His team of bodyguards steps out of our way and gives us some space.
“Sweet pea.” Uncle Chase moves back and looks down at me, and his smile fluctuates when he, too, notices my scar.
He frowns and cups my cheek, but of course, doesn’t say anything. “You look radiant,” he tells me, then places a kiss on my forehead. “Remind me to thank Julian on the amazing job he’s done with your dress.” His dark eyes shine with genuine admiration.
Uncle Chase is wearing a crimson tux and a black bowtie. His grey hair is parted sideways, which is how he’salwaysworn it. He looks truly sophisticated and regal – fit for the position he holds in Riverside.
“Julian accepts your thanks, sir!” chimes Julian himself, having popped out of nowhere.
Uncle Chase chuckles. “Enjoying yourself tonight, son?” he asks him.
“Sure am. Thank you for the invite, sir.”
“It’s notmewho you should thank,” Uncle Chase says, then gestures at Waleed. “It’s our generous host and sponsor.”
Waleed looks flustered. “Always the charmer, aren’t you, Mr. Adler?”
“Only where it matters.”
The two of them share a laugh, and then Uncle Chase looks around at the gathered group. “You,” he points a finger at Mave, then does the same for his and Waleed’s guards. “All of you – go relax a little; have fun. This is a secure event with trusted people as guests, so you don’t have to look so attentive and official.”
Mave and the others share a look.
“But sir–”
“That’s an order, Maverick,” Uncle Chase cuts him off, then jerks his head towards the bar. “Grab a drink or two, come on. Live a little, for Christ’s sake.”
Mave clears his throat, and I turn a little so that I can smirk at him. “Maybe it’smewho’s going to have to endure your vile singing tonight, after all,” I say softly. “Want me to record you while you give me a show,Maverick?”
He puts his tongue to his cheek and narrows his eyes at me. “With all due respect, Nettie,fuckyou.”
I chuckle, and get out of the way when a couple of guards come barreling over and wrap their arms around him. They start leading him to the bar, with the others right behind them, and as he gets dragged away, Mave looks back and mouths, “Stayclose.”
I smile and give him a nod, then turn to Uncle Chase. “I forgot to ask y–”
“Mr. Adler,” one of the event organizers cuts me off.
Uncle Chase gives me a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry, sweet pea,” he tells me, then faces the organizer with an arched brow.
“Miss Adler needs you on stage for the reveal, sir.”
Uncle Chase nods. “Let her know that I’ll be there in a minute.” He looks at me. “You were saying?”
I swipe at my upper lip and neck, then fan myself with my clutch. “Can you get the air conditioners in here to work somehow, please?” I say.
He laughs. “I may run this county, Cignette, but evenIcan’t make these damn electronics work when they’re most needed to work.”
“Language, Uncle,” I remark around a smile. “We don’t want to give you a bad rep in the presence of your adoring fans.”
He chuckles. “Most certainly can’t have that.” He then sighs and gives me another kiss on the forehead. “I have to go,” he says with reluctance. “But let’s spend an evening together – just the two of us. With coffee and our favorite macaroons, of course. How’s that sound?”
I chuckle. “Absolutely perfect,” I say. “I look forward to it.”
Uncle Chase grins, then faces Waleed, who is busy talking to Julian.
“Waleed?”
He immediately stops and gives us his complete attention.
