He brushed his knuckled along her cheek. “Then we’ll find something that suits you. Can you be ready to leave in an hour?”
“I can be ready in half, but I’ll take the full one.” She laid her hand on his cheek. “Thank you, Knight. As usual, you’ve thought of everything.”
“Not quite.” His eyes warmed with a faint, wicked gleam. “There’s a thong in the garment bag, but given the cut of that dress, you won’t be able to wear a bra. The dom in me couldn’t resist.” He bent and touched his lips lightly to hers—barely a kiss, more of a promise—then turned toward the hallway. “I’ll use the guest room shower. This one’s all yours.”
As he walked out, she could’ve sworn she heard him whistle. It had been a long time since she’d seen him in such a carefree mood.
The weight of her parents’ deaths and Ethan’s had hung over them for nearly a decade. Maybe it was time for both of them to breathe easy again. To look forward.
Maybe tonight was the beginning.
Chapter 25
Emily’s heels clicked softly on the polished flagstones. They were four inches, and she still didn’t come to Alec’s shoulder. The clingy dress he’d chosen dipped so low, it made her second-guess every movement, especially sitting. She hadn’t worn anything this revealing since the rescue. Not even a tank top without a jacket. A dab of makeup concealed the fading bruises. Her hair, worn loose, veiled the lingering burn mark on her neck.
It felt liberating and a little dangerous. As if she’d stepped into someone else’s skin.
Alec walked beside her, strikingly handsome in tailored black, a guiding hand warm on her spine. Skirting the cars parked every which way, she was grateful for his steady presence.
“I’ve never seen it this crowded,” she said, as he steered her around a Lexus partially blocking the walkway.
“The entire membership shows up for Dev’s special events,” he replied. “We were lucky to have found a parking spot.”
Emily gripped Alec’s arm tighter as they climbed the stone steps.
“You’re nervous,” he observed, pausing at the door. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Yes. I want my life to return to normal.”
He squeezed her fingers. “A month ago, you didn’t know this world existed. I’m not sure how normal this is.”
“It feels longer. Some of the people I’ve met here, it’s like I’ve known them forever.”
“That’s good. I want you to feel comfortable here.”
Just inside the front door stood a sleek black sign, etched in silver script:
4th Annual Wicked Games Charity Gala
Consent is sacred. Participation has a price.
Aptly, Chris Isaak’s haunting melody—what a wicked game you play—drifted through the air.Low, aching, and seductive, the lyrics curled around her in a slow, smoky coil.
Cari was in the foyer greeting guests in a crimson gown that brought out the subtle glints of red in her dark hair. Spotting them, she excused herself from the couple she was chatting with and headed their way.
“You two look stunning,” she said, squeezing Alec’s arm then sweeping Emily into a gentle hug. “I’ve wanted to come see you, but Dev said to give it time. Now, you’re here. I’m so glad.”
“I wasn’t sure I’d make it,” Emily admitted, returning the embrace. Cari smelled of vanilla and champagne—familiar and safe.
The door opened behind them, and more members entered.
“We’ll catch up later,” Cari said, sending the new arrivals a little wave. “I have donations to wrangle.” She glanced at her clipboard then angled a smile at Alec. “I see you’ve met the minimum—and then some.”
Emily flushed. “I haven’t given anything. I didn’t know.”
“I covered us both,” he told her quietly.
She nodded, grateful and a little guilty. She hadn’t worked in weeks.
