Chapter Ten
IF ZOEY HAD TO CHOOSEjust one word to describe the charity gala the next evening, she’d choose blinding.
The chandelier light. The smiles showing teeth so white they could be on a dental commercial or guiding ships in the sea. And the detail others might consider most important, the sparkle of all the diamonds. Yes, blinding said it all.
She adjusted the diamond necklace she’d borrowed, though Kennedy had told Zoey she could keep it. Then Zoey fiddled with her elbow-length gloves. The silk gloves matched the emerald-green spaghetti-strap dress with its sweetheart cut neckline. The stunning dress draped her in shimmery fabric almost to the floor. Her father had gifted her a diamond ring to match the necklace. She didn’t have the heart—or in her case the stomach that quivered now—to tell him the ring was too big, even when put atop her glove.
She’d diligently bleached her teeth, as well, but to get anywhere close to the snow-white-veneer effect the other people displayed she’d need a whole new jaw.
For the first time ever, she had her makeup done professionally, and she sure hoped it was sweat-resistant—it should be, right? Considering it was water-resistant? And it should also cover her untimely acne breakout. Probably due to all the nerves.
She’d impressed herself that, so far, she hadn’t sprained an ankle or fallen on her face in these new high-heeled velvety shoes that might’ve cost enough to feed a small country. She moved ungracefully and surely looked like a baby deer learning to walk.
“You look gorgeous. Magnifique! Charmante! Gracieux!” Barrett whispered in her ear, his breath warm on her skin.
“Thank you for your kind words.” Best not to tell him he’d butchered some of them. The main thing was he’d made the effort to look them up, and it mattered a lot to her. He already mattered a lot to her, and it shouldn’t be happening.
Then he offered her his hand. “May I have this dance, please?”
“Only if you aren’t scared I’ll pierce your foot in these shoes.” She placed her gloved hand in his. Too bad her hand wasn’t bare so she could feel his skin.
“I’ll take that risk.” He smiled. His smile wasn’t blinding but warm and sincere, and she liked that.
Dashing in his tuxedo—and magnifique and charmant—he led her to the marble dance floor. Her stomach stopped quivering and welcomed butterflies while he whirled her in rhythm to classical music played by an orchestra that had won international prizes. No surprise about the latter. Kennedy only hired the best.
Her darling cousin better not be who wanted Zoey gone because then Zoey wouldn’t survive until sunrise. And that long only because they needed the newly arrived heiress at the gala.
That thought being too depressing, she concentrated on a gorgeous distraction—Barrett. Just for tonight, she could imagine fairy tales were possible and the gentle way he held her was because he’d started to care about her, not because she was literally his job.
“You look dashing yourself.” Warmth rose inside her as they swayed to the music, and she was grateful for the mask around her eyes that somewhat hid her cheeks, even if it couldn’t totally hide her blush. “Is this tuxedo tailored?” It looked that way.
“Yes. I had to get it for Austin’s wedding. I was one of the groomsmen. Except for Tex—he’s the one who’s a CEO—my brothers and I are not accustomed to wearing tuxes or getting them done. Austin and I could compete on who groaned more during all the fittings.”
“The result is worth it.” She waved her hand for emphasis, then remembered something. “Uh-oh. I’ll have to keep my hand gestures to a minimum. My ring is a little too big, and I didn’t have time to take it in for adjusting.”
“Considering one of my brothers and his now wife stumbled on a robbery in the jewelry store that way, it might be a good thing you didn’t have time for it.”
She blinked. “Oh. Your family has some interesting tales to tell, don’t they?”
His eyes darkened. “You have no idea.”
Considering his profession, she imagined he had the most stories to tell, but he couldn’t because of client confidentiality, though he did give her a glimpse of the most fun and innocent ones. Or did his eyes darken because of his father’s supposed suicide that rumor suggested was something else? Since it had happened on Kennedy’s property, she’d told Zoey about it.
Zoey didn’t want him to think about something that saddened him, so she changed the topic back to the jewelry. “Well, I don’t want to fling the ring away and hit someone in the eye. With the way things are going for me lately, it would be that heartthrob actor who’s supposed to show up—officially to escort Sofia Rossi and unofficially probably for a free vacation. I don’t suppose the studio would be willing to rewrite the script and cast him as a pirate.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure some guests here appreciate your efforts to let them keep both eyes intact.”
So far, she didn’t step on his feet, and under his skilled guidance, they didn’t bump into any spectacular couple. She considered that a success.
His gaze darted around from time to time, which she understood was his job, but it focused on her a lot, as well, making her melt.
Something was amazing about being held in his arms while swaying to music, and her heart stuttered. With the mask covering her upper face, she could perhaps stay incognito, so she let herself pretend she was a confident woman, one who could belong with a man like him.
“Now I know how Cinderella felt dancing with Prince Charming.” Never mind that she’d been more like the fairytale heroine kept in a tower away from the rest of the world by her mother rather than Cinderella.
She allowed herself to move closer to him, to breathe the same air with him. To savor his cologne as it wreaked havoc on her senses.
That proximity made her wish the dance lasted forever. However, that wouldn’t be a good idea, considering she wouldn’t last forever in high heels.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” His tone said he meant it, but then something unreadable flashed in his eyes. “Only you know I’m not a Prince Charming. I’ll never be.”
“You’re better than that.” She searched his blue eyes, hoping hers reflected how deeply she meant it. If she were someone else, he could easily become not just the prince, but the king of her heart.
Not just for her. Kennedy had told her he was a sought-after bachelor. Not only because of his looks, though there was that, but also because when he’d traded his cowboy hat for his invisible cap of a hero, he’d saved lives.
Including her own.
Her respect and admiration only grew, and she needed to bottle it down instead.
“One of my brothers met the love of his life at the annual charity ball he organizes,” he whispered in her ear again, sending delicious tingles over her skin. “They—and their five mice—are deliriously happy together now.” Was there wistfulness in his voice?
“I’m glad for them. Though I have difficulty imagining mice as pets.” Her heart skipped a beat as her hand stilled in his. Yet if things were possible between her and Barrett, she’d get a hundred mice if it meant being with him. Though from what she’d heard, she’d just need to get a couple of mice of each gender, and then in their lifetime, she’d have a hundred.
The music ended, and regret stung her. Several couples started leaving, and reluctantly, she shifted away from him.
The same regret reflected in his eyes. Then hope replaced it. “May I have the next dance, as well, s’il te pla?t?”
“Oui!” Had she said it too fast? “I mean, yes,” she added, just in case he’d mistaken it for something like “oink.”
If her dress had a sleeve, she’d be wearing her heart right on it. She didn’t know how to keep her facial expression neutral. How was she going to hide her feelings for him?
The soft classical music started again, and she moved closer. It was “La Plus Que Lente,” or “The More Than Slow,” by the French classical composer Claude Debussy. Though he wrote it for solo piano, the whole orchestra accompanied it this time. Perhaps Kennedy requested they play it because of Zoey.
As Barrett led her in the second dance, butterflies started fluttering their tender wings in her stomach again as if enjoying a waltz of their own. If she reacted like this already, how would she react if he kissed her? She became lighter, nearly dizzy, her entire body reacting to the idea.
Then it was a good thing that most likely, he’d never kiss her. Instead of being reassuring, the thought brought a bitter taste.
Their gazes met, and she couldn’t look away. She needed to distract herself, and fast. Her mind helpfully fetched something she’d have told him already if she hadn’t first gotten lost in his baby blues.
“I received another strange text two hours before the gala. I told Kennedy about it and reported it to the police like the previous ones.” Which had made her late for her makeup appointment, but no need to mention that. She didn’t want him to think the right lipstick was more important to her than her safety.
The atmosphere between them changed, and her heart squeezed. They were still dancing, but her heart no longer was.
His gaze darkened as his body took on a professional demeanor. His fingers tightened around hers. “Did the police say the text again came from a burner phone that is now turned off and untraceable?”
She met Kennedy’s gaze across the room. Sophisticated and elegant in a shimmering off-shoulder silver—no, platinum—ankle-length dress, Kennedy mingled with the guests, as did Zoey’s father, though he had to lean on his cane. The latter made Zoey’s heart shift, and a line marred Kennedy’s forehead as she glanced at her uncle. But then she smiled encouragingly at Zoey.
Zoey forced a smile back, and her stomach quivered again.
Was it all an act on Kennedy’s part?
By now, Zoey knew that her cousin, unlike Kennedy’s socialite mother, didn’t like to be among people other than the people closest to her. Her favorite place was by the fireplace with her husband and their two dogs. Though she was pregnant, she didn’t show yet, and her long gown with metallic accents was somehow understated and stunning at the same time. She belonged at this fancy gala among rich guests while Zoey didn’t. At all.
Wouldn’t Kennedy want to pass her hard-earned legacy to her child? If Zoey claimed her share of the properties, Kennedy would have a smaller legacy to pass on.
Aching, Zoey returned her attention to Barrett and the new phone threat.
“Right. The police did say that.” Now her stomach clenched so hard her whole core hurt, but she wasn’t as scared as she’d expected to be. Most likely, that was because Barrett was by her side. She wrapped her arm tighter around his neck.
“What did the text say?” His gaze sharpened.
“Oh.” How could she forget to tell him? She was more focused before. Her work required a lot of precision, concentration, and patience. But then, before she hadn’t met Barrett. “‘Leave, or you’ll regret it.’ I mean, that’s what the text said. Not that I’d ever say those words to you.”
“I hope not.” His lips curved up before they flattened and his expression sobered. “I had some help sharpening the camera footage for the truck that tried to run you over. But it didn’t help much. The license plate was covered by mud. And even after digital enhancement, we still couldn’t see the person or persons behind the tinted windows. I’m checking for similar make and model trucks in the area, but haven’t had much success. Besides, I doubt that person stayed in the area.”
“Thank you for doing it.” Her heart sank to the marble floor. “So you don’t think it was an accident?”
“In light of recent events, I doubt it. I wish I could tell you otherwise.”
She lifted her chin and held his compassionate gaze. Though he’d deny it, he might be Prince Charming, but she’d never want him to see her as a helpless damsel in distress. Maybe she was out of her element here, but she wanted him to see her as his equal. “You don’t need to spare my feelings. I don’t want to be sheltered.”
Not any longer. She’d had many years of it while growing up and even in adulthood. It had warped her perception of the world and her place in it, not to mention her perception of her very family.
When the dance sadly ended, he led her to the edge of the ballroom where gorgeous gilded cushy chairs lined the gilded wall as if inspired by the ones in Versailles.
“Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?” he asked her as they walked.
No doubt, the food offered in a different room was excellent. But her stomach was queasy, and her nerves were acting up. So she shook her head. “No. But thank you.”
The next moment, increased murmurs and the crowd spreading told her someone important had arrived, and she could guess who.
A couple entered the room. The young woman’s hourglass figure was surely surgically enhanced, and beneath the chandeliers, she sparkled with multiple diamonds, including a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and mask that matched her skin tone. Even her platinum-blonde hair, the curls held in a high updo, was decorated with diamonds. She wanted to leave no doubts that she was a star in many senses. If she stepped outside, spaceships could see her from space.
No wonder she was followed by two bodyguards with square shoulders, square jaws, and square fists. Basically, they were like giant muscled cupboards in suits.
A crimson-red dress hugged her in some places and seemed to grip her in a tight fist in others. And in some places, the fabric was missing altogether as if gnawed out by hungry sharks. Matching lipstick covered lips that resembled a different water animal, a duck, and that effect was increased by an eternal moue. And if Zoey wanted to be truly uncharitable—she was on a roll by now—then the impossibly high heels added the vision of one more bird at this pond, a heron.
Out of curiosity, Zoey had read the romance by Jessie Gussman. The outstanding story deserved much better than this leading lady as the star.
Or maybe Zoey was just jealous because the newcomer’s appreciative gaze lingered on Barrett as she entered.
“Is this Sofia Rossi?” She leaned toward Barrett as she whispered. Leaning in was also instinctive to protect her territory. Though she reminded herself she had no claim to Barrett.
“Yes. And the man near her is Todd O’Malley.”
She moved her gaze to the tuxedo-clad guy only slightly taller than she was. He was clean-shaven with chiseled features, high cheekbones, and a smile that somehow was trained, charming, and boyish all at once. The only things shining on him were his leather shoes and his teeth.
“How do you know it’s Todd O’Malley and Sofia Rossi? They’re both wearing masks,” she whispered back.
The crowd swallowed the celebrities, gushing and asking for autographs and selfies. Okay, maybe that could’ve been a hint for her.
“The air of confidence they move with. The lower part of their faces. The birthmark at the corner of Sofia Rossi’s mouth. The bodyguards. The excited crowd. And let’s be honest, all the diamonds on Sofia.”
“Oh. And I thought it was all about her talent and natural beauty.” Zoey cringed, not too proud of the sarcasm that now slipped from not only her mind but also her tongue.
“I should mention I’ve provided her security detail before. When she wasn’t as famous as she is now.”
“Oh.” Zoey wasn’t the most loquacious person in the world, and it showed. Her heart sank to the marble floor again.
So Barrett and Sofia knew each other. Probably explained the appreciative, even predatory gaze on Sofia’s part.
Jealousy stabbed Zoey again, and then the realization hit. Even if she didn’t have the right to it. “She wasn’t the client you, um, told me about?” The one he’d fallen for.
“No.”
“Oh, okay.” She heaved out her relief. Okay, she had a much bigger issue to worry about, like someone here wishing her harm. If people recognized Sofia, then despite the mask, people could recognize her, too.
“On second thought, I could use a few hors d’oeuvres.” Zoey tugged on Barrett’s hand like an impatient child. Well, at least she wasn’t the one with a pout.
“I heard the selection is outstanding.” He smiled at her.
Any other time, that smile would seem sincere and make her swoon. So why did she now wonder if it was rehearsed like nearly everything seemed to be here?
She’d done her research about the man who was supposed to keep her alive—done research sounded better than being nosy. Besides investigative work, he’d provided some protective details for the rich and famous or the just plain filthy rich.
Some women might’ve liked having such a handsome, muscular man by their side. With the spark of admiration in his blue eyes and a smile on his lips, he could be a coveted trinket they paraded around like a sparkling necklace or a bubbly champagne flute.
Hmm. She didn’t think he’d be one they could mold to their whims, but her family history showed she was far from being a good judge of character.
She so badly wanted him to be real. But from what she’d read about the guests, she suspected the people here divided mostly into marionettes, and the puppeteers pulling their strings. Without realizing it, she might’ve become one of the marionettes. Meanwhile, her cousin and father would always be the types pulling the strings, wouldn’t they?
And Barrett? How she hoped he was neither a marionette nor a puppet master! But how could she be sure?
Somehow, she kept her chin high as they walked toward the buffet tables and the waiters milling with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
The giant room with the food smelled of the best of the yummy treats that money could provide. She’d just bitten into a canapé with some fancy-schmancy cheese when a sultry voice purred nearby. “Hello, Barrett. I was hoping I’d get a chance to see you again.”
I’m standing right here!Zoey nearly spat out the canapé in Sofia’s direction—and not entirely unintentionally.
“Hello, Ms. Rossi.” Barrett sounded neutral, but his smile strained around the edges. Good.
Why hadn’t he introduced Zoey? Was it because they needed to keep her identity incognito? Still, resentment poked in her.
“Please excuse me, Ms. Rossi.” He lowered his voice. “I’m currently occupied.” He turned to Zoey. “Would you like to try some of these—”
“Certainly.” Zoey would try rocks with butter if it meant they could get away from Sofia. She did a mental fist pump, hoping Sofia would understand she was dismissed.
Apparently, Sofia wouldn’t get being dismissed if it landed in her bleached hair. “Oh, so you’re here on an assignment!” She lowered her voice conspiratorially.
“What?” Barrett gasped as if he realized his slipup, and he turned to Sofia. “I didn’t say—”
“I understand. Of course, you can’t say it.” She winked at him, then sized up Zoey. “I didn’t think this was your date.”
Seriously?
I’m standing right here!
Zoey glanced at the drink trays the waitstaff carried for something she could—totally accidentally!—spill on Sofia. Red wine didn’t help, considering Sofia was wearing a crimson dress. No doubt, she’d experienced red wine being thrown at her and learned from it.
What a pity Zoey couldn’t borrow Kennedy’s fountain pen with ink in it.
“Thank you.” Zoey picked up a full champagne flute from the tray. That would have to do. She took a sip. Now, what exactly could she trip over so she could spill it? But then tripping shouldn’t be a hardship in these high heels.
Barrett flashed Sofia a smile.
Squeezing her teeth and the flute, Zoey braced for him to flirt right in front of her. And it wasn’t like he could be dismissive with Sofia since Sofia was important to his sister-in-law’s business. Austin would want to keep his wife happy, and Barrett was close to his brothers. While Zoey was an only child who wasn’t even close to her father.
Her gut twisted.
The other relative Zoey wasn’t close to, Kennedy, currently disentangled herself from a gray-haired couple and glided toward them from across the room. She reminded Zoey of a swan, elegant, graceful, and pure, even if Kennedy had the heart of a tigress. While Zoey resembled an awkward mallard duck.
Then Barrett drew Zoey close, nearly causing her to drop the champagne flute. “Actually, this stunning, gorgeous woman is my date tonight.”
“She is?” Sofia’s drawn eyebrows rose.
“I am?” Zoey squeaked with the same degree of astonishment, which wouldn’t help her case. And did he just call her stunning and gorgeous? She almost forgot everyone here seemed to play a role, probably more skillfully than Sofia had ever done.
“I’m tremendously honored to have the most beautiful woman on earth as my date.” He beamed at her as if he meant every word.
Thankfully, this time Zoey didn’t squeak anything—mostly because she was too astonished to.
Kennedy walked to them fast as if guessing she needed to defuse the situation. “Ms. Rossi, I’m so thrilled you’re here. I’d love to give you a tour.” She led Sofia away.
For the first time, truly warm feelings toward her cousin stirred Zoey, even if Kennedy acted in her own interests.
Zoey gulped down the rest of her champagne for courage. Besides, it didn’t need to be used to spill on Sofia and might get spilled on someone else if Zoey held it much longer while balancing on these shoes. “If you use the same compliment on Sofia later, it’d be best to say ‘the most gorgeous woman in the universe.’ To make sure she doesn’t get offended since you might consider women on other planets more beautiful.”
Barrett gaped. “I wouldn’t say something like that to anyone but you.”
“Oh please.” Zoey resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She wasn’t a raving beauty. But... she wanted to be one for him.
“I need some fresh air.” Preferably, without Sofia having breathed it.
Being isolated for so long, Zoey also didn’t like to be among crowds, and that was just regular crowds, not all this... sparkle and riches so high above her head these people might as well be on the moon. Orbiting around them was... suffocating with no oxygen up there.
He tugged on his tie as well as if he had the same feeling. “There’s a little garden nearby.”
But hesitation slowed his voice. Was it just because he didn’t want her to be out in the open? Or... because her company was suffocating him?