Page 23 of London Dynasty

“He went to speak with your grandfather,” I told her.

“That cad! He left you here all alone?” She slipped her arm through mine and tugged me toward a nearby waiter.

“I suppose he thought I could take care of myself.” And why wouldn’t he? It occurred to me that once again I needed to act as Kerrigan would. I shrugged, hoping I appeared nonplussed about being left to my own devices. “It’s been so long since I attended one of these. I’m dreading having to make boring small talk all night.”

“This will help.” Evie swiped two glasses of champagne from the waiter’s tray and handed one to me. “The only perk of these blasted parties is drinking as much champagne as I can before my mother finds out.” She followed her confession with a small giggle.

I tapped my crystal coupe to hers. “I’ll drink to that.”

She lowered her voice so only I could hear her as she continued, “It’s even harder when half the men bring their new wives every six months. Just when I’m starting to remember names, they change again.”

I seized on her innocent observation to turn it to my advantage. “Honestly, I don’t recognize half the people here.”

“Well, there’s my brother and grandfather. No doubt, they’re talking about some political crisis. Oh, there’s your father!” She waved at him. Tod tipped his head in acknowledgment but raised a questioning eyebrow at me as he joined Spencer and Lord Byrd. “And there is Brock Quinn and his new girlfriend.”

I followed her gaze to a powerful-looking man, surrounded by other important-looking men, and was surprised to discover his attention was acutely focused on the beautiful blonde at his side. The heat between them was palpable, even from a distance. I felt myself growing warmer as I watched them. Would a man ever look at me like that? As though he was torn between devouring me and protecting me?

“They’re going to announce their engagement any day,” she guessed.

“I don’t think we’ve met.” I kept my response purposefully vague, hoping Evie would continue to fill in the blanks.

“He was her boss. Infamous bachelor. Now that he’s off the market, everyone is wondering which of his brothers will fall victim next.”

“Victim?”

“To love,” she said. “It’s obvious when you look at those two that they’re truly in love.”

“How can you be sure?” I asked.

“Because you see it so rarely around here. Everyone just marries to please their parents or secure a business deal. Well, that’s what first marriages are for on Billionaire’s Row.” She stopped chattering, and her hand flew to her mouth. Evie shook her head, loosening the blonde curls that had been pinned neatly up. “I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t offend you. I know our parents have an understanding about you and…”

“No offense taken,” I promised her. In all honesty, I was glad she saw through the games the people here played. Maybe it would save her from falling victim to one when she was older. “What exactly is—”

Before I could finish my question, I spotted Tod Belmond striding toward me and I fell silent. A muscle ticked in his jaw and his lips were pressed together in a hard line. He was unhappy, and although I had no idea what I might have done, I knew I was to blame.

“Excuse me, Evie,” I said softly. “I think my father needs a word.”

She nodded, looking nervously between us, and whispered “good luck” before disappearing back into the crowd.

Tod caught my arm, his fingers gripping my elbow tightly as he led me away from the party. I didn’t speak as he opened a pair of doors to an unoccupied solarium. When we were finally alone, he rounded on me. “What did you do? Five minutes with Spencer and you’ve ruined everything.”

“Me?” I jerked in surprise, staring at him. “I didn’t do anything!” I racked my brain for some mistake I might have made—a glib comment or an insult—but came up with nothing.

“Spencer just told me that he’s asked his grandfather to hold off on the announcement. He says he’s not ready to tell people that he’s engaged to you. So, I’ll ask again, what did you do?” Tod hissed before pacing the length of the room.

I stood in mute shock for a moment. I hadn’t done anything to discourage Spencer. Not today, at least. He’d made no mention of yesterday at Hillgrove’s, but it had to be that. There was absolutely no way that I was going to confide the details of that event to Tod Belmond, though. “I really didn’t do anything. He escorted me inside and then excused himself to speak with his grandfather. I’ve barely spoken to him.”

“What about this dress?” He gestured to my gown. “Perhaps, it’s too suggestive. Caroline mentioned that she asked you to wear white.”

“Your daughter doesn’t have a lot of white in her closet,” I said, trying to stay calm while inside I was seething. Everyone wanted me to dress up and play pretend like I was a doll, but somehow it was my fault when the game went poorly.

He pointed his index finger at me, brows raised, and leveled a command. “Fix this.”

He didn’t wait for me to respond. Instead, he stormed away. I didn’t follow.

The inside of the solarium was full of plants. Exotic ferns and flowers sat in pots on over-filled tables. The air was humid, warmer than the climate-controlled house, and stuffier than outside. The space had been cultivated into a lavish greenhouse rather than another showy living space. It was clear that whoever kept it spent considerable hours tending to the plants. The only light inside the glass room came from the lights of the party which had spilled into the garden. I could hear laughter and conversation, too distant to make out. Outside people were having a good time, and I found myself dreading my eventual return to the champagne and gossip and curious eyes. Reaching out, I ran a finger down a large green leaf, its rubbery surface squeaking softly at my touch. Behind me, footsteps approached but I didn’t turn to see who had disturbed my temporary sanctuary. I knew by the way my body responded—as though it sensed him before it saw him. My nipples tightened, pushing against the fabric of my dress, my pulse quickened, and goosebumps rippled across my bare skin.

“Monstera albo,” Spencer’s voice called. “It’s incredibly rare to see that depth of variegation.”