“You got this,” I mumbled, readying myself. I could definitely convince everyone I wasn’t this supposed ‘Ice Queen’. I just needed to smile and keep Rome nearby, and I would change everyone’s mind in no time.
This was going to work.
It had to work.
My door was opened and I focused all of my attention on Rome, while I tried to ignore the world around us. I took his outstretched hand and made my way into the screaming crowd.
The voices of reporters, cameramen, and what I assumed were someone’s fans were all around us as lights flashed. The carpet wasn’t traditional, but rather fashioned like a runway leading up to the museum’s entrance.
Rome looped my arm through his own as he guided me slowly towards the door. I just had to make it there. I repeated the mantra in my head and counted the steps until I would be away from this madness.
I felt Rome’s breath against my ear before he spoke, “You hate this, don’t you?”
I shrugged and turned my attention to him. “It isn’t my favorite thing. I’m a businesswoman, not a celebrity.”
His dark eyes assessed me for a moment. I didn’t like not knowing what he was thinking, but I could see the moment he made up his mind.
“Smile at that camera for me,” he instructed before turning me towards the cameraman in question. I did my best to listen to him, but this part of my job had never come naturally.
Maybe Iwasthe ‘Ice Queen’ I had been dubbed.
Rome glanced at me quickly before smoothing his free hand down his suit, “You’re making me feel like your sugar baby in this suit. Do I need to start calling you Mommy or something?”
A startled laugh fell out of me. I smiled at the ridiculous man next to me, “Where in the world did that come from?”
He simply smirked, “Knew it would make you smile. That’s all we needed.”
Damn, he was good. He got what he wanted out of that picture with my smile, and thus led us towards my perceived safety… away from the reporters.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Rome would be able to defrost the ‘Ice Queen’ everyone believed me to be.
Chapter Ten
ROME
My assessment was right. The charity gala we were attending was filled with a bunch of rich as fuck idiots who seemed to care more about networking than the purpose of the charity we were honoring today. Which was to help homeless children, though I didn’t think a single one of them knew that fact. I had attended a few of these events in the past… as staff, but never as an invited guest.
While I was out of my element, it was rather easy to plaster on a smile and win over the socialites. Most had spent their lives surrounded by an abundance of money, and hadn’t lived in the real world. Their version of struggling was when they didn’t have a chef ready to go upon the very second they became hungry.
My family wasn’t poor, far from it, especially after Mateo’s restaurant took off. However, I had spent nights with my mom coupon-clipping for groceries when things got tight, and knew that if I wanted to go to college, I would either pay for it myself or have to earn scholarships.
These people—the ones dressed in designer clothes that cost as much as the average car—weren't my people. Most would turn their nose up if they learned I was a child of immigrants and a veteran… two of the bravest groups in the country, and neither received the respect they deserve. In truth, there were exactly two people here I could stand talking to.
Speaking of, Bec was talking to Alexandra near the bar, and everyone with a pulse tossed glances their way. The two were the most beautiful women in the room, yet they were polar opposites.
Alexandra was in a white gown with her blonde hair pulled up. She was the antithesis of Rebecca’s dark hair and black dress. While Alexandra resembled the sun, I was starting to learn I was far more drawn to the darkness of the moon.
“Those two are the center of everyone's attention.” I glanced to my side, where Maverick had stopped. He was dressed in his own dark suit and held a glass of what I assumed was bourbon.
He seemed relaxed, seeing every man ogle his girlfriend, Alexandra. I wished I could be as calm as he, but every time someone so much as looked at Bec without the respect she deserved, I felt a concerning need to crush their throats.
I probably should have that looked into.
I had done my research into Maverick and his past when given my assignment. He interacted with Bec often, and I had to see if there were skeletons in his closet that could bring her harm. While there were skeletons, it was unlikely they would ever touch Bec’s life.
He was the CEO of Bly Enterprises’ closest rival, Beckett Industries. He and Bec had followed similar paths in taking over their father’s companies when it had been expected that their siblings would be in charge. Maverick had taken over the business right out of college… a move no one had expected when his older brother had always been groomed for the position. He was good at what he did, but was pitiful when compared to Bec.
He was ordinary, she was exceptional.
