C19, PT. 2

“Maximus was determined to bring you back into society. He knew you would thrive here. Why do you think he gave you your inheritance?” When she stiffened, his voice dropped. “This is where we belong, where we would have been a long time ago if Maximus hadn’t interfered.”

He braced his arm on the wall above her head, giving them even more privacy as his lips trailed along her hairline. There was a ton of activity around them, but Roth blocked it out, giving her the time she desperately needed to regain her composure.

“I’ve been building up to this moment my whole life,” he said gruffly. “To shake hands with figures I studied and emulated, to face those who tried to stop me from reaching this peak. This is my moment. And yours. They thought they broke us. We’re here to prove them wrong. I need you to walk in there with me with your head held high. Can you do that for me, princess?”

When she tipped her head back to see his face, she was ensnared by his zealous gaze. He concealed how important this night was to him. Why? Because he thought she wouldn’t understand? She, more than anyone, knew what an honor it was.

“You can do this.”

There wasn’t a shred of doubt in his voice, it was pure steel.

She took a fortifying breath, ruthlessly marshaling herself. She stopped thinking about herself and everyone around them and focused solely on him. Instantly, her equilibrium began to stabilize. Tonight wasn’t about her. It was about him.

He worked his ass off to get here. No accomplishment had ever satisfied him, but maybe that thing he was seeking that was just out of reach could be obtained tonight with her help.

He had always been an outsider. Shunned, bullied, dismissed. But tonight he was claiming his rightful place in high society, and her support was essential. Her family name would lend credence to his station, and she could guide him through this quagmire so he could make the most of the opportunities that crossed his path this evening.

As if he could read her thoughts, he set his forehead against hers. “I need you.”

Things weren’t settled between them and may never be, but she wouldn’t sabotage his night. Not because of their deal, but because he deserved to have his moment. Receiving a personal invitation from Sullivan Trentham was an accolade that couldn’t be quantified, and an unequivocal sign that he had made it. She hadn’t been able to help him through the hardships Dad heaped on him, but she could help him on one of the most important nights of his life and make sure that he shined.

But to assist him, she had to get a fucking grip. Roth hadn’t moved a muscle. He was locked on her, holding her gaze. Waves of confidence, reassurance, and strength flowed from him to her, dissipating the anxiety and shame. His force of will regulated her body to match the relaxed state of his own. That weightless, euphoric blank space she only experienced with him in the bedroom began to blot out the cacophony around them, giving her overactive senses a much-needed break. As every muscle went liquid, she slumped against the wall.

“Jasmine.”

His tone was part demand, part doubtful.

She reached up and stroked his cheek. He stiffened, but didn’t pull away, knowing physical touch grounded her. She wished things were better between them, that he was truly happy with her, and this moment hadn’t come about because he needed her to perform. But he was a businessman that would do anything to accomplish his goals, same as her father. There was always an ulterior motive.

But she could benefit from this as well. Her return to society was inevitable. What better comeback was there than to be on the arm of an indestructible man they couldn’t destroy? Who succeeded despite staggering odds? She looked the part of a billionaire’s wife. Now, she had to embody it.

She dropped her hand and gave him the first smile she’d been able to muster all week. “I’m ready.”

His eyes blazed as he gripped her hip.

“You were born for this.”

His voice vibrated with conviction.

“I know.” That’s why he chose her.

He dipped his head and kissed her. Startled, she drew back only to have his mouth latch on, demanding she give herself to him. He twined his fingers with hers and pinned them against the wall on either side of her head. The part of her mind that was still functioning warned her this wasn’t the time or place for this. The way he was kissing her definitely wasn’t for an audience. Then again, this was his night and if this is how he wanted to celebrate, who was she to stop him? After a long week of yearning for him, she didn’t have the will to stop him. She would take what she could get.

When he raised his head, she was pleasantly lightheaded.

“Okay?” he rasped.

“Never better,” she sighed.

His eyes gleamed with predatory excitement. He was like a shark scenting blood, eager for the kill. He kissed her again, this time hard and swift, before he grasped her hand. His expression hardened as he turned from her.

She still felt a twinge of uncertainty. She wasn’t sure how helpful she would be. The reason she was so effective the night they met was because she had known most of the guests. She suspected there would be a ton of internationals, since the Trentham’s global reach was deep. These were industries and networks she knew nothing about. Nevertheless, she would do her best to assist him.

Roth moved through the dense and strangely silent crowd, who parted to let them pass. She knew news of their inappropriate make out session would circulate. Had he kissed her to cancel out gossip about her breakdown? Did it matter? If she was wearing this gown, she might as well live up to her wild reputation.

**This is a raw draft of Bitter Confessions. Please do not share or distribute.

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