Good Game (The System, #1) (40)

Interesting. To me, it represented inner turmoil. Someone who is stuck between two doors and has to make a decision.

His hand reaches forward toward the piece, but he stops himself. Which is good because the security guard is giving him some weird looks. “It’s a phenomenal piece, Stevie. Truly.” This time, when he turns to me, I see relief in his expression. It’s almost like the painting sucked away whatever demons had floated to the surface. He holds my hand and brings it to his lips, placing a delicate kiss in the center. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

A flood bursts in my chest. I don’t know why, but my heart feels like it’s cracking apart and mending together at the same time.

“I’m glad you could see it.”

He matches my smile, his dimples on full display. I’m hit with the urge to kiss him. To let him feel all my emotions without a word. Aleks’ gaze heats in response and the yearning amps up. I move my hand to his cheek, running my thumb across his jaw.

“Hi, sorry to interrupt.” My bubble shatters as Caleb steps up to us. “Do you mind if I steal her away for a few minutes? We have quite the bidding war going on for her piece.”

Aleks looks like he certainly does mind, but he just gives Hayes a lazy smile.

“Of course not. Everyone deserves the chance to meet my girl, see how amazing she and her art are.” He gestures around the room. “I’m just going to look around the exhibit myself.”

“Wonderful.”

Hayes rests his hand on my elbow and steers me away. Disappointment ripples through me, but I plaster a smile on my face.

It takes another hour before I’m able to escape the barrage of people Caleb insists on introducing me to. My mind is spinning with all the new names, and I’m exhausted. Grateful. But exhausted. At this point, all I want to do is just hang out with Aleks. Deanna already texted me letting me know she had to head home but that she left my flowers with coat check.

I finally spot Aleks out of the corner of my eye and wave him over. I drink him in, appreciating the way he commands the attention of those around him without even trying.

Damn. This man is my date.

Aleks hands me a flute of champagne when he reaches me, and I all but snatch it from his grasp. “Thank you, I needed this.” I take a quick sip and let the bubbles wash away some of the tension.

He leans in and places a kiss on my cheek. But he doesn’t move away. Instead, he inches farther forward, his lips grazing my ear.

“I just spent the last hour watching you being paraded around on the arm of another man. He was acting like you’re some shiny trophy when you’re a queen. My queen.”

I choke on the bubbles.

“I’m a patient man, Stevie. But I’m no gentlemen.” His breath is hot on my ear. “For the rest of tonight, you’re mine.”

My core clenches, and I squeeze my thighs together to alleviate the growing want. He leans back and smiles at me. At first glance, it looks sweet. But I see it for what it really is. It’s the smile of a predator playing with its prey.

Two can play that game.

This time, I lean forward. I bring my lips to his ear with the piercing in it and let my lips brush against his lobe.

“You’re forgetting that I invited you here as my arm candy. We play by my rules.” I tug on the chain of his ear piercing, and he shivers. “I am the queen, after all.”

He rests his hand on the small of my back and pulls me closer to him. My hips are flush against his, and I feel his growing need. My stomach flips, and I lean back to look at him. Aleks’ eyes have grown so dark, you can barely even tell they’re green. He wets his lips, and my eyes dart down to follow the movement before I find myself automatically repeating the same thing. Aleks leans forward, his lips a mere breath away.

“Stephanie, there you are.”

My insides die. Hayes’ voice spears through our lust-filled world. Aleks clenches his jaw. He doesn’t even bother hiding his frustration at this point. He tugs me to his side and levels Caleb with a death stare.

“Can we help you?”

Hayes is either oblivious to the growl in Aleks’ tone or he just doesn’t care because he steamrolls on.

“Yes, I have fabulous news. Your piece has sold.”

“Seriously?” I gape.

“Seriously. I just got the final bid numbers from my assistant. You should be very proud of yourself, Stephanie.”

It takes every ounce of restraint in my body not to squeal like a child going down a slide right now. “Thank you so much. This is the best news I could’ve hoped for.”

“Of course.” He clinks his champagne flute against my own. I’d forgotten about it. “I see a long career for you if this is anything to go by. Congratulations, and I look forward to your next piece.” He takes a quick sip before leaving us. I down my flute, letting the fizz mix with the happy bubbles popping inside me. This is a dream come true.

“You’re amazing, baby.” Aleks gives my waist a squeeze, and I see my happiness reflected back in his own eyes.

“I can’t even begin to believe it. I’ve never had a bidding war last all night. And now, Hayes wants to work with me again. This is the best day ever.”

“What if I could make it even better?” Aleks whispers in my ear. It sends a bolt through me, reigniting the want of only a few moments ago.