8
VANDER
Imove through the club as if in a dream. The low pulse of music combined with the heady scents of perfume, liquor and leather is seductive, designed to arouse and titillate, but I didn’t feel a spark of interest until I met her eyes.
It’s too dark for me to confirm hers were whiskey-colored, but the way she moves is magnetic. Inherently sensual and yet tentative, her innocence calls to me.
I want to strip the mask from her, strip her invisible armor so she’s trembling in my arms. I’ll never let my brother touch her.
I’ll never let anyone touch her.
A growl rumbles in my chest when Ella pauses by a table just up ahead. Some unlucky asshole teasingly pulls the hood of cloak aside and lifts a strand of her hair, winding it around his fingers. Adara stumbles back and the man catches her hand, bringing it to his lips.
“Ella,” I bark, causing heads to turn my way. Ella’s eyes widen and she places a protective arm around Adara. Does Ella know she’s harboring a royal fugitive?
“Mr. Renault.” Subtly, Ella steps in front of Adara, as if that would stop me from getting to her. As if anything would stop me. “May I help you?”
Wide, gold-colored eyes peer up at me from behind the mask. I can’t believe she’s here. My chest constricts at the danger she’s placed herself in.
“I’d like a word with the lady here,” I say.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Mr. Renault. We need to prepare for the auction.” Ella steps in front of the princess, her chin firmly raised. “Why don’t you go back to your table, and I’ll have someone attend to you.”
My hands clench into fists at my side. I cannot let her get up on that stage, remove her cloak and suffer through the leering eyes on her beautiful body. I cannot stomach the thought of anyone in this room thinking for even a second that she could be theirs.
Not when she’s mine.
“The only attendant I want is the one behind you.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Mr. Renault.”
“Is she spoken for?” The words squeeze out of my throat. I don’t know how Addy ended up here tonight, but this isn’t a game.
Ella holds her ground. “Mr. Renault, I’m sure we can find you an attendant who is exactly to your taste—”
“What seems to be the issue here?” I turn to see Sebastian standing next to me. “Ella? You realize Mr. Renault is with me, yes?” He smiles at her, but I see the question in his eyes. He and Ella have known each other a long time.
Ella’s gaze shifts over my shoulder to Bastian. “Sir.” Her voice is almost breathless as she says it, and I see a flush appear across her cheeks. “This woman has not decided if she will participate tonight.”
Bastian’s demeanor changes. “My apologies, Ella. Vander, she’s not going to budge on this issue. You know how it works.”
I don’t know Ella’s history, but I do know she’s fiercely protective over the girls at Club Curve. “If she’s not participating, the club needs to ensure she makes it back to the Ostra.”
Ella slides a glance to the woman. “Is that the hotel where you are staying?”
The princess dips her chin, folding her hands demurely in front of her cloak. “I would stay with Mr. Renault.”
Ella shoots me a glare. “You don’t have to. And you don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to, either.”
“No, it’s fine.” She takes a hesitant step forward. “I followed him here this evening.”
Triumph flares in my chest as I reach for her hand. I smile at Ella, pulling Addy to my side. “We’ll need one of the private rooms upstairs.”
Ella’s gaze switches to Bastian, nodding. “Of course, Mr. Renault. She slips her hand into her pocket and hands me a burgundy card with a dark gold embossed number on it. “Please see Gary at the top of the stairs.”
Addy’s hand feels like ice in mine. I squeeze her fingers as we move to the wide staircase. Before we climb the steps, I pause, turning her to face me. “Did you really follow me here tonight?”
Her hands go to her mask, reaching to untie the ribbons that hold it in place, but I stop her. “No, do not reveal yourself here. I don’t know who may be watching and you should have more care, my curious little kitten.”
