same second as if we planned the shocked display. Vannah recovers with a demure grin pointed at our intruder, who’s currently invading her personal space. He’s probably trying to ogle her breasts. Not that I blame him, but that doesn’t stop a sneer from curling my lip. I haven’t feasted on her tits yet. This joker certainly isn’t getting an eyeful before me.
I cough loud enough to redirect his gaze. It has the desired effect as he looks at me while I finish adjusting my tie. “Always a riot chatting with you, Danvers.”
He preens like that’s an actual compliment. Hell, my hand stings from the backhand. “We’re sharing the top slots for donations again this quarter.”
“That’s compelling news. If only I had a drink to properly commensurate the occasion.”
He pays my subtle hint little mind. Too busy eye-fucking Vannah. “Who is this lovely woman on your arm? I wasn’t aware you were bringing a plus-one.”
Does he have nothing better to do than check on my status?
But again, I can’t ridicule him too aggressively. She looks good beside me, drawing more attention than I already receive on my own.
“This isn’t a date.” The vehement rebuttal in her voice is a strike to my ego. Lucky for me, I have plenty to spare.
“Savannah Simons is my… property investment advisor.” My pause is pregnant on purpose, entirely for raising suspicion.
“We’re together strictly for business-related services,” she adds.
His eyebrows wag in an undignified fashion. “You don’t have to lie, honey.”
Vannah narrows her eyes, the flames rising to the surface in those green pools. “I’m not, trust me.”
“She’ll come around to accepting her place eventually.” He pats me on the shoulder.
I shift sideways until his arm drops away from me. With another measured step, I turn to my non-date. “By the way, this is Charles Danvers. He’s also a founding sponsor.”
“It’s lovely to make your acquaintance.” The blatant fib pinches her mouth.
“Likewise.” His gaze passes over her in a slow perusal that has me moving to act as a shield. “You always have the best at your disposal, Winters. Let me know when you’re ready to share her.”
Vannah shudders beside me and parts her lips with a gasp. I snarl on her behalf, the noise loud enough to drown any peep she planned to make. “That I do, but this one isn’t going anywhere.”
Charles rocks on his heels. “Ah, I see.”
“Be sure you do. If you’ll excuse us, my lady is parched.” I hide my curling fist behind Vannah’s ass. The storm roaring in my gut won’t be concealed for another minute against that douche.
She doesn’t protest as I steer her toward the bar. “Trying to pass me off as your girlfriend?”
A grunt streams from my flaring nostrils. “I avoid answering pointless questions. Besides, even if I were, no one would believe me.”
“Yeah, that guy seemed shocked. He was… pleasant.”
“You mispronounced disgusting.”
Another shiver wracks her limbs. “I wasn’t going to degrade one of your friends.”
I grip her elbow, stopping us in our tracks. “That pig definitely isn’t connected to me beyond these events.”
He’d been quite close to my father. The similarities have never been lost on me. For whatever reason, Charles believes I’ll swoop in and replace his fallen comrade. I should probably be more discouraging if this recent interaction is any indication.
Vannah exhales, the breath whooshing from her. “Speaking of, were you aware of this posh shindig when you invited me to Chicago?”
I pass her a flute of champagne, taking the bourbon for myself. “Yes, it’s been on my calendar for a year. I hadn’t decided to attend, though. It’s not like I would’ve been missed so long as my donation arrived. They host an event every season in our honor, but it’s really an excuse to collect more money. Works like the well-established system this fundraiser is.”
“That’s super for the cause. For once, I don’t mind your wealth being flaunted.” She sips from her glass. “Although, this is beyond the normal realm of treating an associate to a night on the town.”
“It’s safe to confirm we’ve surpassed that point. Does it bother you?” I won’t admit to the tightness spreading in my chest while waiting for her answer.
The diamonds in her necklace glitter when she shrugs. “I’m choosing to let it slide until further notice.”
I rest a possessive touch on her hip, directing us to our assigned table. “We only have to stay through dinner.”
“Are you in a hurry to get somewhere else?”
“We’ll see, right?”
“Indeed.” A pink hue blooms in her cheeks.
The overpriced