Billionaire’s Ex-wife : Craving You

Chapter 13

RAVEL

Hazel looks as beautiful as ever. I may have pulled her out of my life, but that doesn’t deter the fact that she’s a very beautiful woman; always has been. “Hello, Hazel.” The moment I called out her name, her fingers clenched tightly on the stem of her champagne flute. “It’s nice to see you again.”

Lifting her gaze, she smiled at me, the wrinkles that form at the corner of her eyes any time she smiles, clearly missing. “I wish I could say the same, Mr. Southwark.”

My jaw clenched at her formality. “What happened to Rav?” I’m used to hearing her call me that.

Tilting her head, she blinked slowly at me, as if bored by my presence. “That seems rather unprofessional, don’t you think so Mr. Southwark?”

The young man seated next to her placed his hand on hers and my eyes followed the movement. “If you feel comfortable calling me that, then it’s fine.” Flagging down a waitress, I picked up two champagne flutes and passed one to June, who muttered appreciation. Leaning back, my hand leisurely relaxed on June’s seat. “Congratulations on your nomination Hazel.”

She smiled tightly yet again. “Thank you, Mr. Southwark.” The other young lady whispered something to her before walking away. “And please, I’d appreciate it if you call me Ms. Blacks.” She stared at me intently, “Only family and friends are allowed to call me by my first name, and you’re neither of those.”

Chuckling, I bit my inner cheek. “I was once your family Hazel,” I’ll be caught dead before I refer to her by her father’s name, “Doesn’t that count for something?”

“No, it doesn’t.” She deadpanned, her expression relaxed, “Do not insult your date by insinuating such.”

My date? I turned to June and smiled at her. “I’m not being disrespectful and she knows that.” If anything, I’m only trying to have a civil conversation. “We’re stuck on the same table the whole night, don’t you think it’s only right that we pipe down the aggression?”

“Aggression?” Hazel let out a short mocking laugh. “Correct me if I’m wrong Mr. Southwark, but I haven’t snapped at you even once ever since you occupied that seat.” Twirling the content of her glass, her lips stretched into a smile. “If you think I’m being aggressive, then you need to check your conscience, Mr. Southwark.”

earlier returned and picked up Hazel’s purse. The young man stood to his feet and helped Hazel up. My eyes slowly frisk her body,

at being caught ogling. “I was about to tell you that

that, you shouldn’t be upset when we ogle.” With my smirk still locked in place, I placed

tiny fist clenched into a tight ball. “I can see you aren’t less of the animal you were two years ago.” She leered at June, “Even though I shouldn’t, I can’t help but feel sorry for the woman in your life

me Hazel, I’m living a better life than

the trail of her dress and turned to

her neck, she stared at me for a moment and shook her head with bitter disappointment before walking away. I had a lot I wanted to say to her, a whole lot, but my phone pinged, stealing

me.

away

from

Chapter 13

number. I gritted my jaw as I quickly read the message. Stifling a curse, I chucked the phones over to Raymond. “The ba stard is in this hall or

June waited for Raymond to leave before speaking up.

attempt to find anything or anyone that might stand out.

her hand on mine. “I’m glad everything is fine. For

into

woman you love, then I’m happy.” She leaned forward and placed her head on my arm. “I know how much you love teasing people, which is why I’m not going to read meaning

.

I? I mean do I love teasing people or did she just assume

the rest of the event, I found my eyes drifting across the room to find Hazel. The few times I found her engrossed in her phones, I smiled, and the other times

from Hazel, I blinked at Desmond, the anchor of today’s event. “We need you