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26
ISABELLA
“God, am I out of my mind?” I whisper, staring down at the dress that hugs my thighs. It leaves very little to the imagination. “I don’t usually wear things like this.”
Too late to change now.
When I walk into the room, his mouth drops. “Wow,” Alex says once I’m within earshot. “You look… absolutely stunning.”
“You wanted to grab their attention, right?” I feel like I should click my heels or thank my fairy godmother.
On the inside, I want the ground to open up and swallow me whole. How am I supposed to survive the night when everyone’s staring at me? But the answer is obvious. I’ll do more than survive. I have Alexis by my side.
We arrive at the party with linked arms. He leads the way through the crowd, nodding and exchanging greetings with the people whose heads nearly snap when I enter the room.
Nothing about this feels comfortable, from what I’m wearing to the event we’re currently mingling at. This is important to Alex, so I’ll put on a brave face and push through.
Butwow. Every single person we come across, they smell like money. They might shit gold, for all I know.
Their outfits are custom-made. It’s clothing that has never been worn by anyone else and might never be worn again since it’s already been worn once. Most of these people look like models with dewy, clear skin. One woman approaches us and says she’s sixty-three, but she looks no older than forty.
“How are you feeling?” Alex whispers. His hand grazes my lower back, making me stand a little straighter. “I know that this might be a lot. Just let me know if you want to leave.”
I force a smile. In my peripheral, I see one of the bar areas. I may need a glass or two soon. “This is wonderful. Don’t worry about me.”
“Alex!” A man raises his hands above his head, nearly spilling his glass of wine all over his suit. “My God, it’s good to see you! Who’s the beauty?”
We walk over to get closer to him.
“Benjamin, hello,” Alex replies, ducking his head respectfully. The man eyes me with a glint in his gaze and a coy smile. “This is my fiancée, Isabella.”
“Aren’t you a sight?” Benjamin whispers, taking my hand and brushing his lips across my knuckles.
Beside me, I feel Alex stiffen up considerably with his actions. I don’t want this man slobbering over my hand, either, but I suck it up.
When he straightens out, I grin. “Nice to meet you,” I say softly.
“Where’d you find one like this, Alex?” Benjamin asks, adjusting his blazer. “I’d kill for a woman this good-looking.”
“How much have you had to drink tonight, Benjamin?” Alex asks, raising a brow. “You need to watch the alcohol. I don’t think your wife would appreciate the words coming out of your mouth.”
“Ouch.” Benjamin frowns. Meanwhile, Alex brings me a bit closer to his side, digging his fingers into my waist. “I’m just kidding. Please don’t tell Priscilla.”
The smile Alex sends him is forced. It never reaches his eyes. “Don’t worry. Just be careful, yeah?”
Alex pats him on the back and sends him on his way. When he’s out of sight, the scowl on his face deepens and his eyes darken considerably. I swallow hard.
“I don’t tolerate disrespect,” he says in a low voice, guiding me to a more secluded spot. There are a few lounge chairs positioned around a small fire pit. I take a seat, conscious of how my dress rises a little higher up my thighs. “If anyone tries talking to you like that again, let me know.”
“Aren’t we supposed to mingle?” I ask, brushing my fingers along his wrist.
“Only if they’re worthy of our company.”
My breath catches in my throat. What’s going on with him? He isn’t jealous of the attention I’m receiving, is he?
I catch his gaze trailing over the expanse of my legs. Clearing my throat, I gesture to the drinks station. “I’m going to get some water. Do you want anything?”
“No, I’ll…” He hangs back, sticking his hands in his pockets. “I’ll talk to some people. Join me whenever you’re ready.”
