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His nose crinkles. “Handsome? I was going for dashing.”
“Dashing, too. Definitely Sea Warlock worthy.” I move closer. “I’m glad your hair is down.”
He hums. “You’re the only one who will feel that way. I’m sure Elsa will have something to say about it.”
“Will she have anything to say about me?” I do a slow spin, showing off my dress. “I love the dress, by the way. It’s perfect.”
He eyes me hungrily. “Yes, it is.”
“Stop looking at me like that when we don’t have time to play before we leave.”
He grins, putting his arm around my waist. “Anticipation always makes things better, pet.”
We make our way outside, and I’m glad the SUV is heated for us, since I don’t have a coat to go with my outfit. Kieran pulls me close, rubbing my shoulder. I lean into his touch, which might make me pathetic, but I don’t care.
“Some ground rules for the night. You are to stay by my side. Do not speak to anyone unless given permission. If anyone mentions Erics, let me respond. If anyone asks if you and I have fucked, the answer is no.”
“Would someone really be bold enough to ask me that?”
“Yes.”
“Jeez.”
“With luck, we will gain several prospects for you. Once that happens, I will start vetting them until the list has been narrowed.”
My chest is tight. “What happens when the list is narrowed?”
“I’ll arrange meetings with the top contenders.” He gives me a small smile. “This won’t be something that happens overnight, pet. I’m going to make sure that you end up with the best candidate.”
He thinks I’m nervous about finding someone to marry me. If only he could see the real reason I’m worried…
I say, “I promise I won’t let you down.”
The engagement party is in Manhattan at the Beekman Tower, on the twenty-sixth floor at Ophelia’s. It takes us a while to get there. Judging by the line of vehicles in front of us, anyone who’s anyone is here. The SUV comes to a stop and Kieran gets out first, holding out his hand to help me out. The camera flashes are immediate, and I’m so glad that I let Seb do my hair and make-up.
Photographers yell out Kieran’s name, asking him to stop for a photo. He smiles, pulling me close to his side as the cameras flash until all I see is spots.
“Mr. Van der Zee, who is the stunning woman at your side?”
“Mr. Van der Zee, does this mean you’re not still with Jane Ursuland?”
“Mr. Van der Zee, give your pretty friend a kiss for the cameras.”
Kieran tugs at me to follow him, not answering a single question. When we get inside the lobby, I let out a shaky breath.
“That was intense.”
“It can be. Come.”
I follow him to the elevator, where we’re whisked to the twenty-sixth floor. The doors open, revealing the most beautiful decorations I’ve ever seen. It looks like a winter wonderland.
Kieran says, “Let’s get a drink and stroll around the room.”
I nod, taking the glass of champagne he hands me. The room is packed, and I look around, fearing and hoping that Winter is here, even though Sebastian said he didn’t think she was. I mean, she and her husbandshouldbe here. Midas was close friends with Elsa back in the day. But I don’t see her. I don’t know if I’m happy or sad. I have little time to dwell on it because Kieran comes to a stop.
“Looks like someone is coming to say hello.”
My eyes widen when I see who’s approaching. It’s Malik Jafar and at his side is Ellie, the woman who I met in the hotel room in Vegas. She looks stunning and I’m surprised to see that her hair is now blonde.
