AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No way. Never would I miss this,” she says, a sly smile slipping onto her face as she glances at Briggs.
“Why do I get the feeling there’s more going on tonight than I’m aware of?” he asks, and Clay chuckles.
“There’s not. But it’s just like she said, unpleasant and boring. And given the fact that you’re going to meet my family, I already feel bad for you.”
“Goldie, I can take care of myself, and if you need me, I have your back.”
“Goldie?” Emma asks, but I ignore her.
“Me too. I can take care of myself.”
He pins me with a look that leaves no room for argument or discussion. “I didn’t say you couldn’t. But now you’ve got me in your corner too.”
In my corner, behind the brick wall I’m already building to protect us both.
23
BRIGGS
Ithought I knew rich people, but looking around the penthouse we just stepped into, with its black and white marble floors and walls, extravagant artwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows, I realize I’ve sorely been mistaken.
“Ms. Rhodes, you are late,” says a gentleman who I perceive to be a butler, given by his jacket tails. Only his tone is disapproving, as well as the scowl on his face.
The muscles in my shoulders instantly tense.
What the fuck is this guy’s problem?
Goldie tilts her chin up a tad higher and returns the glare.
“No, Frederick. I can assure you I’m quite on time, not that it’s any of your concern.”
Internally, I fist pump. I know this Goldie, the mouthy one, and if that’s who I’m getting tonight, it will be a fun night.
The man folds his arms behind his back and puffs out his chest with clear annoyance. If we were anywhere else, I’d be giving him a piece of my mind about how the staff should be speaking to a member of the family, but I won’t. Tonight.
Having seen enough already, I slip out of my top coat, which is damp from the rain outside, and toss it over his shoulder. He scoffs in a shocked surprise, but I ignore him as I help Goldie out of hers and fling it in his direction as well.
“Hang these up for us, Freddy.”
Behind me, Emma giggles, and she does the same. She flings her coat at him, and he catches it, while Clay, on the other hand, gently places his coat on his shoulder and then pats him in a “there there” manner.
Without waiting for a response, I guide Goldie away with my hand on the small of her back. Emma and Clay follow.
“What was that?” I ask lowly so no one else can hear.
“It’s nothing. He works for my father and has always been very liberal with his opinions when he should have none.”
“Why does he still work here?”
She shrugs. “My father trusts him.”
That makes no sense to me. I would never keep someone in my company if they were openly rude to any member of my family.
She glances over her shoulder and up at me. There’s mirth in her eyes, but also something else. Something I’m not sure I like.
We each take a glass of champagne from the server standing at the entrance to the parlor room. At least a dozen people are already here, and every one of them turns to stare at the four of us as we walk in. Granted, I expected to be stared at, but this feels like something else, and red flags start waving.
Ignoring them, I lean down and whisper into her ear, “Hey.”
