Chapter 198
Chapter 198:
“Victoria. Enough,” Alistair growled.
He looked at Skye. His eyes were dark, intense. “Skye. Please. We need to talk p>
“I’m busy,” Skye said, checking her watch. “I have a company to run p>
“Five minutes,” Alistair pleaded. “On the balcony. If you don’t like what I have to say, I’ll never bother you again p>
Skye looked at Victoria, who was fuming. She looked at Liam, watching from the shadows with jealous eyes.
“Five minutes,” Skye said. “Start the clock p>
She walked toward the balcony doors, the black velvet train following her like a shadow.
The balcony was cool, the noise of the party muffled by the heavy glass doors. The city lights twinkled in the distance, indifferent to the drama unfolding above. Alistair closed the door and turned to Skye.
“Victoria is a cover,” he said immediately. “You saw the photo. The note. I had to write that. She demanded it as ‘proof’ of my loyalty before she handed over the encrypted drive with the evidence against her father. It’s spycraft, Skye. Not romance p>
Skye crossed her arms. “So it’s a business transaction. You’re using each other p>
“Yes,” Alistair said. “But not like that. I don’t touch her. I don’t love her. I love you p>
He stepped closer. Skye backed up until she hit the stone railing.
“You lied to me,” Skye whispered. “By omission p>
“I was trying to protect you from a cartel war,” Alistair said. He put his hands on the railing on either side of her, trapping her. “I didn’t want you to think you were walking into another war zone after Liam p>
“My life is a war zone, Alistair,” Skye said. “I don’t need protection. I need a partner who tells me the truth p>
“I know,” Alistair said. He lowered his head. His breath ghosted over her lips. “I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you p>
He kissed her.
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It wasn’t gentle. It was desperate, hungry. He kissed her like he was drowning and she was oxygen. Skye tried to stay rigid, to resist, but her body betrayed her. Her hands rose to his chest, gripping his lapels. She opened her mouth, deepening the kiss.
For a moment, the world fell away. There was only him.
Crash.
The balcony door was flung open.
“Oh my God!” Victoria shrieked.
She stood in the doorway, hand over her mouth. Behind her were three photographers and half the board of directors.
“Alistair!” Victoria cried, tears springing to her eyes instantly. “How could you? In front of everyone p>
She held up her hand, flashing a massive sapphire ring. “You gave me this ring this morning! You promised me p>
Skye broke the kiss, shoving Alistair away. She looked at the ring. It bore the Thorne family crest.