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“And Evans,” he calls, as I make my way towards the door. “Nice ring.”
My gaze moves to the emerald diamond on my finger. It seems like forever ago that I purchased it, but it’s only been an hour. My eyes meet Christian’s once more, and then I’m high-tailing out of his room and into mine, my heart pounding with each step.
I have no idea what just happened.
Thirty minutes later, I step outside my room, dressed and ready to go. I’m not entirely sure how I got dressed, considering the riot in my head. But I did. Carefully, I move down the stairs to Christian, who’s already waiting for me in his silver and blue Range Rover. As soon as I step outside, his gaze finds mine. Like he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Like he could feel me and he was drawn to me.
He doesn’t say a word for several seconds as he takes me in. He barely even moves. He just stares. I’m wearing a long, sleeveless red gown with a slit on the side that reveals my leg and six-inch silver stiletto heels. I would have gone for something much more ostentatious considering what’s on the agenda for tonight, but after everything that’s happened today, I want nothing more than to get the night over with and return home.
Christian finally walks over, his arms outstretched to let me into the car. “Sei bellissima,” he says, his voice a little gruff.
I beam at the compliment. And then I frown because I really shouldn’t be smiling at him right now. We didn’t finish our conversation from earlier, but it’s clear Christian considers it done. I step into the car, my eyes fixed out the windshield. I don’t say a word the entire way to the event. And once we arrive, I step out on his arm and do exactly what he needs me to do.
Smile and look pretty on his arm.
CHAPTER12
Christian
I’ve always liked the concept of fear. It’s like the human brain secretes some kind of chemical that holds so much power over that person in the moment. Fear defies all logic and reason. As soon as it’s there, we lose the ability to think about anything other than the causation of the feeling. The way it feels. Some people get the sense to flee, some to survive, some to fight. But at the end of the day, it’s right there. Always ready to trigger that flight-or-fight response.
Almost everyone in this room has something to fear. And what’s even more thrilling is the fact that I hold the key to those fears. Which means when it all comes down to it, everyone in this room fears me.
Feared and respected. Father would be proud.
Although there’s one person in here I’m sure doesn’t fear me. I don’t want nor need her to, though. Daniella’s upset. I can’t say I blame her. Objectively, I may have caused some of her ire, but ultimately I’m the person who has something to be fucking upset about. She can’t go about the streets of New York talking to the past men in her life.
The thought of her meeting with Joshua Hart today, sends me into a fresh wave of fury that I manage to tamp down. It took Carlo thirty minutes to find out basic information about the man. Heir to the Hart Media industry. His family’s old-money rich and Joshua is just as generic as the rest of them. A typical man with generational wealth just waiting to fall into his lap. He went to NYU for two years, where I’m sure he met Daniella, before he transferred to a college abroad. His record’s spotless. And he’s on a fast-track to becoming the youngest CEO of his parents’ company. On paper, Joshua Hart is perfect.
I need more, though, his dirty little secrets. Something I could use to tip the scales of power. Something that would make him fear me.
Daniella’s arm brushes my side and my attention is immediately drawn to her.
I sigh softly, deciding to end the silence. “This is probably the longest you’ve ever gone without saying a word.”
Her eyes meet mine. “You never make a promise you can’t keep.”
“I don’t,” I say in agreement.
“But this morning, you told me Brock and Zack wouldn’t go with me when I went shopping for the ring.”
“Told being the key word,tesoro. Plus, it wasn’t Brock or Zack.”
“So you had one of your other goons follow me about all day,” she says dryly.
I give her a look. “We’ve talked about this, Daniella. You’re associated with me now. Which means my enemies are your enemies. I’m just trying to keep you safe.”
“Or you’re trying to spy on me.”
Weirdly enough, my blood thrums in approval of her fury. I love seeing her angry and worked up; it only adds to her beauty. Especially when I take in her dress. The sight of her in it sent a rush of heat straight to my groin. I’ve lost count of the number of men I’ve had to glare at tonight, a reminder that she’s mine.
“You can’t go anywhere without protection, Daniella. End of story.”
Her eyes flash with hurt, which sends an odd tightness to my chest. I’m doing this for her sake. I wish she would just understand that.
“Do you want to head over to the donation table and hand in our check?” I ask her, knowing she needs some space at the moment.
She nods once, her jaw tight. I hand over the check and she immediately walks away. I grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, wishing I had something stronger. I don’t usually imbibe but Daniella could push a saint to murder. As if I conjured him, my brother appears in front of me, collecting my glass of champagne and placing it on the table.
