“What’s got Emmett’s panties in a wad?” Harrison asks.

I don’t bother answering. I walk away, cutting a path around tables until I’m in Lainey’s line of sight. She sees me over her companion’s shoulder, and I watch her swallow down a gulp as if suddenly nervous.

Oh no, Lainey. No sense in playing meek on me now.

“And I find the Old Master auctions far more interesting than the evening sales, but they’re obviously much less frequent. Have you managed to attend—”

“I’d like a word with my fiancée,” I say, cutting the man off.

His sentence dies as he turns toward me with a look of wide-eyed confusion.

“Excuse me, I’m—”

“Go. Away.” I bite out the words as I lean toward him ever so slightly, just so there can be no mistaking my tone.

He blinks, blinks, blinks like a fucking idiot before he finally gets it. He stammers a quick goodbye to Lainey and then he’s gone.

I stand before her and take her in, completely unable to look past my anger. For what it’s worth, she meets my glowering with bold confidence and a defiant set to her demure features.

“You look stunning.” Though it doesn’t sound like a compliment.

Her expression hardens. “Did you scare that man away just to tell me that?”

“Of course not. Don’t you think we should talk, sweetheart?”

“Don’t call me that.”

The edge of my lips tips up. I’m enjoying this already.

“What pet name would you like then? Petite souris?”

A flicker of pain is chased away by fury. She takes a step toward me so she has to look up to meet my eyes.

“If you intend to embarrass me here, in public, I won’t allow it. Save your childish games for somewhere else.”

“Not here? All right. Where should I take you?” My voice drips with cruel innuendo.

She’s had enough. She tries to cut past me, but my hand catches her arm, forcing her to stay put. I tsk in a mocking French way, and I know for certain if we weren’t in public, her palm would have already made contact with my cheek. She’s flushed with anger, and it’s only fitting that now we’re even.

My grip doesn’t loosen on her arm. I’m not yet convinced she won’t flee if given the chance.

“I’m assuming you saw the news today. Did they include everything you hoped they would?”

Her jaw clenches.

“Those were lovely photos your grandmother provided. Did you two pick them together? Carefully deciding which ones would paint you in the best light? Everyone seems to have fallen in love with you already. We’re the pairing of the year, it seems.”

My tone drips with sarcasm, and yet still, her expression softens. “Is it really so bad?”

The fragility in her voice is enough to enrage me.

“Don’t,” I warn.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Her big green eyes start to well with sadness.

I don’t know why she’s upset. She has everything she wants. Except me.