“Are you all right?” Ivan whispers, dropping his lips to my ear.
“Yes,” I respond, glancing up at him. “It’s just all so…” I wave my hand around, forgetting my champagne, and it splashes over the side of the glass. “Shit,” I hiss, and he chuckles.
“Don’t worry about it. You were saying, it’s all so?” he prompts.
“Opulent,” I stammer. “And completely out of my comfort zone.”
His gaze runs over me. “I think you fit right in,” he says. “You’re every inch the country club woman tonight.”
My heart beats slightly harder as my breathing hitches. He smirks knowingly. “If this is one night only, Ms. Corrigan, I plan to offer you the full Ivan Harley experience.”
Chapter twenty-six
Ivan
Her eyes pop wide. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she splutters. Her gaze flicks over the crowd, quick and wary, as if checking for eavesdroppers.
When I picked her up this evening, she’d knocked the air from my lungs. The moment she opened that door, my world spun off its axis. I’d never seen a more beautiful woman or had one on my arm. Suddenly, the night became about her.
Everything else became merely background noise.
“It can mean whatever you want it to,” I reply.
“I’m a decoy,” she says again. She keeps repeating it, as if convincing herself that it’s all an act. But the way the air is buzzing between us says this is anything but fake. Heat crackles, hot enough to scorch my skin.
“Let’s go mingle,” I suggest, changing the subject. “I’ll introduce you to the most affluent meatheads the city has to offer.”
She giggles, the sound unexpected.
“By the time we’ve met them all, you’ll be begging to get out of here.” I place my hand on the small of her back and direct her toward the largest group of people I recognize.
Virginia’s focus lands on me as we approach them, her eyes narrowing to slits. She’s holding court in a group of men and women, each one hanging off her every word. That laugh cutting through the noise, shrill and practiced.
Her red hair is pinned up, and she’s wearing a long black gown that clings to her curves, leaving nothing to the imagination. She’s an attractive woman, especially out of her dress, but her personality leaves a lot to be desired. Determined and focused on her task, she stalks her prey with persistence.
“Ivan,” she purrs, “lovely to see you this evening.” She extends her hand; I take it and raise it to my lips. Amy stiffens beside me. “And you brought…” She pauses. “I’m sorry, I can’t remember your friend’s name.”
“Amy is my partner,” I say with an edge.
“Partner?” she repeats. “My, my… things are getting serious.” She turns to Amy and places her hands on her shoulders. “It’s lovely to see you again, Amy.”
Virginia leans in and places bright red lips on her cheek, leaving a faint print like a claim. My hand tightens on Amy’s waist, and I tug her toward me. She submits to my request, her body fitting too easily against mine. It’s surprisingly calming, holding her. Natural, even.
The gentleman at the piano plays his final notes, and the crowd falls silent. A man in a tux steps into the reception area and taps a glass with a knife to bring attention to himself. “Ladies and gentlemen, please make your way through to the dining room. Dinner is ready to be served.”
Excited chatter buzzes across the room as people pick up their drinks and scurry toward the now-open doors.
Inside, tables set for ten extend across the room, each one with a huge display of holly and poinsettia at its center. The scent of roasted meat and mulled wine heavy in the air.
As I look up, there are swathes of garlands hanging from the ceiling, giving the whole place a festive feel. At the front of the hall is a stage set for a large band, an abundance of instruments and microphones ready to be played. I glance at Amy, who is following my lead without question. Her head turns, taking in her surroundings.
“What do you think?” I ask.
“It’s magical,” she whispers.
Her words surprise me. Upon reaching our table, I pull out her chair; her dress brushes my legs as she sits, and my pulse jumps. I hate this kind of event normally, and avoid them at all costs, but I suppose, it does look wonderful. I feel a small surge of satisfaction, imagining she is enjoying herself here with me tonight.
Virginia drops into the seat beside me. Her presence isn’t a surprise, but it is unwelcome. “So, Ivan,” she purrs, “tell me how you two met?” Her eyes dance with mischief. She doesn’t believe my story, but with the part I’m going to play now, she bloody will by the time we leave.
