Devotion - Billionaire Contemporary Romance Novel by Aria Hawthorne Read Free Book Online Page B

that,” Isabel offered, passing her flute off to Phillip before moving in front of Gary to unfold and re-fold his pocket square with origami precision. “I’m glad to see it’s silk. I thought it might be just a cardboard cut-out.”
    “I’m not very good with arts and crafts,” he said, peering down at her, openly admiring her face and eyes.  “But you, Miss Alvarez, you make everything seem so easy.”
    “I’ve had plenty of practice,” she replied, glancing over at Phillip’s tuxedo tie while tucking the silk square perfectly into Gary’s breast pocket. 
    “Cheers to you, Miss Alvarez,” Gary announced, passing back Isabel’s champagne and stealing a martini from a passing tray. “Phillip, I hope you know you’re a lucky, lucky man.”
    Isabel caught the strange hint of jealousy in Gary’s voice, and glanced at Phillip who was eyeing her reaction.  She had always casually sidestepped Gary’s subtle innuendos, which often crossed the professional line between them.  But from the very beginning, Phillip had warned her about Gary’s “affection” for women—all women—and she soon learned that he loved a good challenge even more.  And Isabel certainly offered Gary a challenge.
    “Where’s your date tonight, Gary?” Isabel asked, calling him out on flirting with her when they all knew that Gary never attended a party alone.
    “There…” Gary sighed, sucking on his olive. “By the champagne water fountain.”
    Blonde , Isabel noted. Gary always picked blondes . 
    “Well, at least she looks older than the last one,” Phillip remarked.
    “I try to stay above the drinking age.”
    “It doesn’t look like it’s helping.” Isabel observed the blonde woman’s imbalanced sway.
    “She’s already had three flutes,” Gary admitted.  They all watched her stumble towards the open bar. “Looks like that’s my cue.”
    He quickly downed his martini and handed it off to Phillip. “Phil, always a pleasure.  We’re going to bag that Peoria deal.  Call me in the morning—just not too early.” He winked and patted Phillip on the back before glancing at Isabel. “From now on, you’re going to redo all of them.” He tapped his pocket square. “This is only the beginning…”
    He waved goodbye with a two-fingered salute and gazed at her with searing intensity, as if he intended to leave her with those haunting words. 
    Feeling the color drain from her face, Isabel watched Gary stride across the expansive casino.
    “Does his womanizing bother you?”
    Isabel turned to Phillip, realizing she had been lost in her own private thoughts.  Gary had stopped briefly to shake hands with Carlton Weiss, a serial divorcée who married and divorced women like he bought and sold properties—over and over again. 
    “Who? Gary or Weiss?”
    Phillip smirked, knowing she was avoiding his question.
    “I can handle myself, Phillip.  You know that.”
    “Oh, yes,” he replied, finishing his champagne and handing it off to a passing waiter.  “I definitely know that.”  He smirked, taking her hand into his own.  “Come now…let’s see if I can be inspired to mimic your diplomacy.”
    Phillip intentionally led them towards Carlton Weiss, the man who had attempted to punch Phillip in the face at the last gala they attended together.  Weiss had failed.  He had been drinking, and Phillip anticipated the throw.  Weiss’ fist ended up on the other side of a pane of decorative Tiffany glass.  Isabel remembered everything about that night—Phillip had Param drive Weiss—and his bloody, shredded fist—to the emergency room.
    Now, Phillip led her directly towards Weiss, who had moved near the seafood appetizer tower, lined with chilled caviar and oysters on the half shell.  Phillip wasn’t the type to avoid conflict.  He was always willing to challenge it—head-on. 
    “How’s the hand?” Phillip announced to Weiss, as if they were the only ones in the room and there was no need for