Jaxson Vane leaned against a pillar, his sharp eyes missing nothing. He watched the way Cynthia’s gaze followed William around the room–a look of hungry, desperate possession that she had never directed at him.
He set his drink down and gripped Cynthia’s arm, pulling her into a secluded alcove.
“You’re hurting me, Jaxson,” Cynthia snapped, trying to pull away.
“Not as much as you’re embarrassing yourself,” Jaxson countered, his voice low and dangerous. “I funded your little reality show. I bought your wardrobe. I put you back on the map after you were disgraced. And yet, you’re looking at him like he’s the only man in the room.”
“I am monitoring the competition,” Cynthia lied, though her voice wavered.
“Don’t lie to a shark, Cynthia,” Jaxson sneered. “I know you’ve been obsessed with him since the beginning. Tell me the truth. Do you love me? Or am I just the wallet you’re using to stay close to his orbit?”
Cynthia stared at him, unable to answer. The silence was answer enough. Jaxson released her arm with a look of disgust. “Careful, Cynthia. You’re playing with a man who destroys things for a living.”