"Vesperin Blackfall." President Shin tipped his head to her. "What is the meaning of this?"
Blackfall—she bit her tongue so hard she tasted blood.
One of the guards stepped up, as if wanting validation. "This little trainee says?—"
Rin cut him off. "They are hounding my date for the night. I replied to the gala’s invitation, with both my name and the name of my plus-one. So tell me why he is not being allowed entry."
"There’s that backbone, wife," Rhyden purred. "Looks like a princess, but acts like a warrior."
Rin’s lips twitched downward. It was like he was purposefully teasing her, because he knew she couldn’t respond—yet.
President Shin was tall, easily able to see over the throng of guards, whereas she couldn’t see through their weapon-clad forms. His eyes widened in shock. "Heis your guest for the night?"
Rin nodded jerkily. "Yes, President Shin,heis with me." She mimicked his tone, not saying his name.
The President’s eyes fell to the guards. "Let him through." Then he turned back to Rin. His words were sharp, measured. "I look forward to seeing you inside, Vesperin. Your parents are waiting." With that, President Shin turned on his heel, walking through the throng of gathered guests and guards.
When she turned back around, the guards had all parted, and she finally saw him.
He wore a red suit, a white shirt beneath, unbuttoned scandalously. No tie—she wasn’t surprised. She spied the glittering edges of a body chain, draped around his neck and disappearing under the low cut of his white button-up beneath his form-fitting red coat. Another chain hooked around the jewel-encrusted buttons. His eyes were pronounced by a subtle dark liner, and his red lips were plush and sensual, the corners curving into a smirk—one just for her. Lace peeked out from the cuffs of his coat. It was a striking blend of masculine strength and delicate sensuality.
A ripple of murmurs moved through the guests nearby, no longer held back by the guards as they tried to push forward, wanting his attention. He was magnetic. Yet his eyes never strayed from her.
His pace was languid, and when he finally reached her, she heard the guests gasp as he wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her flush to his chest. He leaned down, smile nearly blinding. His purple eyes were deep with desire.
"Look at you, doll. You are absolutely gorgeous, and all for me."
"No, she’s fucking not all yours," Rhyden snarled. Cyrus huffed a low laugh, and they both ignored the jealous vampire.
"I am," said Rin, egging Rhyden on—and knowing the guests closest to them would hear.
Cyrus’s voice dropped. "Are you ready, doll?"
"Yes," she whispered, and his arm around her waist tightened, tugging her even closer, until she felt the press of his desire against her belly. She arched a brow up at him. "Now?"
"I can never help myself when it comes to you." Cyrus’s finger tapped against her waist.
Rin felt suffocated by the watching eyes. "There’s no going back after this."
Whatever Cyrus saw on her face made him dip down until his lips met hers. He smiled against her mouth, and when he pulled away, the flash of the drone cameras was blinding.
Cyrus stepped back, hand sensually stroking over her waist, down her forearm, until his fingers laced with hers. He stayed by her side, and the crowd parted just for them, revealing the red length of carpet rolled out. Daunting.
"Together," Rin said.
"Together," Cyrus echoed.
She heard Rhyden huff in her ear.
And they walked up the red carpet.
Drone cameras flashed, and the crowd murmured in shock as they finally got a glimpse of Cyrus—theformerPrince of Sibeth.
He was the perfect distraction.
At the base of the steps, she reached for her gown to lift it, but Cyrus stilled her, gathering it in his hands behind her as he winked. "After you, doll."
The murmuring crowd grew even louder.
