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The EYES Fundraiser and Membership Drive was set to be an important event as well as a glamorous one. Therin’s elaborate home would be the site of the event as well as lodging for various members during the weekend.
Though the gathering was for a serious cause, much of the buzz surrounded the entertainment the ex-ambassador had pulled together. Such an accomplishment was further proof that the man carried friends in more lucrative areas than politics.
Kianti’s name surged among the buzz, yet she found herself just as starstruck as anyone. On hand for the affair were two hip-hop moguls she’d been dying to meet. Upon meeting Kianti, however, the gentlemen were interested in beginning talks on a possible collaborative effort with her and few of their artists.
Therin kept Kianti on his arm quite frequently. He introduced her to the rest of his staff and other members of the organization. They were near the piano talking with Peter Stanson and his wife, Chloe, when several guests moved in to ask if Kianti was about to grace them with a performance. The lovely pianist graciously obliged. The room silenced, making way for the mesmerizing piece she performed.
Later, Therin and Kianti shared a dance in the center of the candlelit dance floor. They barely swayed to the exotic melody looming about and simply treasured the closeness. Therin kept his face hidden in her neck bared by her upswept hair. He inhaled the light appealing fragrance of her perfume and sighed. Many times, his arms flexed about her minute frame as though he were proving to himself that she was actually there next to him. Kianti was lost in the embrace as well. Therin was stroking her bare skin visible by the design of the airy black dress that flared playfully at her knees. The dress was both elegant and provocative with its plunging V-neck and open back. Therin toyed with the triple set of gold O-rings securing the wide straps that joined at the small of her back.
The couple was oblivious to all the whispers and notice they received. There was no question that they were an “item” and also no question that the involvement was anything but shallow.
“You know…” Kianti blinked and scanned the room they twirled around in. “I don’t think I’ve seen this room before.”
Reluctantly, Therin raised his head from her shoulder. “It’s good to have a place where the guests can retreat.” He graced her with a sly wink. “This room…is off-limits to the press.”
“Mmm…no press, huh? I like it.” She gave a playful tug to his bowtie. “Well, if you’re hoping to keep us a secret, I don’t think you’ve done too good a job.”
Therin’s expression sobered. “I’m not trying to do a good job of that. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
Kianti reconsidered her rebuttal and pressed her lips together.
“What?” He dipped his head to focus in on her more closely. “What?”
It was too late for silence, she realized. She could see the temper stirring in his brilliant stare. “How far are you expecting all this to go between us?” she whispered. She held on to her courage when he bristled. “I just can’t help but point out again our lifestyles—very different—very hectic and very distant… Then there’s the issue of my health, I—” She gasped when his hold tightened suddenly at her waist. “Therin—”
“Maybe I should be asking what you expect to come from all this between us?”
She’d always celebrated her ability to say what she wanted. No coy games… Now, she couldn’t live up to that ability. The thought of telling him she loved him and wanted him with her always was too frightening.
If only he’d say it first…which was what she hoped for. That’d give her the courage to share her thoughts…maybe.
Again, she bowed her head so he couldn’t see her rolling her eyes as she cursed the idiocy of that. She was saved, though, when they were interrupted a few seconds later.
“Mr. Ambassador? It’s time.”
“Thanks, Owen.” Therin smiled over at the young man who’d touched his shoulder. He looked back down at Kianti, apology filling his gaze when he smiled.
“You’ve got to go to work,” she said before he could speak a word.
“I want us to finish this.” He linked his fingers through one of the dress rings to keep her still.
“We will.” She patted his chest reassuringly. “There’ll be time.”
He searched her deep dark gaze for a lengthy moment and then kissed her forehead hard and offered an arm. Together, they left the dance floor.
Chapter 14
Therin and Kianti parted ways shortly after they returned to the main ballroom. Moments after their presence was discovered, they were drawn apart by various guests including Kianti’s crew, who had just arrived shortly before the second hour of the event.
