The ride to the venue feels different,Ifeel different. Being engaged doesn’t change anything between us, from the moment I met him he’s had my heart, even if I didn’t realize it. The diamond glistens as we drive into the city.
“You’re very quiet, Firecracker. It’s freaking me out.”
A quick jab in the ribs makes him chuckle.
“Just thinking.”
“Does it hurt?”
Another rib jab. He rubs it this time. “What is it?”
“I guess I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“If you look for walls, Victoria, you’ll find them.”
It’s such a simple statement, but so very true.
After a couple minutes in traffic, we arrive at the DoubleTree. So glad we’re staying here tonight because I heard they have warm, ooey gooey cookies at check in. Straight to the topof my favorite hotels list. I haven’t traveled much, but I know most hotels don’t serve cookies!
A doorman with a top hat opens the door. Press are out front, taking pictures of people arriving on the red carpet.
Wow.
A red carpet.
When Apollo said they’d help plan the evening I should have guessed they’d bring the bougie.
Once we get inside, people are milling around everywhere. There’s a heavy scent of wealth in the air, but I try not to let that knock me off balance. I’m here for my boyfriend—ha, my fiancé—to raise money for a cause dear to both our hearts. And after we’ve served our obligatory schmoozing time, I’m going to fuck him senseless.
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CHAPTER 1
Victoria
THREE YEARS AGO
“Victoria Barnett?”
“Yeah?”
“Ma’am, you’re under arrest.” The cop towers over me, hands planted on his hips, lips in a grim line, brow wrinkled with a scowl. His starched, navy-blue shirt pulls over his broad shoulders, and a pair of shiny chrome handcuffs dangle from his index finger.
He doesn’t move. His expression doesn’t change. There’s a challenging glint in those dark, almost black eyes.
Some of my classmates shift in their seats. Someone—I bet it’s my best friend—is giggling so hard I wouldn’t be surprised if she pisses her pants. Bet she paid for my warrant in this whole charade.
The early afternoon sun shines off the cars in the parking lot, making me squint. There’s no use fighting it. I can’t even say I have classes to attend. After this one, my afternoon is wide open. And from the bemused smirk on my teacher’s face, he’s in cahoots with my best friend.
Instead of arguing, I offer my wrists to the law enforcement officer with a heavy sigh.
