A Dominant Fallen (A Dominant Series Book 2) by Lena Black Page B

lightly clinks it against mine. I take a sip, scanning the room, when I notice a tall fiery-haired beauty, early thirties perhaps, with alert steel-hued eyes, watching us in a way that makes me feel as if I’m being judged.
    She is dressed in a blood red strapless gown with tall black pumps. Her hair is down and swept over one shoulder. She is walking sex with an air of confidence and control that leaves me feeling green.
    She smirks this seductive lopsided grin in Hunt’s direction, and I look up to him, expecting the customary ignorant haze that comes over him with other women, but that’s not the case. His eyes are glued to hers with an intense awareness that makes me squirm. He doesn’t smile back or wave, even though it’s evident they know one another. He simply stares with an uncertain look I’ve never seen before. It’s almost as if it were a struggle of power.
    After a minute or two of awkward silence, he breaks their staring session and puts his half-hearted focus back on me.
    “Gabrielle, will you excuse me for a moment? I’ll be right back.” He sounds distracted, distant.
    I peer back over at the flaming red-haired beauty who stares right back with an almost teasing smirk.
    “Sure, of course,” I reply, turning my attention back onto Hunt.
    “Thank you,” he murmurs, but he’s already walking over to her with purpose. They greet one another, kissing on each cheek, and I feel my blood boil.
    Who the hell is she? Why is she kissing my man?
    They speak for a few moments, laughing and touching, little touches like the graze of his hand over her bicep, her adjusting Hunt’s tie and gently placing a hand on his broad shoulder. She links her arm with his as they speak, standing a little too close. She giggles flirtatiously at something he says, playing with her necklace, and tucks a loose chunk of ruby hair out of her face.
    They turn to me abruptly, smiling and talking, clearly about me, but her fake smile doesn’t reach her bright gray eyes. Then, they begin to walk over to me, weaving through the noisy, well-dressed crowd as they drink champagne and mingle.
    Are they coming toward me? Oh, no, I don’t think so. I don’t need to meet this woman to know that she is a part of Hunt’s past.
    A group of patrons crosses their path, blocking their view of me and causing them to pause and wait. I take the opportunity to make my escape, swiftly meandering about until I can’t see them anymore. I make it to the other side of the large hall when I hear a perplexed female voice. “Ellie?”
    I turn around and find Brooke, blue eyes wide with disbelief, standing beside a tall, stunning man with chestnut hair and blue eyes like hers.
    “Hey!” I reply, going in for a hug, and sigh with relief. “I’m so glad to see you.”
    “Me too,” she replies as we pull away. “Ellie, this is Wade.”
    She doesn’t have to say anymore. She had told me all about him during our drunken movie parties. Wade is her Master.
    “Hello, Wade, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I extend a hand, and he takes it, shaking firmly.
    “It’s a pleasure, Ellie.” He smiles at me with a warm, welcoming grin. He really is very attractive, especially when he smiles.
    “Who are you here with, sweetie?” Just as she asks this, her eyes drift behind me, widening. I glimpse over my shoulder, spotting Hunt as he scans the room for me, the mystery woman still on his arm. I look back at Brooke who is staring at me with worry on her face.
    “Hide me,” I plead. “I don’t want them to see me.”
    She shakes her head slowly. “It’s too late.”
    I turn and spot them walking toward us. Hunt has a scowl on his face, clearly upset with my disappearing act, or perhaps it’s whom I reappeared next to.
    “Ellie, do you know who that is?” Brooke inquires, giving me a worried look.
    “No, I ran before he could introduce me, but I know she’s someone from his past.”
    “Sweetie, that’s Vanessa, his ex-girlfriend.” What?!