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“And how exactly did I come to behisdate for the evening?” I asked, thinking back on Nik’s words that Cass knew of the arrangement.
“Well, as honoree, he had the right to choose any woman in attendance as his date for the evening. And seeing as how you will be in attendance…”
“Cass, I’m sorry. Is this going to be trouble for you?” I asked.
“Quite the contrary, Mand,” Cass replied coolly. “It is considered the highest honor for your…date to be selected by an honoree for the evening. My House will be remembered for years to come,” Cass said.
Despite his words, he still sounded less than thrilled. I was glad he wasn’t mad about the situation, but Cass still sounded uneasy.
“There, uh… Well, Mandy… The issue is that I cannot go without a date to the party. I am the host. I have to do dances and, you know, hosting stuff,” he finished ineloquently.
What the hell? I went from going to a nice party with my boyfriend to my boyfriend going on a date with some other woman.
“Okay,” I said.
He peered into my face, and his roguish handsomeness was laced with concern.
“Okay,” I repeated this time, meaning it a little more. So, the party would be a bit different from what I’d expected. “But we’re still going home together at the end of the night, right?” I asked.
“The end of the night, Mand? I’m not waiting that long. Where do you think I am taking you right now?” he growled.
28
Alarie
Nik showed up at my door later that evening looking good enough to eat. And the worst part was that he fucking knew it. He wore a classic black tux that had been tailored to hug every bulging muscle on his body. No one would be able to look at him and not think of what was underneath the form-fitting fabric.
Cass had graciously left a few minutes before Nik’s arrival to save us any further awkwardness. He also had to go meet up with his date, I thought, unamused.
I wore an eggshell-colored strapless silk gown. It was beautiful in its simplicity and had been tailored to hug my every curve. I’d chosen a neutral color for the occasion. I couldn’t very well wear the gold-accented dress I’d originally planned to wear when I had thought Cass would be my date for the night.
Nik stood in the doorway, taking his time examining my outfit. I felt confident in the shape of my new, more toned body. I knew I looked damn good, but under his analytical stare I was growing self-conscious.
“Well,my Prince, does this meet your standards?” I asked, with a simple twirl to show off my gown.
“You look ravishing; like a princess fit to spend the night on the arm of a stunningly handsome Prince,” he said with a smirk.
I would have rolled my eyes, but the feel of his eyes still drilling into me told me he meant every word.
“But you are missing something. Close your eyes,” he ordered with the kind of authority of someone who knew compliance was impending.
I furrowed my brows in skepticism, but I closed my eyes. I felt him reach around my neck. He was so close I could smell him. Something cool and heavy touched, then rested on my chest, high above my cleavage.
“You can open your eyes now,” he said.
I looked down, then grasped the cool object. It was an emerald, almost the size of my fist, attached to a gold chain that appeared too dainty to support the weight of the giant jewel.
“Nik, what is this?” I whispered.
But my question was rhetorical. I knewexactlywhat it was. And everyone else would know as well. It was the most famous jewel in all of Valencia. It was House Heroux’s crown jewel. There were countless paintings of the late queen wearing the priceless piece.
“You didn’t really think you’d get away with wearing neutral colors tonight, did you?” he asked, quirking his eyebrow.
He was insane. The emerald was worth more than my entire hometown. It was…well, priceless.
“Nik, what if someone tries to steal it from me?” I asked nervously.
“I’d like to see them try,” he growled. “I don’t plan on leaving your side all night,” he promised, and for emphasis, he tugged me to his side, looping my arm through his.
