Personally, I wasn’t even sure what the event was about yet. I just wanted to show off my fiancée to the elites who controlled the city. This was going to be our first public appearance as an item, and it made my heart race.
I bought her a new dress for the occasion, one I’d selected myself. As I sat there waiting, my head was filled with the images of her in that gown. I anticipated seeing her looking all glamorous and gorgeous.
To pass the time, I grabbed a book lying on the side stool and fixed my eyes on the pages. I’d barely read seven lines before catching the scent of her perfume.
My heart skipped when I raised my head and met her gaze. She was climbing down the stairs, her manicured fingers trailing the polished railing. With her other hand, she clutched a black purse to her thigh.
Her golden-brown hair was styled into a neat bun on top of her head, her red gown hugging her in all the right places. The thin straps left her arms exposed, her soft skin glowing under the lights.
The neckline dipped a little, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage. Not too much. But enough to make a man’s heart sink. Her makeup was simple and classy. It matched the tone of her skin, accentuating her beauty.
I’d never seen her dressed like this, and the rare sight thawed something frozen inside me. My pulse raced, my cock twitching in my pants as if acknowledging her presence.
Even her movement was different, like a runaway model. This version of her sent a wave of emotions crashing through me. I was captivated, mesmerized, and completely seduced.
I didn’t even realize I’d sprung to my feet until now.
“Someone decided to comb their hair,” she teased, her voice smooth and enticing. “That’s a first.”
She’d noticed.
A small grin tugged at the corners of her lips, painted a bold shade of red. “Do you look like a gentleman, or am I tripping?”
Fuck, she was gorgeous!
And that smile…it was heavenly.
“Don’t get used to it,” I replied, keeping a neutral expression. “Let’s go, we’re already late.”
Her face twisted into a faint frown. “You don’t have to be such a buzzkill all the time.” She began walking toward the door, her heels clicking against the floor.
You dumb fuck,I cursed at myself.
***
The air was filled with the soft hum of conversations, the chandelier’s warm glow draping over the space. Waiters and waitresses in their signature black and white moved through the crowd, balancing trays of champagne on their hands.
With her elbow locked in mine, we waltzed into the grand hall, our presence commanding attention. Kiera clung to me like a lifeline, displeased by the number of eyes on her.
“You didn’t tell me we were gonna be the center of attention,” she whispered through gritted teeth, maintaining her calm and composure.
“Just ignore them and keep walking.”
A live band was playing at a corner, the soft classical music drifting through the air. I dipped a hand into my pocketas we made our way through men in tuxes and women in elegant dresses.
Whispers rippled through the hall as heads turned and gazes followed us around.
“Why is everyone looking at us?” she asked me with her previous tone.
“Everyone likes a beautiful couple,” I replied, keeping a straight face.
The real reason for their stares was my new look and the fact that I brought a woman to the gala. I always came alone to gatherings like this, escorted by my men.
Yet tonight, here I was, dressed to impress, with a gorgeous woman as my plus-one. Of course they were going to stare.
“Holy cow!” a familiar voice called, laced with a hint of astonishment. “Is that you, Nial?”
It was Miguel Sanchez, a high-ranking member of the Mexican Cartel. He was a business partner of mine who played a huge role in securing an alliance with the Cartel a few years ago.
