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It’s not fair to burden him with my emotions. It’s not his fault that his parents are who they are, and I did agree to be his date. “I’m okay, just taking it all in.” I pretend to look out the window.
The cars ahead move too fast, and soon, we are getting out of the car. Alec hands his keys to the valet and then comes to my side and offers me his arm. I take it gratefully, and we join the glitzy throng of people making their way in.
Alec exchanges greetings with a few people as we walk to the ballroom. People are milling about, socializing when we walk in.
“Alec,” a familiar female voice calls.
Dread fills my stomach as Alec propels me to where his parents are standing with his two brothers. My heart pounds crazily when his mother’s gaze meets mine, and then she narrows her eyes. In the few seconds it takes us to reach them, her lips are arranged in a tight line.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my date, Ivy Martin,” Alec says when we join the circle.
“Hey, Ivy, great to see you again,” Dylan says. He surprises me by closing the distance between us to kiss my cheek.
Jace, Alec’s older brother, does the same and then pauses to whisper into my ear, “How’s my niece doing in there? And you?”
That makes me smile and relieves the tension I’m feeling. “I’m doing great. I hardly feel pregnant.”
“That’s great. You’re glowing by the way. Pregnancy suits you.” Jace says this part aloud, and Dylan loudly agrees.
I exchange stiff greetings with Alec’s parents. You can tell there’s no love lost between us, and I’m doubly grateful for his brothers. As they catch up, I distract myself by admiring the decorations in the ballroom. The theme is gold and red, and the tables are adorned with centerpieces and flowers of the same colors. I pick up the scent of food, and my stomach growls. Luckily, the chatter of people means that no one can hear it. These days I eat like a horse, but it doesn’t show. Not yet.
We are a little early, but soon, the ballroom fills up with people, and Alec takes my hand and introduces me around. I’m wide-eyed as I’m introduced to people I never imagined I’d meet.
After an hour of socializing, it’s time to sit down for dinner. I’m relieved to find we are not at the same table as Alec’s parents. His brothers and their dates share our table, and I end up having a really good time.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” Alec says when they begin the auction.
“Thanks. I really am.”
It’s fun to watch the exorbitant prices people pay for different art pieces and other rare things like leather-bound books. I remind myself that it’s for charity, and the beneficiaries are women who badly need some form of surgery or medical help, which they could otherwise not afford.
Afterward, a live band comes onstage, and it’s time for dancing.
“Would you like to dance, Ivy?” Alec asks.
“I’d love to.”
In the space left for dancing in the center of the room, Alec slips his arms around me, and my body goes into hyperawareness mode. I rest my arms around his neck as if he’s mine, and I’ve been doing it for years.
My nipples harden at the contact with his chest. As we sway to the slow ballad, my gaze meets his mother’s, and a cold shiver goes through me. She hates me!
I’m the first to look away, and I bury my head in Alec’s chest. There’s nothing she can do to me. Alec made a promise that he would be my protector, and I believe him.
I inhale deeply and make my muscles relax. Nothing is going to spoil my night.
14
Ivy
“Do you want to continue this at my place?” Alec whispers into my ear as we’re dancing.
My heart pounds so hard it feels like it’s going to pop out of my chest. We both know what Alec is asking, and my immediate reaction is to say no, but my mouth refuses to move. I’ve been aroused all evening, and I can’t imagine going home to bed alone. I need his hard body against mine and his hands on me doing things that will ease the ache I feel deep in my core.
“Yes,” I finally say, my desire overcoming my reservations.
I know I’ll regret this tomorrow, but right now, I don’t care. I need Alec. Since becoming pregnant, my libido has increased a hundredfold. It’s as if my body has its own brain that can demand sex because it feels as if I’ve no choice in the matter.
Alec takes my hand, and we walk back to our table. We say goodnight to his brothers and move to the next table. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as Alec addresses his parents.
