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“Oh, yes. I didn’t notice Marissa. Thank you for pointing it out. Damn, now people are going to think we came together,” I say dryly with a chuckle.
Thalia joins in with my acting and laughs, but I can tell it’s fake. “Everyone will think I have two dates now. Greg is also matching.”
I jerk in surprise. I never noticed that. Craning my neck over to Greg, he points down to his tie which, of course, is red. Not quite the same color as the dress or my tie but close. My piccola was one step ahead with asking Greg to wear that and there is no doubt in my mind of that being exactly what happened.
My gaze moves to Carter when he speaks. His eyes are narrowed on me. I see the challenge in them. “Where is your lovely wife,Melody,tonight?” I tense. I want to kill him.
He enunciates her name as if I could ever forget it. I feel Thalia freeze beside me, I reach down under the table and give her left leg a gentle, comforting squeeze. Silently telling her I’ve got this. Got her. “She had business in London,” I drawl easily. He eyes me for a long beat but nods. I don’t give a damn if he believes me or not. I don’t need to tell him shit.
After that, the conversation returns to safe territory.
Showjumping.
I wouldn’t normally discuss horses whilst out, but I’m glad for it. I don’t need anyone else trying to delve into my private life.
* * *
After dinner, everyone seems to have relaxed some. The awards part of the evening is due to start any minute, which I’m grateful for. I just want this night over with.
Thalia was nominated for the best newcomer award, and I’m praying with everything in me she beats out the competition. She deserves it more than anyone else. Her drive, tenacity, and ambition to succeed in this sport is second to none and her winning this category will give her the confidence that she’s good enough to be competing at this level.
“Now we move to a hard category which had twelve nominees. By watching everyone’s progress, skills, and results over the last couple of months, we managed to narrow it down to just four. It was a hard decision but one that was made all the same,” the MC says. My piccola’s good leg bounces under the table, waiting to hear if she won. “Although we are impressed with every single one of you, we felt this particular competitor stood out the most. So, without further ado, the winner of the Royal Palm, Winter Tours best Newcomer Award goes to... Thalia Maxwell.”
Cheers sound out around the room, and our table shouts their congratulations, but all my attention is focused on the girl beside me, who gasps and stares up at me with teary eyes. She is overwhelmed by this, but I knew she had it in her. I smile, pulling her into a quick hug. “Go on. Get up there and get your award,” I murmur. I want to go up there and help her, but the fact I won’t be able to stop myself from touching her, loving on her, makes me stay put. “Greg, help her up,” I bark.
He shoots me a murderous look but does as I say and helps her to the stage. He stands to the side, letting her bask in her moment as she accepts her award. I watch her with adoration so strong, so tangible I know everyone else in this room will feel it if they look close enough. Right now, I don’t care. My pride in this moment is everything. I want people to see.
She climbs the stage with Greg beside her and shakes hands with the MC before he hands her the trophy, which Greg quickly takes from her. It’s no doubt heavy and if it’s anything like previous awards, it will be full gold and worth a good penny. She is handed the microphone and, like the professional she is, she starts her speech.
“Thank you so much. I am a bit overwhelmed right now, but I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. These last three months have been the best of my life, a dream come true, and I can’t wait to get back to it. I want to thank my trainer, Theo. Without him this would not be possible. His backing and belief in me have been second to none, and I am so grateful for his constant support and guidance. Everyone deserves a trainer like him.” She looks to me, but with the lighting I can’t see her eyes, then glances away and continues. “Thank you to my grooms, Jess and Maria who go above and beyond to make sure my animals are show ready and work hard every day. Although they are not here this evening, I would like to thank my parents for their support in my dreams, I wouldn’t be here without it.” She chuckles. “Sorry for babbling, I’m a little nervous, but I’m finished now.” Laughter breaks out in the room. “Thank you again. The Winter Tour has been an amazing experience and I can’t wait to come back next year.” Applause sounds and Greg takes Thalia’s arm to help her off the stage. I track every movement like my life depends on it. That is until hot breath hits my ear, and a dark drawl speaks.
“She is fucking mesmerizing. Beautiful. It’s no surprise you chose her over Melody. I would.” I look back at Dean with a scowl. He just smiles, then continues. “Too bad you won’t be able to keep her,” he says cryptically before walking away. I watch his retreating back all the while wondering what the hell he means. “I won’t be able to keep her.”
What the fuck does Dean know about us anyway? The fucker is bluffing. He’s got to be.
I hope.
