at you.”