Chapter 26 #2
Throughout this exchange, I hadn't been able to take my eyes off Cadence.
She had stood up from Cole, who had taken her hand before returning to watch out the window, her posture tense despite the confident image she projected.
When her gaze finally met mine, I saw the wariness there, the lingering hurt and anger from our last encounter.
But there was something else, too, a flicker of heat that told me she hadn't forgotten that kiss any more than I had.
"You look stunning," I said quietly, moving to stand beside her as Ryder, Luce and Stephen continued their conversation. Cade's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Thanks. Ryder has good taste." The casual mention of Ryder, the implication that he'd chosen her dress, sent a spike of jealousy through me that I tried to suppress.
"He does," I agreed, letting my gaze trail slowly down her body, "but you would make anything look good." She shifted, and I caught the slight hitch in her breath. Good. I wasn't the only one affected.
"Remember our agreement," I said, lowering my voice so only she could hear. "You stay by our sides tonight. No wandering off, no causing scenes."
"I remember," she replied, her tone cool. "I'll be the perfect little Consort, just like you want." The words stung more than they should have. "This isn't about what I want, Cadence. It's about keeping you safe."
Before she could respond, Cole sat forward in the chair and fished his phone from his pocket, his expression more composed now, though I could still see the tension in the set of his shoulders.
"Car's here," he said, standing up and smoothing down his tux, then turned to Cadence. "Are you ready for this?" She nodded, offering Cole a small, genuine smile that she hadn't given me. Another twist of jealousy, sharp and bitter.
As the group gathered their things, I pulled Cole aside briefly. "Are you sure you're good? We can still change the plan, have you stay back-"
"I'm going," he said firmly, his mismatched eyes hard with determination. "I won't let her face this alone." I nodded, clapping him on the shoulder. "Alright. But if it gets to be too much-"
"I know, I can leave at any time and come straight here.
" His gaze softened slightly. "But thanks.
" Ryder was checking his phone again, scrolling through what I assumed was an updated guest list. He stepped over to us and lowered his voice to a whisper.
"Still no sign of the Knottys," he said, looking up.
"But Harrison and Killingham will definitely be there, along with most of the rest of the Inner Circle. "
"Great," I muttered. "Just what we need."
“We expected as much,” Cole said, “It wouldn’t look good if the highest of us were to skip now would it?”
“Who isn’t on the list?” I asked curiously. Ryder pulled a sad face.
“The Lynch’s,” he said almost pouting. “Apparantly Sebastian is on some work order over in the US.” My lip twitched, understanding the sad look. I guess Ryder wouldn’t have the chance to almost talk to his Idol once again.
"Stick to the plan," Ryder said, suddenly serious.
"We keep Cadence between us at all times.
If anyone tries to separate her from us, we shut it down immediately.
" I nodded, surprised and grateful for Ryder's focus.
For all his playboy antics and obsessive tendencies, when it came to protecting what he considered his, Ryder was as fierce as they came.
"Let's go," I said, gesturing toward the door. "And remember, we're presenting a united front tonight. No matter what happens, we stand together."
As we moved toward the elevator, I found myself falling into step beside Cadence. The scent of her perfume, something floral and rich, wrapped around me, making my head swim. The urge to touch her, to claim her in some small way, was nearly overwhelming.
"Princess," I said softly, just as the elevator doors opened.
"Whatever happens tonight, know that I…" I paused, struggling to find the right words.
"I need you to trust me. Can you do that?
" She turned to face me fully then, her blue eyes searching mine.
For a moment, the mask slipped, and I saw the vulnerability beneath her defiance, the fear she tried so hard to hide.
"I really hope so," she whispered, and then she was moving into the elevator, leaving me to follow.
In the lobby, Stephen pulled Ryder aside for one final warning about keeping a low profile, while Luce clung to Cade's arm, their heads bent together in quiet conversation.
Cole stood slightly apart, his gaze constantly scanning the room, alert for any sign of danger.
Outside, a sleek black limousine waited, its engine purring softly. As we approached, my phone buzzed again. I pulled it out, expecting another message from my father, but instead found a text from an unknown number:
Unknown
Eyes are everywhere, watching you.
A chill ran down my spine as I stared at the cryptic warning. I quickly deleted the message, not wanting the others to see my reaction, but the unease it sparked lingered.
"Everything okay?" Cole asked as we reached the car. I forced a nod, pocketing my phone.
"Fine. Just my father being his usual charming self.
" The driver opened the door, and one by one, we slid into the plush interior of the limo.
I made sure to position myself next to Cadence, whose eyes were lit up looking around the inside of the car.
As the car pulled away from the pavement, the city lights blurring outside the windows, I felt a horrible feeling that tonight was going to be disastrous.