Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 71348 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71348 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
“Here we go,” Trev said as he placed a charming smile on his face and we walked into the large ballroom.
People were dancing while others were in groups, talking. Drinks were in everyone’s hands. It was similar to the only other gala I had attended, except the dancing was happening with cocktail time. Perhaps this wasn’t a sit-down dinner event. I hoped not. I wasn’t sure I could eat.
“There’s Dad,” Trev said, and I let him lead me over to the group standing with Garrett.
When Garrett’s eyes landed on us, he did a quick take of my dress and gave me a pleased smile. At least the boss was happy with me.
“It seems my youngest son has arrived with the belle of the ball,” Garrett said a little too loudly.
He held out his arm for me to take, and Trev nudged me. I let go of Trev and walked over to Garrett. He took my hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm.
“This stunning beauty is Madeline Marks, Eli’s granddaughter,” he announced to those he was standing with.
He’d used my grandfather’s last name instead of Reese. It felt odd, but I was grateful. Reese was a name I no longer wanted to carry. I had never known my grandfather, but he had died, wanting me. Luke had not.
I could feel other eyes on me, but I didn’t move my attention from the group in front of me. I was not ready to face Blaise. He was here, and he was looking at me. I could feel it.
“Madeline, dear, this is Gunther Ford and his wife, Audrey. They will soon have the largest racing empire in the world at the rate things are going,” Garrett said, and everyone chuckled, as if he was telling a joke.
I smiled and returned their greeting.
“Absalon Daniels and his son, Francis. Absalon owns several television networks, and his son is available if mine doesn’t snatch you up.” Garrett once again got laughter from the others.
Francis was attractive in that frat boy kind of way. He gave me a smile that made me slightly uncomfortable. I managed to return it but decided I’d keep my distance from him. He gave me a bad vibe.
“Edger Warren, a banking executive who is currently in between wives. Edger, she’s too young for you.”
Again, more laughter.
Garrett patted my hand. “I’m pleased you came,” he said to me. “Trev, why don’t you take our Madeline to get a drink and meet some others here?”
Although he had a pleasant smile, I could almost feel his unspoken words to Trev. It was as if he was encouraging him to defy his brother. That he was in control and this was to be handled his way. Trev placed a hand on my lower back. The back of the dress dipped all the way down to my waist, leaving my back exposed. It felt weird, having someone other than Blaise touch my bare skin.
Trev leaned into me. “Francis is a fucking pussy. Stay away from him.”
I nodded. “I already planned on it.”
“Dad knows Blaise would kill him. Maybe that’s why he did it. Not sure where we stand with the Daniels right now. Perhaps that relationship is about to be terminated. They don’t tell me shit.”
I hoped terminated didn’t mean murdered. I didn’t know them or particularly like the guy from our brief introduction, but I didn’t see a reason to kill them. Perhaps terminated didn’t always mean murder in this group.
“Showtime,” Trev said under his breath, and I felt him tense up.
My eyes shifted from him to see Blaise standing across the room. His gaze was locked on me, and although there was a room of people between us, I could feel the fury rolling off him in waves. I stopped walking. My heart started to race, and I realized this was a game I didn’t want to play. Saxon had said once that he didn’t want to get between Garrett and Blaise Hughes. I understood that now. It was a terrifying feeling.
“You’re fine. His head might explode at any moment, but he’s not going to do anything to you,” Trev said. “Now, me? Well, it’s possible he’s going to try and kill me, but I trust Dad to keep me alive. This was his idea.”
My gaze went to the woman beside him. Her hair was black, and her olive complexion with her pale blue eyes was an exotic combination. The dress she was wearing clung to her curves. She was holding on to Blaise’s arm as she spoke to the people with them. Jealousy gnawed in my gut. He hadn’t wanted me here on his arm, and I could see why when he could have someone who looked like that. She definitely made an impression.
Kudos, Blaise.
I tore my gaze from them and looked back up at Trev. “I need a drink,” I told him.