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The place was huge, decorated with lots of greenery and candles along the tables suspended in beautiful round glass baubles. The whole room was aglow in soft light.
“It’s not weird at all. They’re not exactly the most involved parents. They held expectations for us, sure. But they were quick to palm us off to nannies when we were small and to send us to boarding school at a young age,” Cruz replied as he held me close and kissed my forehead.
“That’s where Cruz was supposed to be ‘trained’ in the ways of the nobility.” Jeremy rolled his eyes.
“I went the other way. I’ve been rebelling against the establishment since I was six.”
The pride in Cruz’s voice made me laugh.
“Invitations, please.”A guy dressed in a tux held his hand out, and Cruz handed him his invite. Jeremy followed suit.“These lovely ladies are your plus ones?”
Both guys nodded in unison.
Ruben tried to follow us but was stopped by the doorman. “I’m with them.”
“This is an invitation-only event. Invitation, please, sir?”
Ruben dropped his shoulders. “I don’t have one.”
“Then I’m sorry, you’re not allowed in.”
“Not allowed in? Are you kidding?” Cruz exclaimed.
The doorman folded his hands in front of him. “I’m afraid not. I am under strict orders from Earl Huntington to allow no one in who doesn’t hold an invitation. It’s to keep out any paparazzi, you see.”
While I appreciated his reasoning, knowing I wouldn’t inadvertently ruin the party, it was Ruben who was being excluded.
Cruz got into the doorman’s face and poked his chest. “Listen up, mate. I’m the eldest son of Harold, and I demand you let my friend inside.”
“It’s okay, you know. I could just go back to the room and read my book.” Ruben was never one to make a scene. It was an honorable trait, but it broke my heart to leave him out.
“Ruben—”
He cut me off. “It’s okay. You have a good night.”
“No, it’snotbloody well okay,” Cruz shouted.
“Is everything all right here?” A distinguished-looking man with light brown graying hair interrupted the melee.
“My lord, your son is refusing to follow the rules, sir.”
“So, what else is new?” With a sigh, the man I assumed was Earl Harold Huntington looked at Cruz with tired eyes. “Christian, what are you up to this time? Why are you intimidating poor Roger here?”
Cruz spun on his father and pointed his finger in Ruben’s direction. “Let my friend in.”
“He’s notmy friend, and if he isn’t on the guest list, he doesn’t come in. I won’t have stragglers on my property.”
“He’s no straggler,” I exclaimed.
The Earl turned up his nose at me. “Who are you?”
I gulped.
“She’s my plus one.” Cruz growled, slipping a protective arm around me.
“Uncle Harold. Lovely to see you after all this time, sir. Thanks for the invite.” Jeremy stepped forward and offered Earl Huntington his hand.
The Earl shook it. “Jeremy, it’s been too long, boy. I heard you were doing well for yourself in the Royal Marines.”
