CALI
Gosh, I was doomed. I could feel Thomas's intense gaze on me, unrelenting, tracking my every move. Suddenly, my hands started working on their own, and I went to make a call. I noticed a frown etched across Bryan's face, but I didn't care—right now, all I could focus on was each step Thomas took. It felt like I couldn't breathe.
The lady beside him was twitchy, awkward, and clearly uncomfortable. Feeling the pressure, I informed Bryan and, with the help of a waitress, scurried off to the restroom.
THOMAS
I waited for the boys to arrive, but then I saw Cali walking away. I stood and trailed behind her. Let the game begin.
I ignored the hoodlums who had just arrived—they might be useful later. As if sensing someone following her, Cali glanced back, and I dodged, pretending to be a passing employee. The passage was silent, except for us. Just as she stopped, waiting for someone to call her, I hid in the shadows.
BRYAN
I was angry, though I didn't know why. Men were staring at Cali, lustfully. Didn't they know she was my fiancée? The worst part: Thomas Winthrop was staring at her too. It seemed like he could see straight through her discomfort. No wonder she excused herself.
I checked my wristwatch. "Gosh…" I muttered. She'd been gone twenty minutes. I hoped she was okay. Approaching the restroom, my anger simmered, thoughts racing in a thousand directions.
When I reached the restroom passage, I saw Thomas lunging toward Cali, unaware of my presence. My blood boiled. I clenched my fists, trying to calm myself. I didn't want a scene, but an idea popped into my mind.
"Cali," I called. She immediately turned, and Thomas also looked. I swear, Thomas was visibly surprised; he hadn't noticed me earlier. I stepped toward Cali, holding her waist, pulling her close, pressing my lips to hers.
It was intoxicating, shocking at first, but she soon relaxed when she realized I wasn't leaving. I could see the shock on Thomas's face from the corner of my eye. I deepened the kiss, earning a soft moan from her, stealing a glance at Thomas.
Finally, I released her and held her wrist.
"Are you done?" I asked. She shook her head.
"Okay, I'll be waiting," I said as she left for the restroom.
"Hi, Thomas Winthrop," I said in an unusually calm tone.
"Hi," he replied, gruffly.
"Bryan, I want you to know Cali is mine, and I won't tolerate you having her," I said, gritting my teeth.
"Well, Cali never told me she was in a relationship. If you want to know, she's my fiancée," I replied. Shock registered across his face.
Cali arrived, and Thomas glared daggers at me, but I didn't care—not when my princess was here.
"Let's go," I said, intertwining my hand with hers.
We walked away, Thomas frozen in place. I finally released her when we reached the main room and sat down.
"What was that for?" Cali asked.
"What do you mean?" I feigned ignorance.
"What you did earlier," she said, slightly annoyed.
"Well, to show him that you're mine," I replied.