Page 81 of Feral King

“That looked reallygood,” she says. “Like Elena was practically worshipping you.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” I reply with a chuckle. “But she was happy with the event.”

“Trust me, she doesn’t just hand out compliments. You really impressed her.” Anya takes a tablet out of her purse and clicks it on. “And it wasn’t just a pretty night either. The numbers are staggering. Check it out.”

I crane my neck to catch sight of the tablet screen.

“Wow.” It’s the only word I can think of to say.

“Wow is right. We raised more in one evening than the foundation raised in theentire previous fiscal year. Three new anchor donors signed letters of intent. Children’s Harbor Alliance committed to a five-year partnership.”

“It’s incredible,” I say, my voice sounding far away, like this is all some kind of dream. “Did you see that Todd Gelman was here?”

“The AI billionaire? Yeah, I noticed.”

I lean in, lowering my voice to a whisper. “He said that he wanted to fund the literacy initiative that Alexander shelved. And I mean the full program, no conditions, starting in June.”

Her eyes go wide.

“That’s…wow.” She steps back, shaking her head. “You very well may have undone in one night all the damage that my dear brother did to the foundation. This is something you should be proud of, Ly.”

Warmth runs through me, and I allow myself a broad, happy smile.

“I am. I built this. All of it. And it worked.”

“It did. Hell, we’re going to have to have a celebratory gala to celebrate the success of this one!”

I laugh, and Anya pulls me in for a hug.

“Thank you so much,” I say. “It wasn’t just me. You were a big help.”

“Hey, if you’re offering credit, I’ll take it.” She squeezes my hand. “And both of us put our blood into this—almost literally.”

Her phone vibrates, and she quickly fishes it out of her purse.

“After-party in SoHo. You in?”

I glance over at Julian, who’s in the middle of a conversation with a pair of guests. He catches my eye and smiles, a smile that says,I need to get you alone. Now.

“I think I’m going to pass. Some decompression time is in order.”

Anya glances over at Julian, then back to me. She grins.

“Right. Decompression time. Not going to pry for info on that one. Anyway, congrats again. It was absolutely a legendary night.”

More hugs, and then she leaves. When Julian finishes his conversation and strides over to me, all I can do is stare. Damn, he looks so good.

“I’ll save the compliments for back at my place,” he says. “I’m sure Anya and Elena, what’s the term, ‘gassed you up,’ enough already.”

I laugh. “They were very kind. But yes, I’m ready to get going. I’m going to need at least a day to mentally unwind from this.”

“You can take a week. You’ve earned it.”

I take one more look at the place. The event has successfully ended, the staff breaking down tables, the last of the guests thinning out, a few still on the back patio in the middle of champagne-fueled conversations likely to last into the wee hours of the night.

There’s only one thing I want right now: Julian, lying next to me in bed, my head resting on his shoulder, warm hand on my hip.

As we leave, I catch sight of the massive, full-length, golden-framed mirror leaning against the wall in the lobby.