1: Beautiful Giant

Raelyn’s pov

“So, who is this?” The question came from a voice that was deeper than any I had ever heard before. Most of the evening, I kept close to Dylan, smiling at whoever spoke to him but feeling like I was invisible.

Barely anyone spoke to me, only ever speaking to my husband. I was introduced to them and then ignored.

Dylan had said my role tonight was to be his arm candy.

It was a chance for me to meet everyone at his job, for me to get out of the house, but I never thought being among this many people could make me feel even more lonely than when I was at home by myself.

I looked up because the man attached to the voice was taller than most.

When my eyes locked with his, it was like time stood still for a moment. He had beautiful dark eyes; they were mesmerizing. The rest of his face was even more beautiful.

I know you’re supposed to call a man handsome, but the word handsome isn’t enough to describe this person.

His jawline could cut glass; his skin was flawless and almost glowing. It was hard to tell what the rest of him looked like, ebcause I could only keep my eyes on his amazing face.

He looked effortless, like he just woke up like this, yet perfect, if that makes sense. Noto ne of his dark hair out of place, his stubble just the right length, and the smirk on his face could make anyone fall for him. And I mean anyone, man, woman, gay, or straight; this man is like the god of sexy.

It felt impossible to speak, to breathe, to look away, until my husband spoke.

“This is my wife, Lyn.”

Dylan grabbed my upper arm, squeezing hard enough to hurt, letting me know I should introduce myself.

I extended my hand, and the beautiful giant in front of me took it, “Torin Vilkas, a pleasure to meet you. Lyn?” He asked, “is it short for anything?”

Torin Vilkas….

This was Dylan’s boss! Dylan had told me all about Mr. Vilkas. He barely joined the corporate parties, was hardly in the office, but seemed to be feared by everyone.

I always pictured him different, much older, and a lot less attractive.

Mr. Vilkas was the reason Dylan had asked me to join him; he usually goes by himself, but Dylan knew Mr. Vilkas could show up and wanted to make a good impression.

I needed to make a good impression.

I smiled politely, “Raelyn, Mr. Vilkas.”

“Please, call me Torin, Raelyn.” He replied, still holding onto my hand. My name had never sounded more beautiful. His fingers grazed the outside of my hand for a moment, making me feel like I was doing something I shouldn’t.

“Could you get us some drinks?” Dylan said, motioning towards the bar with his head.

Would he get mad later because I held onto Torin’s hand too long?

I nodded eagerly, glad to move away from this awkward interaction, and gave Torin another polite smile, saying, "I'll be right back."

“I understand why you’ve been keeping her away from our office parties,” I heard Torin say as I walked away.

My heart broke a little, thinking of how I must have embarrassed my husband tonight. I probably didn’t look good or did something I shouldn’t have. I’m not really used to parties like this, and I only had a few directions from Dylan on how I should look and act.

He said formal, so I ordered a dress online that was on sale that I thought would be good. But when I came here, I noticed everyone was looking way more dressed up than me. Everyone's hair was done beautifully, and I wore my hair down. It probably looked messy.

And my make-up? I should have watched a few tutorials or spent money on hiring someone to do it, but I know how Dylan feels about me wasting cash. Besides, I'm trying to save up some money, and I already spent so much on the dress.

It wasn’t until I reached the bar, after having to wiggle myself through the crowd of people, that I realized I hadn’t asked Dylan or Torin what they wanted to drink. So now I had to go all the way back or order something and hope for the best.

A man like Torin probably drinks something fancy. Some expensive scotch or, I don’t know... I don't know anything about alcohol; I'm not even legally allowed to drink yet!

I started to get even more nervous, and when the barman looked at me to take my order, I almost burst into tears.

“I need a moment,” I said instead, hoping the words didn’t come out shaky.

I was letting Dylan down.

A person got behind me to order; his scent was amazing. One hand landed on the bar next to me. I could feel the warmth of his body near me.

“I didn’t get the chance to tell you in person, but you look gorgeous in that dress.” The deep voice of Torin said into my ear.

Surprised, I turned around, not realizing how close I was to him. He put his other hand on the bar, now caging me in.

“Thank you,” I said, my eyes down. He was probably just being nice.

“Raelyn…” My name sounded almost like a growl.

I looked up at him, “yes?” I sounded so weak. When did I become so weak? So anxious all the time?

I scoffed to myself; I knew when it happened. When I married Dylan.

“You shouldn’t be with a man like that.”

His words hurt. Torin clearly meant that Dylan deserved better than me. He probably did.

Look at me and look at everyone here. I don't belong amongst these people.

My head went down once more. I couldn’t let him see his words had an effect on me. They shouldn't. I don't even know him; we just met, and it's silly to feel this way.

“He doesn’t deserve you.” Torin then spoke, surprising me once more. Before I could react, his hand reached for my waist. “If you were mine, I’d treat you like the goddess you are.”

I laughed.

I didn’t mean to laugh, but the whole thing sounded so weird. First of all, I’m married. But most of all, a man like Torin does not want someone like me.

Maybe it’s like a loyalty test?

Or some weird joke.

I quickly stopped laughing and covered my mouth, scared how the big man who was too close to me would react.

“You have a beautiful laugh,” he said with a small smirk. I looked at his mouth as he spoke. His canines seemed so sharp.

His lips were probably so soft.

No! Rae! You should not be thinking of this man’s lips.

“I’m married.” I finally said, way too late. My words lost almost all credibility.

“I can fix that.” Torin said it like it was nothing. He’ll just arrange a divorce.

“How?” I asked. And why? But mostly, how?

"I could kill him," he said, his lips nearly touching my ear.

I should have been terrified. I should have slapped him or been appalled at his words, but instead, I felt very attracted to the man who had just offered to kill my husband.

Torin took a deep breath through his nose and smirked at me, “I would, you know… Just say the words. I’d do anything for you…”

I quickly shook my head no, “that’s not necessary. I’m happily married.”

Torin nodded his head with an expression of clear disbelief, “Sure, dimples… Keep telling yourself that.”

Before I could say anything back, Torin’s expression changed. For a second it looked like he was deep in thought; his eyes were glazed over, and when the moment was over, he sighed, “I need to leave, but I hope to see you soon, Raelyn.”

What do you say to that? Especially since I felt the same way. I would love to see Torin again, but it's wrong to even think it.

“It was nice meeting you,” I chose to say instead, not sure what else was appropriate.

I’m married!