Chapter 5
DANI
A soirée in Paul Knight’s penthouse. I still have to pinch myself.
This is such a big deal for me, for my family. I can’t believe that I’m here, meeting all the Knights.
Looking around, the penthouse, it was already so amazing to see during the day, but now, for the evening party, it has a different mood; opulent, rich, and discreet. The smell of money and power pervades the air.
I’m told that we’re in the Great Room. It’s a large open space with windows for walls on one side of the room, and with stunning views of the city and Central Park.
The sequined black, figure-hugging dress I’m wearing seems too much. With a high neck, it reveals my bare shoulders even more because I’m wearing my hair up. To make matters worse, the dress catches the light, shimmering as I walk and I suddenly feel overdressed, wrongly dressed, for a room filled mostly by with men in suits.
I wish I hadn’t listened to Paul Knight. I’m already seeing that he manipulated me into wearing something I wouldn’t have chosen for myself.
This dress is more for a party and not for an event like this. I wish I’d gone with my gut and worn something demure. like the smart but dressy trousers I’d picked out. But Paul insisted I wear something dazzling, something that would catch the eye of a Knight.
I feel so out of place, and I’m sure it shows. I don’t know what to look at, and I know no one, apart from Paul Knight but he’s busy being the host. Luckily the views from this room are stunning, and I look out often, as do most people here, but they’re talking and laughing. The penthouse is a hive of activity, chatter and people circulating.
There are only two other women here, as guests. The others are servers, and they are so beautiful, in my country they would be on the cover of magazines, not serving food at events like this.
I arrived early, before most of the guests and Paul tried to put me at ease. He told me that his sons would be here soon and I anxiously awaited their arrival, looking around, standing here by myself. Feeling out of place and out of my comfort zone. Every now and then Paul would take me under his wing and introduce me to his friends. I tried not to shiver in disgust when most of them, not all, but most , raked their eyes over me slowly. I’m sure many won’t even remember my name, but they looked at me like they wanted to devour me. I’ve seen that look in the eyes of many men.
It’s a hungry look. Men can’t hide their feral desires.
I approached the women guests. They’re much older, both wearing pantsuits. This is so plainly a man’s world and maybe they wanted to blend in, not stand out in sparkling sequins like me. I tried to make conversation but they were cold towards me, a little wary of me. But this changed when I started talking about business, and AO Eletronica. They soon took interest. It was then that they saw me as someone worthy. Someone more than the sexy dress I had on.
After that I walked around with a glass of untouched champagne in my hand, trying to be as invisible as I can be in a shimmering dress that hugs my body.
And that’s when I saw them enter.
The Knights.
They stood at the entrance of the room. I recognized them from the online research I’d done. It was impossible to ignore how handsome they are. They’re all so good-looking. T oo good-looking. And they’re around my age, a little older.
Not decades older. Not old enough to be my father .
I know all too well that beauty is only skin deep and I planned on getting to know them, to see if they have good hearts and good values, and to see who among them is caring and kind.
Just as I was getting ready for Paul to make an introduction, he told me to hide. I wasn’t sure why, but I did as he asked, and I listened as he addressed his guests, then talked about the Latin American markets. And then, he introduced me.
That’s something I wasn’t expecting.
He said he didn’t want to parade me like a show pony, but introducing me the way he did, he did exactly that, because I felt like a show pony. I was so nervous walking into the room and I had to keep reminding myself why I was here, why I agreed to this.
I started to see that what this man does, and says, are two different things, and I’m already unsure of whether I can trust him.
“Time to meet my sons,” he said, casually opening his arm and expecting me to loop mine through it. Which I did. He then led me over to his sons, and I didn’t know where to fix my gaze because when he introduced me, his sons seemed frozen for a few awkward seconds.
Then one of them said something about this being a bride auction. He seemed annoyed. So hateful. It unsettled me. Paul introduced him as Dexter and warned me to watch him. I started to understand why Paul had put on this event, why he’d asked me to meet him at the penthouse instead of the office.
His sons seemed to hate that I was there. And I got the feeling that they’re not too close to their father, either.
One of the brothers, Zach, I think, was nice and he shook my hand. But Jett, the one I was supposed to marry, seemed especially cold. He barely acknowledged me, yet his girlfriend, I presume she’s his girlfriend, given how his arm was slung tightly around her waist, seemed friendly.
“Hi, I’m Cari. Nice to meet you,” she said.
I felt relieved because her warmth felt genuine. “Nice to meet you.”
“Is this your first time in the US?” she asked.
“No. I’ve been here a few times. I also went to college here.”
“That’s so interesting.” We made idle small talk, and I sensed that she was doing her best to make me feel welcome, but I felt more out of place than ever. Worse, I felt isolated. It’s obvious that I’m not wanted here. Before I started to spiral in misery, a friendly voice cut through my thoughts.
“Where did you study?”
He was young, and smiling, and I breathed a sigh of relief that someone was talking to me.
“I’m Zach, by the way.” Zachary Knight. I recall reading about him online.
“Hi, nice to meet you, Zachary.”
“Don’t … don’t call me that. I prefer Zach. I’m the youngest of this set of brothers.”
This set of brothers? I blinked. Before I could ask what he meant, I caught a movement. It was one of the brothers, Dexter, I think. He nudged Zach’s elbow. I couldn’t tell if it was a warning or a joke.
Paul didn’t mention anything about there being two sets of brothers. Maybe he’ll tell me later. There was nothing online about that.
Zach continued. “Six brothers is a lot to remember. I guess you’re struggling to remember who’s who.”
Paul left me then, and I wish he hadn’t. That’s when the rude son left, too, saying he needed to get some air. I felt relieved that he left because I wasn’t prepared for anyone to be as rude to me as Dexter was.
Another brother stepped forward and smiled, looking effortlessly polished in his sophisticated tux.
“I’m Enzo.” He offered me his hand to shake. His voice was deep and he seemed suave and confident. I think he’s the youngest. There’s something about him, something refined. Then he turned to another brother, and this one wore a chain around his neck and had tattoos peeking from his wrist, but he walked away.
“Sorry about that,” Enzo said. “That was Matteo. He can be a little …,” he shrugged and didn’t complete his sentence.
And now, this is where I am. Standing around, trying to breathe. Trying to think about my parents, and why I’m doing this.
Enzo, Zach and Cari make small talk. I’m grateful that they’re trying. I feel like they’re nicer than the others, and they’re doing their best to make me feel welcome. But I don’t feel welcome at all, and I now start to wonder if I’ve made a big mistake. I start to think about Oscar Ramos.
“This is Rio,” Enzo says, breaking me out of my thoughts. He turns effortlessly to another brother, who’s gaze I’ve felt on me the entire time. We acknowledge one another with a nod, and then he pulls out his hand and I shake it.
“There are too many names to remember,” I admit, nervously. “I’m going to have a hard time keeping track of everyone.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t agree to an arranged marriage with a stranger,” someone says. It’s a familiar voice. A cold voice. And it belongs to that rude man. The one who seems to despise me even though he barely knows me. I turn and find myself staring into the cold dark eyes of the brother I thought it was. Dexter.
“This is Dexter,” Enzo says.
“I remember. You’re so hard to forget,” I say, my voice thick with sarcasm. He looks at me, and he’s still unsmiling. As if I’ve ruined his evening just by breathing. He doesn’t bother responding. Instead, he lifts his beer bottle, takes a slow sip, and watches me over the rim.
Tall and clean shaven, from his build, he looks like someone who spends time at the gym. Slightly flummoxed by the blatant resentment, I ignore him and turn to Rio, but I immediately regret it. Because Rio is staring at me. Again.
I hate when this happens. And it happens all the time.
People assume beauty is some great blessing, but sometimes, it’s a curse. Because people sometimes just freeze around me. They don’t know what to say. They just stare. Now I’m convinced that I should’ve worn something different. Something less noticeable.
Rio doesn’t strike me as the silent type. There’s a confidence and swagger about him that he exudes in bucketfuls. Until now, when he’s staring at me. Looking like he’s been hit over the head with something hard.
I shift uncomfortably.
Thankfully, Cari jumps in. “You must find this quite overwhelming,” she says, her voice gentle. “I can imagine it’s not easy, walking into a place like this, with all these men in suits.”
I wonder what she knows about this arrangement. “It was a big decision to come here.”
“When did you arrive?” Dexter asks.
“He talks,” I remark, my voice caustic. This gets me a few laughs, but it seems to aggravate him further. He raises an eyebrow. What did he expect after his rudeness? For me to take it?
“Oh, I can talk. I can talk a lot, as it happens. Just depends on if I want to.”
“To answer your question, I arrived a few days ago.”
“A few days ago, huh?” His voice is carefully neutral. “But I thought the deal was already over.”
I laugh, but it’s nervous. I don’t know how to answer. He blatantly referred to the deal. He’s not dancing around the issue. I stare at my glass, trying to stay cool and collected, trying not to rise to the slight edge in Dexter’s voice.
“Do you want to leave now?” Cari asks Jett quietly. From the periphery of my vision, Jett glances at his watch.
“Let’s go. I’d like to read Brooke a story before bedtime,” Jett replies, turning his back to me. “Excuse us,” he says, looking around at his brothers, and pointedly ignoring me. I don’t know why he hates me so much. He’s found and is with someone he loves.
He and Cari do look good together.
I’m not to blame for any of this. But still, Jett and his brothers, most of them, seem to hate me.
Except for the two youngest ones, Enzo and Zach, and the one who won’t stop staring. Rio.
Enzo excuses himself, mumbling something about needing food, and Zach follows him.
I nod, pretending like I’m fine.
That leaves me alone with Rio and the rude one, who suddenly turns to me. “You’re not here to discuss global expansion and emerging markets with my father, are you?”
“Oh, Dexter,” I say, offering a coquettish laugh that I try hard to make sound believable. It’s evident that he thinks I’m an airhead. “I can absolutely talk about that, if you’d prefer. I work in Brand Strategy and Corporate Communications, and part of that involves managing advertising campaigns and staying competitive in all markets.”
“I’m more interested in what brings you here,” Dexter says. “Did my father contact you?”
He doesn’t waste any time getting straight to the point. Why would he ask me this? It’s obvious that these guys aren’t keen on their father, which makes me worry. How can anyone not like their father? I love mine with all my heart, which is why I’m willing to sacrifice my happiness for him.
One son not liking Paul Knight, I can understand. But two sons? All of them? None of them seem to like this man. I must guard myself against their father. I must remain vigilant, because if six of his sons don’t care much for him, there must be a good reason.
“No,” I reply, thankful that this is the truth.
“You just got on the plane and decided to come here? To do what? To convince Jett to change his mind?” There’s an edge to his voice that I don’t like. I don’t think I can come clean and tell him why I’m here. This was supposed to be a formal introduction for me, as Paul Knight said, an easier way for me to meet his sons, but it looks like they’ve all figured it out and are angry.
Not just with their father, but with me.
“It was nothing like that,” I say calmly.
“His mind’s pretty well made up,” Dexter snarls. “Don’t think you wearing that dress will get him to—”
“Calm down, Dex,” Rio says. “Don’t be an ass.”
“Let her answer,” says Dexter.
I wish Raquel were by my side. She’d know how to handle these boys. She’d have verbally whipped them and hung them out to dry by now.
I give the rude one a pointed stare. “I have no intention of trying to convince anyone. And as for your oldest brother, I have absolutely no interest, because that deal never even got off the ground. We’ve never even spoken prior to this evening.”
Dexter’s face twists. “Jett was in Bermuda over the summer, having the time of his life with his assistant.”
“That’s information I don’t need to know.” My face feels hot. My insides hard and heavy. I need to get away from this man. I pity the woman who ends up with him.
“Dex.” Rio shakes his head. “I’m sorry,” he says to me. “Dex can get a bit … angry sometimes. For no reason at all, usually.”
“I apologize,” Dexter says gruffly. He looks at me for a beat and I can’t read his expression. I don’t know what to make of this man. He hasn’t fallen at my feet. Thankfully. And he’s been openly hostile. I don’t understand him. And now, to confuse the situation further, he apologizes. Something I never saw coming.
I’m starting to see this man as an enigma. Turns out, I love a good challenge. “Apology accepted.”
“I’m protective of my brothers.” He waves his bottle at me, and I see a rare smile. The anxiety that’s been tying my insides into knots, eases. I like that he’s protective of his brothers, and taking that into consideration, I don’t blame him for getting angry with this situation. Maybe a lot of his nastiness stems from his father? Maybe I’m not the one he’s angry with.
I’m tempted to ask him about his family, to see if I can get some nugget of information, something that they aren’t telling me. Information that I haven’t seen online.
“How come someone like you hasn’t met anyone?” he asks. I like that. He’s trying to get to know me, and he’s asking all the important questions. Meanwhile, Rio’s staring at me like I’m the eighth wonder of the world, and I feel self-conscious again.
“Dude, get a drink,” Dexter tells him. Rio gives me a disarming smile and a side eye at his brother before leaving.
“You were going to tell me why you haven’t met anyone,” Dexter prompts.
I like that he’s curious. That he isn’t taking me at face value. “I’ve been more focused on work.”
“No boyfriends?”
“Not at the moment. I dated while in college, here in the US, but nothing serious.”
“You studied here?”
“At Georgetown university.”
His eyebrow starts to rise, before he schools his expression. “You last dated while in college, and not since?”
He’s interrogating me, but I don’t get any sleazy vibes from him. It seems like he’s trying to figure out my motives. I don’t sense this is because he has no interest in me. I don’t feel like he’s trying to work out if I’m available so that he can get ready to swoop in.
He jerks his chin, indicating the people around us. “You must be used to attention like this.”
“I don’t like it,” I reply carefully.
“Funny that you should say that, wearing such a figure-hugging sparkly dress. You’re hard to miss.”
I suddenly feeling tired. Like I’ve had to be on my best behavior while trying to figure out all these personalities, trying to work out who would be best for an alliance.
Who out of all these brothers I could live with for one year.
Be married to. On paper.
And I’m still not sure how this would work.
“Your father suggested I dress up,” I reply, noticing Matteo over Dexter’s shoulder. He’s laughing with one of the pretty servers. He seems flirtatious, and doesn’t seem to carry himself with the same gravity as the rest of the brothers. He’s the only one not in a full suit. He’s wearing jeans and a shirt with a casual blazer over it.
Dexter’s eyes fill with surprise. “Jesus. You’ve already started obeying my father, and you’re not even a member of the family.” My mouth feels like I’ve swallowed sand. “Did your father force you into this?” he asks. This time, there’s a softness in his eyes.
“My father would never force me to do anything.”
“You’re doing this of your own volition?” he cries, just as the staring brother, Rio, reappears.
I don’t reply. I’m not sure how much Dexter needs to know. How much Paul Knight wants me to tell.
Dexter closes his eyes and shakes his head. “You don’t need to answer. You look pretty uncomfortable, so I’m guessing you know more than you’re willing to share. I need another drink, a strong one. I’ll leave you two to talk.”
Rio’s heated gaze on me makes me wish I could go back home now.