Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

My molars smash together, and right then I spot Daisy returning from the powder room. Her gaze immediately finds me, and she gives me a soft smile.

“You control your tongue around her, Ray.” I speak in a low voice, which only makes my cousin grin more.

“Hello, Raymond.” Daisy slides up beside me, and reflexively, my arm goes around her waist, pulling her closer.

My cousin’s astute gaze follows my move, but thankfully, he keeps his mouth shut.

“Since you have someone to protect you, I’ll be back in a second.” Unaware of the silent tension between Ray and me, Daisy grins and tries to pull away. But my grip around her waist only tightens.

“Where are you going?” The words slip past my lips easily.

“Um, I want to let the organizers know that we’ll be leaving soon.” Her eyes dart to Ray before settling back on me. “I’ll be back in a sec, I promise.”

“Don’t worry, Daisy. Go ahead. I’ll keep your husband safe.” Ray winks at my wife. I know he means no harm to her, but protectiveness surges inside me.

When she finally leaves, he coughs, but before he can throw a jab my way, I give him a stern stare. “Don’t you fucking say a thing.”

Ray shows me his hands in mock surrender and then grins. “I was about to say that it’s good to see you like this.”

“And what’s the reason for your unexpected presence here?”

“Would you believe it if I said I didn’t come to ruin your lovely evening, Charlie? I just came to have a few words with the mayor.” Ray tips his head toward the mayor of Cherrywood at the other end of the room, surrounded by her army of personal assistants. “I hear she’s a fan of such events.”

“And why are you stalking her? She’s been married to a good man for almost twenty years, for your information.”

“Very funny.” He laughs softly. “But I’m here to talk about the land for the hotel.”

“I thought you were going to negotiate with the owners.”

“That’s still in the works.” There’s a tic in his jaw for the first time this evening.

“Looks like someone’s plans aren’t panning out.”

“But why don’t you worry about your wife? Her one second seems to have stretched out for several minutes.”

Those several minutes continue to stretch. Ray is already with the mayor, laughing and charming the woman, while I’m left unguarded, ready for anyone to come up to me. And they do. I’m drawing these men like moths.

I entertained the first man who approached me, but it quickly became apparent why I avoid such events. I despise small talk.

I’m about to storm out of the room when I hear my name in her cooing, soft voice.

“Charles.” Daisy stands by the door and beckons me over with a curl of her hand.

Her smile, the curl of her lips pulled to one side, is enough to bring my fast-beating heart to its normal pace.

Without thought, I reach her in two long steps.

“Where were you? I was wait—”

“I know. I’m sorry. But I met someone, and I want you to meet them too.” Her smile hasn’t slipped an inch. “Come with me.” She once again tugs me toward the hallway, but this time I’m not feeling the same excitement like the last time she led me in this direction.

“Who did you meet, Daisy?” My feet stop, bringing hers to a halt as well.

The shine in her eyes drops but wasn’t she the one who promised to stick to me like a parasite?

“You remember I told you this function is for homeless and orphaned kids and a few were invited?” She holds my hands in between hers, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “They are the sweetest bunch, Charles. I promised them a meeting with a prince, so are you ready, my dear husband?” She bites her lip, her excitement barely contained.

While I was experiencing one of the most uncomfortable moments of my adult life, waiting for her like a lovesick puppy, she’s busy making new friends?