Chapter 13
Claudia woke from her little nap to golden afternoon light streaming through the windows. For a moment, she was disoriented, unsure where she was. Then memory returned. Monaco. The hotel. The mission.
Tonight was the opening ball of the gala weekend.
She checked her phone. Four hours until they needed to leave for the ball. Enough time to shower, do her hair and makeup, and transform into someone who belonged on Sam Kinkaid’s arm at one of the world’s most exclusive events.
No pressure.
A soft knock on her door made her sit up. “Yes?”
“There’s someone here from the hotel spa,” Sam called through the door. “Barbara arranged for hair and makeup services. I can send her away if you’d rather do it yourself.”
Claudia’s first instinct was to say yes, send her away. She could manage her own hair and makeup. But then she remembered Maurice’s passionate lecture about presentation, about looking the part, about not underestimating the importance of details.
“No, that’s fine. Give me five minutes.”
She quickly washed her face and pulled on comfortable clothes, then opened her door to find a chic French woman with an elaborate kit waiting for her.
“Mademoiselle Claudia? I am Genevieve. Madame Barbara was very specific about what you would need for this evening.” Her English was accented but perfect, her smile warm. “Shall we begin?”
For the next two hours, Claudia surrendered herself to Genevieve’s expert hands.
Her hair was washed, conditioned, dried, and styled into an elegant updo that left a few strategic tendrils framing her face.
Her makeup was applied with an artist’s precision.
It was subtle but impactful, emphasizing her eyes and the natural shape of her lips.
“Magnifique,” Genevieve declared, holding up a mirror. “You will be the most beautiful woman at the ball.”
Claudia stared at her reflection. The woman looking back was familiar but transformed. Polished. Elegant. Almost unrecognizable as the simple mage who usually wore her hair in a ponytail and rarely bothered with more than lip gloss.
“Thank you,” she managed. “You’ve worked a miracle.”
“It is easy when one has such a lovely canvas to work with.” Genevieve packed up her supplies. “Now, the dress. Do you need assistance?”
“I think I can manage.”
After Genevieve left, Claudia stood in her bedroom, staring at the garment bag containing the midnight blue silk dress. The one Maurice had chosen for the opening ball. The one Sam had said made her look perfect.
Her hands were steady as she unzipped the bag, but those butterflies were fluttering around in her stomach again.
The dress slid over her skin like water, the silk cool and smooth against her body.
The halter neckline left her shoulders bare, and the fabric draped in elegant folds that somehow made her look taller and more graceful than she actually was.
She fastened her own jewelry. She wore the thin gold bangles that held protective charms, and the hair pin she’d finished just before leaving Houston, tucked carefully into her updo where it would be mostly hidden but accessible.
The dress had a hidden pocket that Maurice had added at her request, just large enough for the small crystal she might need in an emergency. Her other protections were woven into her jewelry, subtle and unobtrusive.
She slipped on the heels Barbara had selected. They were lower than she’d feared, thankfully. She had to pause and take a breath for courage before checking her reflection.
The woman in the mirror looked like she belonged in Monaco. Like she could walk into a ballroom filled with billionaires and royalty and not feel out of place. Claudia just hoped the illusion would hold.
Another knock, this time more tentative. “Claudia? Are you ready?”
“Just a minute.” She grabbed the small clutch purse that matched her dress, checked one more time that everything was in place, and opened the door.
Sam stood in the living area wearing a perfectly tailored tuxedo, and Claudia’s breath caught in her throat.
She’d seen him in expensive suits before.
She had watched him command boardrooms and lead Clan meetings with quiet authority, but this was different.
The formal wear emphasized his broad shoulders and lean build.
His blond hair was styled back from his face, and his golden eyes seemed even more striking against the black of his jacket.
He looked like a king. Not the reluctant Alpha who preferred working behind the scenes, but the powerful, confident leader who could command any room he entered. And he was staring at her like she’d stolen his ability to speak.
“You look…” Sam cleared his throat. “You’re stunning.”
“Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.” Claudia tried for levity, but her voice came out breathless.
He crossed to her slowly, his eyes never leaving her face. When he reached her, he held out his hand. In his palm was a small velvet box.
“Barbara sent these. She said they’d complete the outfit.”
Claudia opened the box to find a large, tear-drop shaped sapphire pendant set in platinum and surrounded by diamonds, as well as a pair of matching diamond and sapphire earrings, elegant and clearly expensive. “I can’t wear these. They’re—”
“I asked Granny Tucker to check them for curses or enchantments. They’re clean. And you can’t argue, they’re a perfect match for your dress.” Sam’s smile was slight.
She took the jewelry into her hands, holding the pieces carefully as she let her magic flow into the metal and stones.
She felt the familiar touch of Granny Tucker’s potent magic.
She’d imbued the beautiful gems with an amazing amount of power to protect the wearer.
Tears came to Claudia’s eyes as she realized how much work her mentor had put into this gift. All to help protect her.
Blinking back the tears, she put on the earrings, the diamonds catching the light.
Sam told her to turn as he took the pendant from her hands and unclasped the platinum chain before sweeping it around her neck.
As he fastened the chain once more at the nape of her neck, she suppressed a shiver at his nearness.
She could feel the warmth of his fingers and his breath against her skin.
“There. You’re perfect.” Sam moved back and she turned around to face him.
They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Claudia was intensely aware of how close he was, of the way his eyes kept drifting to her bare shoulders, and the tension building between them.
“We should go,” she finally said. “We don’t want to be late.”
“Right. Yes.” But Sam didn’t move immediately.
Instead, he reached up and gently adjusted one of the tendrils of hair framing her face, his fingers barely grazing her cheek.
“I’m glad you’re here with me, Claudia. I know this isn’t easy for you, being in the spotlight like this.
But I want you to know that I see how brave you’re being. ”
The words hit her harder than they should have. “I’m not brave. I’m terrified.”
“That’s what makes you brave. You’re here despite the fear.” His hand dropped, but his eyes remained on hers. “Let’s go show Monaco what they’re in for.”
The car ride to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, where the opening ball was being held, took less than five minutes.
They could have walked the short distance from the hotel to the casino, but that just wasn’t done.
Making an entrance by arriving in a three-hundred-thousand-dollar car complete with chauffeur was de rigeur for these kinds of events.
Sam kept his hand on hers the entire time, his thumb occasionally brushing her knuckles in a gesture that could have been comfort or nervousness. Probably both.
The casino was lit up like a palace, its Belle époque architecture glowing against the darkening sky. A red carpet led from the street to the entrance, lined with photographers and curious onlookers. Claudia’s stomach dropped.
“There are photographers,” she said unnecessarily.
“There are always photographers at these things.” Sam squeezed her hand. “Just smile, stay close to me, and remember, you have every right to be here. You’re not pretending to be someone you’re not. You’re exactly who you are, and that’s more than enough.”
The car pulled up to the entrance, and a doorman opened their door. Sam stepped out first, then turned to offer Claudia his hand. She took it, grateful for the stability as she emerged into the flash of cameras.
The noise was overwhelming. Photographers calling out in multiple languages, the murmur of the crowd, the general chaos of a high-profile event. Sam’s hand moved to her lower back, guiding her forward, and she focused on his presence beside her.
They made their way down the carpet, pausing occasionally when photographers called for shots.
Sam handled it with practiced ease, his smile warm but not too familiar, his posture confident but not arrogant.
Claudia tried to follow his lead, smiling when appropriate and trying not to look as overwhelmed as she felt.
“Monsieur Kinkaid!” A woman with a microphone appeared beside them, speaking rapid French before switching to English. “It’s been years since you’ve attended a public event. Can you tell us what brings you to Monaco?”
“Business and pleasure,” Sam said smoothly. “It seemed like a good time to rejoin the world.”
“And your companion?” The woman’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as she turned to Claudia. “Will you introduce us?”
“This is Claudia. She’s an expert consultant I’ve been working with.” Sam’s hand pressed more firmly against her back, a silent reminder to stay calm.
“Just business then?” The reporter’s tone suggested she didn’t believe that for a second.
“I never discuss my personal life with the press,” Sam said pleasantly. “If you’ll excuse us.”
He guided Claudia away before the woman could ask more questions, and they finally made it through the entrance into the casino itself and were shown to the rooms where the party was to be held.
The interior of the old building was even more spectacular than the exterior. Crystal chandeliers, marble columns, and ornate gold detailing everywhere. Well-dressed guests mingled with champagne flutes, their conversation a low hum of multiple languages.
This was it. They were in.
“Breathe,” Sam murmured near her ear. “You’re doing great.”
Claudia took a breath and let her magical senses expand carefully, feeling the ambient magic in the room. There were mages here, several of them, their power signatures distinct in the crowd. She catalogued them automatically, noting strength levels and general temperaments.
None of them felt immediately hostile, but it was early yet.
“There.” Sam’s eyes were fixed on something across the room. “Mark and Shelly just arrived. And there’s Nick and Sullivan.”
Claudia followed his gaze and spotted their allies.
Sullivan was stunning in a gold gown that caught every light, her celebrity status drawing immediate attention.
Nick stayed close to her side, protective but not hovering.
Nearby, Mark and Shelly made a more understated entrance, though Mark’s presence was no less commanding for being quieter.
“Should we—” Claudia began, but Sam shook his head.
“Not yet. Let’s mingle first, see who else is here. We don’t want to make it obvious we’re coordinating our efforts.”
A server appeared with a tray full of champagne flutes. Sam took two glasses, handing one to Claudia. She accepted it gratefully, needing something to do with her hands.
“To a successful evening,” Sam said, touching his glass to hers.
“To surviving it,” Claudia corrected, and Sam’s laugh was warm and genuine.
They moved deeper into the room, and Claudia felt the weight of curious eyes following them. Sam Kinkaid, the reclusive billionaire, making a rare public appearance with a mysterious woman at his side. It was exactly the kind of thing this crowd would find fascinating.
She just hoped they were too busy speculating about her relationship with Sam to wonder what they were really doing here.
“Sam Kinkaid.” A man’s voice, cultured and vaguely British. “I heard rumors you might attend. How delightful to see they were true.”
Claudia turned to find a distinguished older man approaching, silver-haired and impeccably dressed. His smile was polite, but his eyes were sharp, assessing.
“Lord Pemberton,” Sam greeted him smoothly. “It’s been a long time.”
“Indeed, it has. And who is this lovely creature you’ve brought with you?”
The way he said “creature” made Claudia’s skin crawl, but she kept her smile in place as Sam made introductions.
“Claudia, this is Lord Pemberton. He’s on the board of several international shipping concerns. Lord Pemberton, Claudia is consulting on some maritime acquisitions for Kinkaid Industries.”
“How fascinating.” Pemberton’s eyes traveled over her in a way that felt invasive. “Tell me, my dear, what exactly qualifies you for such specialized work?”
It was a test, Claudia realized. He was trying to determine if she was legitimate or just decorative.
“I grew up around boats,” she said evenly. “I understand the practical side of maritime operations, which complements Mr. Kinkaid’s business perspective nicely.”
“How charmingly humble.” Pemberton’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Though I suspect there’s more to you than your maritime expertise.”
Before Claudia could respond, another voice cut through the conversation.
“Pemberton, stop interrogating the poor woman. She’s only just arrived.”
Claudia turned to find a stunning woman in her fifties moving in from the side, her dark hair swept up elegantly, wearing a crimson gown that commanded attention. Her smile was warm, but Claudia could feel the power radiating from her.
Magic. Strong magic.
“Victoria,” Pemberton said, his tone cooling. “I was simply making conversation.”
“You were being your usual charming self.” Victoria Blackwell—it had to be her—turned to Sam and Claudia with genuine warmth. “Sam Kinkaid. What a pleasure. And you must be Claudia. I’ve heard interesting things about you.”
“Have you?” Claudia kept her shields tight, trying not to reveal the extent of her own magical nature.
“Oh, yes. The magical community is small, even spread across continents. When an unknown mage appears on the scene, working for someone as prominent as Sam Kinkaid, people notice.” Victoria’s smile was knowing. “Don’t worry, dear. Your secret is safe with me. For now.”
And with that unsettling statement, she glided away, leaving Claudia and Sam standing with Lord Pemberton, who looked between them with renewed interest. They were talking about magic openly? She hadn’t expected that at all.
This, Claudia thought, was going to be a very long night.