Chapter 81
ALEX
“Enzo, what the hell is taking you so long?”
I huff, trying hard not to run my hand through my hair.
I’ve messaged Harper to tell her my brother is an idiot who is running late. She’s told me not to freak out and that everything will be fine. But I know what I’ve asked of her, and I don’t want anything to go wrong. Not tonight. The first night I’ve convinced her to be seen with me in public.
“If you don’t hurry up, we’re going without you,” I snap, my patience fraying.
“Keep your boxers on. I’m ready.”
“At last!”
“Now, now, boys. United front,” Mother says.
She knows how to work the room, and as always, she’s dressed to perfection. I’m surprised she isn’t pacing the floor. She hates being late for anything.
I usher them out of Enzo’s townhouse and into the car, before we join the queue of A-list celebrities. The event might take place behind closed doors once it begins, but what if Harper is recognised by another hotel guest? The press is just outside…
When we reach the front of the queue, Keith pulls the Bentley up to the kerb and jumps out to open the door.
“Have a wonderful evening,” he says.
“Thank you, Keith.”
We emerge onto the red carpet amid shouted calls and camera flashes.
Mother situates herself between us, her sons, posing for the cameras.
She may no longer run the St Clair fashion house, but there’s not a single person out there who doesn’t know who she is and how she revitalised and transformed a declining brand.
As for Enzo and me, we’ve been paraded in front of the press since she took over, so what’s one more photoshoot?
Mother grips my arm.
“Just in time,” she says, her eyes sparkling as she looks past me.
I look up to find Harper walking towards me. Her eyes lock on mine, and she offers me a breathtaking smile.
She moves towards me, and I open my arms.
“Are you making an entrance, Ms Frazer?”
“I know my boyfriend has been incredibly patient with me, and after three months, I’ve decided I’m sick of hiding. I think it’s time we went public.”
I can’t smother my grin, pulling her in for a kiss, which she returns with equal passion.
“Who’s that?” Questions fly from the press line.
“That’s Harper… Harper Frazer, the missing British heiress,” someone shouts. Excitement ripples through the crowd of journalists.
“Harper, this way,” someone shouts.
She turns, but I don’t miss the twinkle in her eyes as she slides an arm around my waist.
“Alessandro, are you and Harper together?”
“How long have you been seeing each other?”
“Mr Bianchi, Ms Frazer, this way.”
“Harper, who designed your dress?”
She turns and looks at me. I quirk a brow.
“Alessandro designed it,” she says, answering the reporter before shifting her gaze back to me, love shining from her eyes.
I drop a kiss on her painted lips, sensing her smile beneath my mouth, her hand coming up and gripping my neck.
More questions are shouted, but I’m lost in the moment, the woman of my dreams finally standing beside me in public.
We pose for the cameras until things finally calm down, and the next A-lister takes our spot.
“Well done, my darling. We’ll make a model of you yet,” Mother says the moment we step inside, before dragging Harper in for one of the most affectionate hugs, I’ve ever seen her give.
“Not a chance, Sophia. Modelling is not for me. I shall be sticking to designing, or working as Alex’s PA,” she says, laughing.
“You know they’re going to spend the rest of the evening trying to break in here to gain an exclusive,” Dante says, coming up and clapping me on the back, before placing a kiss on Harper’s cheek. “You were perfect,” he says, grinning at her.
She inclines her head and grins back.
“Were you all in on this?” I ask.
“Of course,” Leo says. “We’re here as protection should things have got out of hand. We were ready to swoop in, encircle Harper, and drag her back inside, thus saving the day.”
“No, they really weren’t,” Callie says, coming to stand next to us.
I look down at Harper, a frown marring her brow.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“I should be asking you that question. Did I do the wrong thing?”
I pull her against me and tilt her chin. “No. I was surprised. You look stunning.”
“I just wanted to do it, bite the bullet. Button is not going to stay hidden for much longer,” she says, her hand resting on the slight swell of her stomach. “I thought if they already know we’re in a relationship, there will be less of a scandal when I finally do start showing.”
“You know I have no complaints. I’ll happily shout about us from the rooftops.” I pull her into my arms, placing my lips against hers. “You’re mine, Harper Frazer, now and forever.”
“And you’re mine,” she says.
“Come on, you two lovebirds, let’s find our table,” Dante says, slapping me on the back.