AllFreeNovel
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As we pass one of the auction items, I stop and stare. It’s a gorgeous painting of a mermaid on a rock overlooking the shore. A man walks up the beach away from her wearing tattered clothing. She has long red hair and a pained expression on her face, like she’d give anything to follow him. Luke steps up next to me as we observe the artwork in silence. The piece is large, meant for a centerpiece in a study or living room.
Luke rests his hand on my hip. “She looks familiar.”
I turn to him and smile. “It’s gorgeous.”
“You’re gorgeous,” he says and places a light kiss on my shoulder.
We continue on to the next item. “Do you hate this?” I ask.
He frowns. “No. I love being here with you.”
I shake my head. “No, I mean schmoozing the other billionaires.”
He chuckles. “You caught me. No, it’s not my favorite part of these events, but if it secures more money for the charity, I’ll schmooze the entitled elite all day.”
He turns when someone calls his name and a man in Marine dress blues approaches. Luke gives him a genuine smile. The first I’ve seen not directed at me all night. The man has a slight limp and stops when he reaches us. They embrace in a back clapping bro hug.
“Good to see you, brother,” Luke says.
“You too.” The man grins at me. His piercing gray eyes stand out against his mocha skin and if Luke wasn’t here, he’d be the most attractive man in the room.
Luke puts his hand on my lower back again. “This is my girlfriend, Liv.”
The man’s eyebrows rise. “Girlfriend? About fucking time.” He holds his hand out to me and we shake.
“Liv, this is Trevor. He was one of my boots with Jordy.”
“Call me Tank,” he says, and I nod. He’s about Brando’s size, so the name fits.
Tank lifts his pant leg, revealing a high tech prosthetic leg.
“Been meaning to thank you for the new hardware. Works like a dream. Best one yet.” Tank’s deep baritone fills the surrounding space.
“Tank’s been testing out some Reilly Tech stuff for me,” Luke explains.
My heart soars for this generous man. He makes a difference in people’s lives, mine included. Emotion swirls through me as I consider how lucky I am that he calls me his.
Someone calls out for Tank and he glances at them. “I've got to head inside, but let’s catch up later?”
Luke nods as Tank heads over to a group of men, also in uniform.
I reach up and kiss his jaw. “I’m so proud of you.”
He crinkles his forehead. “For what?”
“You’re amazing, Luke. You help so many people. It’s incredible.”
He shrugs. “It’s no big deal.”
I have the overwhelming urge to tell him I love him, but I bite my cheek before it slips out. It’s too soon.
He tugs me into him. “Whatever that look is for, let’s revisit it later before I throw you over my shoulder and make a scene.”
“Deal.” My bottom lip sinks between my teeth as his eyes darken.
He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles before leading me into the banquet hall.
I can’t shake the surreal feeling as I catch sight of a few celebrities. Dinner is about to begin, so people are taking their seats. Mark stands to the side, looking like an intimidating sentinel statue. He ruins the facade by winking at me and I grin back at him.
