Why did this bother him so? It wasn’t like they were dating. He smoothed a hand along his jawline. Just this past week, Tachina had been spread out underneath him, taking his cock, begging for him to fill her with his seed.
Who the fuck was this?
“Who are you staring at?” Sydney asked. She followed his gaze. “Oh. Her.”
He didn’t honor Sydney with any reactions. Instead, he walked straight toward Tachina and her date.
Sydney slipped her arm through his. He didn’t shake her off fast enough. They reached Tachina, and it was too late.
Tachina’s gaze dropped to Sydney’s hand curled around his arm. Something flickered in her eyes, but it disappeared just as fast as it had appeared.
“Evening,” Vic said.
“Hello,” Tachina murmured. She offered a small smile. “This is Charles Lindsey. He’s?—”
“Her date,” Charles interjected. He extended his hand.
“Victor Maxwell.” Vic took it and matched hisfirm grip.
Sydney stepped forward and flashed a smile. “I’m Sydney Bridges. I’m Vic’s girlfriend.”
“Ex-girlfriend,” Vic added.
“Wait, did you say Charles Lindsey, as in county prosecutor?” Sydney’s eyebrows rose sharply.
Vic wasn’t surprised the woman recognized the man’s name. She knew everyone who was someone in this damn town.
“That would be me.” Charles stepped back and slid his arm around Tachina’s waist again. He smiled.
Someone called Tachina’s name from across the room. It was the event organizer, Evelyn Hodge.
Tachina gave Charles an apologetic glance. “Let’s go see what that’s about.”
“It was nice to meet you.” Charles nodded then whisked Tachina away.
Vic’s fist curled involuntarily. He knocked back the champagne he still held in his hand. His gaze trailed the two as they wound their way through the crowded room.
“I still can’t believe you allowed her to design this project.” Sydney smirked.
“Don’t talk about her,” Vic growled. He spun on her and glared at her.
“Vic—”
“That is my son’s mother. You will respect her.” His voice dropped a few decibels.
Sydney had always had it in for Tachina. There wassomething about Tachina that rubbed Sydney the wrong way. She blinked and opened her mouth to argue, but he silenced her with a harsh look.
“Say another word about her, and I will have you removed from this function.”
He spun from her and stalked off. He headed for the bar where he could get himself a real drink. He flagged down the bartender and placed his order.
Whiskey. Neat.
His drink arrived swiftly. He drank half in one swallow. He needed a minute, maybe five to allow himself to calm down from dealing with Sydney.
But he only got about a minute. He felt her before he even saw her. Tachina moved in beside him and took away all of the air surrounding him.
“Are you okay?” she asked.