Chapter 81
Chapter 81:
She tugged harder. It refused to move.
A subtle change crossed her face. She would not ask Colton for help. Every request she had ever made of him had been met with cold indifference.
“I’ve got it,” he said quietly from behind her.
His words settled into the stillness of the room.
Kristine’s heart jumped as a warm hand came to rest on her shoulder, steadying the fabric in place. Heat spread through the thin material where his broad palm pressed, sending a flush up her cheeks. She stopped breathing for a moment.
Behind her, Colton’s gaze turned heavy and intent. Her skin looked impossibly smooth in the low light.
The zipper crept upward at an unhurried pace, as though in no particular rush to reach the end. Their breaths filled the silence, each one magnified by the stillness around them.
“I heard something interesting,” Kristine said, her voice cutting through the thick air. “Is it true you’re making an announcement tonight? About an engagement p>
Colton paused for a moment. “Where did you get that idea p>
“Luna mentioned it p>
𝘔𝗈r𝗲 𝗇𝗈𝘃𝘦𝗹s 𝘰n.со𝗆
“She always has something to say.” The irritation in his voice was unmistakable.
Kristine recognized it. The smallest trace of a smile pulled at the corner of her mouth.
So Luna had not lied. He really was planning to announce an engagement. But if that was what he wanted, why had he dragged her here at all? Was it just to humiliate her in front of everyone?
“I hope it goes well,” she said, her tone warm and genuine.
Colton’s brow arched. “You hope it goes well p>
The zipper reached its end.
Kristine turned to face him directly, her smile barely there. “Congratulations on your engagement to Elyse. That’s all from me — I’m leaving now p>
Before she could step away, Colton seized her wrist. “What are you talking about p>
“Why pretend, Colton? We both know the truth p>
His grip tightened. “Where did you hear I’m marrying Elyse? Has it occurred to you that you might be the bride p>
Kristine’s gaze wavered for just a heartbeat, but her words came out steady. “You could choose anyone to be your wife. But it will never be me p>
Frustration showed in every tense line of his face. He had just opened his mouth to speak when a knock came at the door.
“Mr. Yates, Mr. Edwards has arrived p>
Mr. Edwards. Asher. So he had come to Gridron after all.
Confusion flickered across Kristine’s face as she glanced at Colton.
It had been a long time since he had seen genuine curiosity shine in her eyes. The memory of nearly losing her to Asher made irritation rise in his chest all over again. Nothing about Asher’s arrival pleased him.
“Understood,” Colton replied without looking back, his tone clipped. He tightened his grip on her hand. “You’re coming with me p>
Kristine tried to slip free. His hold stayed firm, and she was left with no choice but to follow him out toward the ballroom.