Second Dive (Kings of the Water #3) - Jasmin Miller Page 0,1

onto the balcony, laughing.

They pass us and head to the other side. All but one of them.

He’s dressed in a navy-blue suit and a silver mask. From the way he’s wavering on his feet, he’s looked a little too deep into his glass tonight. His gaze roams over Eadie first and then me, not even attempting to hide the hungry look in his eyes.

Gross.

It’s almost impossible to make out any of his features in the dim lighting. His eyes could be purple, and I wouldn’t know. All I see is short, dark hair and a normal-looking jawline.

The smile he gives us is probably supposed to be charming and seductive, but it only looks smarmy, especially when a wave of alcohol hits my nostrils. “Well, hello there, ladies.”

Eadie and I share a look before she nods at him. “Hi and bye.”

Without another word, we make our way past him and back inside.

Eadie pulls me to the side. “Total douche alert.”

“Agreed. No one needs a drunken idiot.”

She goes up on her toes, her eyes settling on something behind me, and I follow her gaze to the stage. “It doesn’t look like anything will happen soon, so I’m going for a quick bathroom break.”

“Sounds good. I’ll wait right here.”

I take out my phone to check my emails while she’s gone. Might as well see if there’s any news from my agent. Less than a minute later, someone clears his throat, and my head snaps up. Ugh. Douchey guy is back. Right in front of me. Damn it. I should have paid better attention.

Manners kick in—as well as a hint of annoyance—and I look him straight in the eye. “Can I help you?”

Apparently, he takes that as an invitation and steps closer, and I immediately take a step back. “Oh baby, I’m sure you can help me. Especially with those pretty lips of yours.”

I narrow my eyes at him and refrain from crossing my arms over my chest. The neckline of my dress covers me up to my neck, but there’s no need to invite his gaze to stray to my breasts in any way. “Wow.”

“What do you think about you and me getting out of here?”

That guy. “No.”

“Or we could sneak into a dark corner somewhere.”

“No.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t be like that.” He lifts his hand toward me, and I tense.

If he’s going to grab me, I will punch him in the face. Or kick him in the balls. I have no patience for anyone who thinks no means yes, even less so when they’re about to manhandle me.

But his hand never makes it anywhere near my body. Instead, someone grabs his wrist and pulls him away from me. Another man. The two have a quiet conversation where douchey dude nods vehemently before ducking his head and turning around to briskly walk across the room toward the exit.

My defender turns my way, and I get my first good look at him. His black suit must be tailored because it hugs his tall frame like a glove, accentuating his body shape of broad shoulders and narrow waist in a way that’s almost . . . sensual.

"I wasn't too late, was I?" He leans closer while still keeping an appropriate distance.

His face is covered by a smooth black mask from his nose to his hairline, not allowing me to catch a real glance of his face. Besides his lips, which are definitely noteworthy. And his voice . . . it’s deep and smooth, setting off a little alarm in the back of my head. It’s familiar, yet not.

Stop staring and say something.

"No, nothing happened. Thank you." While I could have handled myself just fine, I still appreciate that Handsome Suit stepped in instead of looking the other way.

He nods, putting his hands in his pockets before taking one out again and extending it my way. "It was nothing. By the way, I'm–"

"Attention, everyone." The host’s voice booms from the stage, making most conversations stop immediately. “Would the participants of tonight’s auction please join me by the stage?”

A woman in a stunning red gown and a silver mask appears out of nowhere, grabbing his arm and pulling. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk. Right now. It’s urgent.”

He turns toward her. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

“Yes. I’ll explain.”

He huffs out a frustrated breath and nods at her.

Then his gaze collides with mine, and my breath catches in my lungs at the intensity. “I’m so sorry. Maybe we . . .” He shakes his head.