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“Drake,” I state and reach a hand out to shake his outstretched one. “Meet Sapphire, my fiancée.”
The man’s thick eyebrows shoot up, and he chuckles with genuine surprise. He’s a tall and imposing figure.
“Hawk,” he states, his European accent thick but refined, the corners of his mouth curling into a practiced grin. “I’ve heard the whispers, but seeing is believing. And who is this enigmatic doll who managed to ensnare Hawk Kline?”
Turning his attention on Sapphire, he approaches her, leaning down to press a kiss to both of her cheeks. His proximity is too fucking close for my liking, but I put on a tight smile.
“You’re a dazzling thing, aren’t you,” he muses, his gaze sweeping over her unapologetically. “Where have you been hiding? I haven’t seen you before, and I remember all the pretty faces.”
I’m still holding onto her hand, not releasing her, when she lifts her chin.
“It’s nice to meet you. I guess I don’t typically frequent these circles.”
“Oh?” Drake studies her carefully, his curiosity obviously piqued. “And what do you do?”
“I’m a photographer,” she says without missing a beat.
“Ah,” Drake muses, glancing up at me with a nod, then back at Sapphire. “Of people, I assume?”
She shakes her head, her curls catching the light of the chandeliers. I’ve noticed we’ve amassed a small crowd around us, trying to listen in to spread the rumors of my engagement.
“Nature,” she answers. “It’s so much more agreeable.”
Drake laughs, holding a thick hand to his chest.
“Oh, I like her. She’s different from your usual taste, Hawk. This might be exactly what you’ve needed.” He claps a hand on my shoulder, firmer than necessary. “Now, shall we discuss some things?”
As he draws me aside, my fingers unlock from Sapphire, and I whip my attention over my shoulder to where she’s with the three women from Drake’s side, circling her like vultures.
I catch her slightly panicked gaze, but I give her a reassuring smile, knowing she can handle herself.
CHAPTERSIX
SAPPHIRE
I’m drowning in a sea of jewels, satin, and high-pitched laughter.
The women by Drake’s side seconds ago are now ushering me across the ballroom to a corner where lush, white lounges are arranged randomly. Guests are everywhere, chatting in animated conversations, drinking, and all pristine in appearance. Even sipping from their bubbly flutes doesn’t leave their lipstick smudged.
“Over there,” the red-haired woman with curls points out, holding onto my arm. “Let’s go there, and we can talk easier.”
“Okay,” I manage, my throat dry with anxiety, my gaze sweeping in every direction at the opulent party.
As we sit on one of the couches, a waiter is already approaching, tray in hand, offering us an array of drinks.
“Champagne for us, darling,” the brunette with short, pixie-style hair calls out to the waiter, who quickly retreats toward the bar.
Settling down, I subtly adjust my dress, desperately trying not to flash anyone. I frantically search the room for Hawk, but he’s disappeared. My heart rate is spiking, and I need to calm the hell down.
“So, Sapphire… I love your name, by the way,” the red-haired woman says with a playful smile, toying with the strand of pearls around her neck. “You’re Hawk Kline’s fiancée. That’s quite the title.”
Besides her, a tall blonde with a model-like posture leans in a dramatic pose. “Is that the engagement ring?” She points at the sapphire and diamonds on my finger, eyes bulging.
I glance down at the sparkling jewel, my shock that I’m wearing something so expensive still fresh on my mind. It’s heavy on my fingers, like a constant reminder it’s there.
Extending my hand hesitantly, I allow the women to take a closer look.
The brunette lets out a soft whistle. “It’s exquisite and huge!”
