My smile freezes.
“Well, Dominic, are you enjoying the masquerade?”
He grimaces. “Not exactly my kind of event.”
“But you show up for Aiden.”
Interest flickers in his eyes. “I forgot how observant you were.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t pry.”
“No need to apologize. It’s a good quality to have.”
“I can see that, especially in your line of work.”
Dominic starts to answer, but his phone buzzes. He pulls it out of his pocket and frowns at whatever is on the screen.
“Everything all right?”
“Yes.” He taps out a quick reply, his frown deepening as the seconds tick by. Finally, he shoves his phone in his pocket and redirects his attention to me. “Sorry. Client.”
“Important to keep the clients happy.”
One side of his mouth quirks up, just like Aiden’s does. “Something like that.” He glances toward the crowded dance floor. “I noticed Aiden looks a lot happier these days.”
“I’m glad.”
My eyes roam over the crowd. I finally spot him talking to several people over by a huge gilded mirror. As if he can sense my gaze, he looks up and smiles. Even from across the room I feel a tug in my chest, a desire to go to him.
Dimly I realize Dominic is talking to me.
“I’m so sorry, what?”
“You really care about him.”
I still. The words are an echo of what I said to Randolph yesterday.
“Of course I care,” I manage to say. “I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t care for him.”
“A word of advice, then.” Dominic moves closer and lowers his voice. “He feels far more deeply than most realize. He just doesn’t like to admit it.”
I lean back, not sure what to make of this statement.
“He doesn’t share much,” Dominic adds quietly.
“No,” I agree. “He doesn’t.”
“He likes to portray himself as this cold, ruthless ass.”
I can’t help but smile. “True.”
“And he can be. But he’s also one of the most loyal, hardworking men I know. Just remember that when he’s driving you crazy.”
Dominic’s head suddenly whips around. His face tightens as his eyes narrow on the crowd.
“Excuse me, Seraphina.”
Before I can say anything, he disappears into the crowd, leaving me alone with my glass of champagne and my own muddled thoughts. I don’t know if Dominic suspects our engagement is a ruse, or if he was simply making conversation. But as I glance over at Aiden, I know Dominic was right about one thing. Aiden does not give himself enough credit, doesn’t want to see himself as good.
