When we stop by the bar, Murph looks down at me, his fingers brushing the bottom of my chin as he lifts it and puts my face in view of his. “Head up,” he says quietly.

Heat floods my belly under his stare, but I do what he says.

I don't trust one of these fuckers, not one. Not even the perky blonde who apparently had Hazel on her good side. I could feel her trying to separate me from Savannah, and it only made me hold her tighter.

In that gold dress, every second that I didn’t have Savannah panting in a dark corner of this building was a fucking shame. It was a goddamn miracle we even made it to the gala. I wanted to pull over so many times on the way here, in perfect misery from my cock nearly busting out of these tight-ass slacks.

But I’m glad we made it. Not because I give a shit what these fuckers think, because I don’t. It’s just important for me to stake my claim and make sure no one thinks they’re getting near my shop—or this beauty in the gold dress.

Tia, the mayor’s bombshell daughter stands next to us, pointing out everyone without being overtly obvious. I spot a few familiar faces. People Hazel knew. People I know from the shop. People I know through Rafe. I hate every single one of them.

“I just have to say,” she says toward Savannah. “Your dress is stunning.”

“Thank you,” Savannah mutters, trying to hide her face again. She’s not the timid type, so I don’t get why she’s trying to cower all of a sudden. “It was Hazel’s.”

“Oh my god, I love it,” Tia squeals. “Hold this one close, Murph. Someone here will snatch her right up.” Her eyes stay on Savannah’s face as we all take a drink.

Savannah is visibly uncomfortable.

“Are you new in town?” Tia asks, carefully.

“Sort of,” she answers. “I don’t get out much.”

Tia’s eyes land back on my face, like she’s trying to decide something, but I don’t pay her much attention.

Finally, she turns away for a moment, mumbling something about checking on her father.

Savannah and I each have a drink, staying quiet as we watch the crowd. There’s gentle music playing, and it takes me a few minutes to notice the live band playing on the other end of the room. Everyone is mingling, grabbing food from trays being carried by waiters.

Yeah, definitely not my scene.

We both notice some rich asshole on his way over to talk to us. Savannah ordered the same drink as me, and I have to admit the sight of her with a lowball in her hands and not some glass of wine makes her that much more sexy. I don’t even care what this dickhead is about to say to us because all I can think is that there will be nothing stopping me from taking Savannah as soon as we’re home.