Arrogant Heir (The Heirs #2) - Michelle Heard Page 0,78

CRC Holdings.

I keep Nate for last, and when I reach him, I hold out my hand.

There’s a weary look in his eyes as he shakes it.

“I assume your father told you about the deal we just closed?” I ask.

Nate nods. “Thank you for not letting what happened between you and my friends affect the business deal.”

I keep hold of his eyes for a while, then say, “You’re the only one who told me the truth. I’ll always remember that.”

A smile spreads over Nate’s face. “I look forward to working with you, Jase.”

“Likewise.”

Done with the business part of the evening, I lead Mila to the dance floor and pull her against my chest. Placing my hands on her lower back, I nod at the band I organized for this dance.

The lyrics to Superman by Laura Patton float into the air, and I tighten my hold on Mila as I begin to move.

My eyes are locked on her face, and I watch as the emotions play over her features as she listens to the words.

Bringing my hand up to the back of her head, I fold myself around her and press my face into her neck, sucking in a deep breath of her.

Mila moves her hands under my jacket and shirt and then holds on tight to my back as we sway to the music.

When the song ends, I pull back and press a kiss to her lips before I let go of her. “Stay right here.” I walk to the stage set up in the corner and take the microphone from the singer while saying, “Thanks.”

When my gaze glides over the tables, every pair of eyes are locked on me.

I clear my throat. “This is an official statement that Mila and I are a couple, so you can all stop wondering.” I pause so my words can sink in, then I lock eyes with Mila. “She’s my girl. Mine.” I take a breath. “Don’t fuck with her. I won’t tolerate anyone talking about her. She’s crazy as fuck for choosing me, but as long as she keeps choosing me, she’ll be mine. And I fucking love her.”

Dropping the microphone, I walk off the stage, and I don’t slow until I can wrap my arms around Mila, and then I kiss her as if I might die if I don’t get to taste her.

Because without her, I might as well die.

She’s my entire universe.

MILA

One thing about my man? He freaking loves dropping bombs.

I smile against his mouth, my hands lost in his hair.

When he breaks the kiss, I hope he can see every emotion I feel for him. “My Superman, I love you.”

He grins at me, then we make our way back to the table where our friends are sitting with happy smiles on their faces.

I sit down next to Jase, and my chest feels like it might burst from all the elation I feel. I’ve survived the darkest fairytale. I’m choosing not to focus on the attack but on what I gained from it. A new life with the man of my dreams.

“That was impressive,” Hunter says. Then he scowls at Jase. “But you’re making the rest of us look like losers in the romance department.”

Jase lets out a bark of laughter. “Not my fault I’m that awesome.”

I chuckle at his arrogance. God, this man knows no end.

We visit with our friends for a while, before Jase gets up, and taking my hand, he helps me to my feet.

“We’re hitting the road. See you all Sunday.”

My head snaps up to him. “Why only on Sunday?”

“One of the surprises.”

I wave at our friends, and with my hand tightly gripped in Jase’s, we leave. We don’t even stop at the dorm but head straight for his car.

Jase stops to button his shirt, and I mourn the loss of the hot view of his chest and abs. He tucks the fabric into his pants and removes his jacket, throwing it onto the back seat.

Once I’m strapped in, and Jase is behind the steering wheel, he finally says, “I’m abducting you for the weekend.”

“But I’ll need clothes then,” I say quickly, while we're still on campus grounds.

“I packed a bag for you,” he explains as he steers the car out of the gates.

I rest my head back on the seat with my eyes on Jase.

After a while, he reaches for my hand and places it on his thigh.

And the moment feels perfect.

Chapter 31

JASE

The atmosphere is relaxed between us as I pull up to the lodge.