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11
The party is in full swing when we step through the arched doors of a Spanish colonial estate in Hollywood Hills. The grounds are massive, boasting a courtyard, a labyrinth style garden, and an ivory fountain that welcomes guests at the main entrance. Life-sized portraits grace the smooth stucco walls.
Sebastian links his arm with mine, and we follow Tatum through the grand foyer, my heels tapping across the flawless terracotta floor. We make our way deeper into the mansion, and I take in an array of artifacts from all over the world—statues of mythological creatures, busts of royals and political leaders, rare art and jewels, and all of it protected by hired security.
And the guests...some of them show off designs more outlandish than what the models wore today at the fashion show.
Tatum ushers us through the crowd, and despite holding a royal title, I feel out of place in my simple yet elegant pearl sheath. As if sensing my discomfort, Sebastian laces his fingers with mine, offering a quick squeeze.
He has a way of picking up on my moods, from arousal to unease, and his sexy smile reassures me. We enter a gigantic room with vaulted ceilings and dark wooden beams, and I relax a little. An arched fireplace separates the space, drawing the eye from all sides.
“Stick close to Sebastian,” Tatum says, his tone serious. “Understand?”
“Okay.” I narrow my eyes. “Are you going somewhere?”
He sends a lingering glance around the room, taking in the guests, from celebrities and social media influencers, to the waitstaff carrying trays of finger foods and champagne flutes.
“I need to find someone.” He looks between Sebastian and me. “Enjoy the party.” Tatum disappears into the crowd, and I’m still bewildered by his abrupt exit, and more curious than I should be about who this someone is, when I spot Axel near the fireplace.
Sebastian sighs, already staring the other man down. “If he doesn’t stop looking at you like you’re a piece of meat, we’re going to have problems.”
I can’t deny that Axel makes me nervous, especially when he winks at me and gestures us over to where he’s standing with Dedra and a group of models.
“He’s got connections,” I remind him as we bridge the space.
“I was hoping you’d make it tonight.” Axel smiles at me before nodding at the stunning brunette standing next to him. “Dedra, you remember Novalee, right?”
“Of course.” She raises her chin. “Axel has been talking non-stop about your designs. Congratulations on wooing the crowd.”
“Thank you.” I can’t tell if she’s sincere, but no one seems to question her praise.
Conversation flows for the next few minutes, the main topic being the fashion show, and then Alejandro Von Jean arrives, and the famous designer pulls me into an animated discussion about career branding and risk-taking moves.
At the first lull in the conversation, Sebastian leans down and speaks into my ear. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink. Can I get you anything?” His eyes haven’t strayed from Axel, his hostility on full display. I’m not sure if there’s a deeper reason, or if he’s just being his usual possessive self, but I figure a minute away from Axel might do him some good.
“I’ll take a seltzer water.”
“One seltzer water coming up.” He kisses my cheek before winding his way toward the bar.
Axel wastes no time in taking his spot. “So he’s the one, huh?”
“The one?”
“The one you’re hoping wins the auction.”
If Landon’s plan goes off without a hitch, I won’t need to hope for anything, but I can’t tell him that. “Yes, he’s the one.”
An amused smirk plays on his lips. “I was so sure it was Ford.”
“Ford is a friend. Sebastian is…”
Everything.
“Being the one and all,” Axel says, moving closer, “he should know better than to leave you unattended.” His finger trails down my cheek, grazing the same spot Sebastian’s lips touched, and a shiver travels down my spine.
Shuffling back a step, I look for Sebastian, hoping to find him heading toward me, drink in hand. Instead, I spot him at the bar with a striking redhead. He’s leaning toward her, his familiar smile aimed at this gorgeous stranger in a way that makes my teeth clench.
There’s no way he just met her.
