"That's about $150k you're wearing around your neck," Max whispers in my ear.
I gasp.
I can't help it. I stroke the small hard piece situated in the divot between my collarbones.
Max gently lowers my hand. "Try to relax, Little One." I watch as the same serving girl approaches Stacey and fits her with a bracelet and earrings. I find Bronson only a few metres away from us, watching casually and yet with intent.
Swallowing hard, I mutter, "It appears we're all working tonight."
"Let's get a drink." He touches my waist. "All Jimmy wants is for you to wear it."
He says that, but Stacey's warning rings in my ears.
"You're an asset. Leverage. This is what they do. It's the long game. It doesn't look that bad at first, which is how you miss it. It's a favour. It's a kindness. It's a sponsorship. But then they have claws in every part of your life and one day, you sit up and wonder how you’d gotten in so deep..."
We're both being used as a living, breathing showcase for the Family's product. I wasn'tasked. I wonder if she was. It's harmless... At least, our roles are harmless.
Max and I approach the bar. As he orders for us, my attention is drawn to the guests as they enjoy small talk and observe the beautiful jewellery in display cases and on individuals.
"Cassidy, what's that look on your face mean?" Maxleans casually on the bar beside me. He motions towards the glass of champagne sitting idly in front of me. I stare at Stacey. She's being mauled by people inspecting her wrists and ears. Xander stands not too far away, guarding her. "Cassidy?" I'm drawn back to the serious eyes of the beautiful man I love. "If you wanna go, we'll just go. I don't give a shit if Jimmy gets pissed."
"No. I'm fine." I grab the champagne and drink it enthusiastically.
A tall, slim lady with a red mask approaches me. Her eyes drop to the diamond around my neck. "May I?"
I nod.
She reaches up and runs her fingers across the diamond, her nails lightly scraping my skin. "Beautiful," she whispers. More people approach. Some appear dazzled. Others methodical, all business. A few women have phones clutched to their ears, describing the piece to someone on the other end of the line. I wonder who they are conversing with. Probably some prince from Arabia or the Queen of England. Probably a politician. Max's hand rests reassuringly on my back.
Everyone's attention is suddenly directed to the canapés now circulating. I drain another glass of champagne and notice that Butch and an irked-looking Victoria are standing in the far corner. Her eyes scrutinise everyone unabashedly. Her red lips slice a straight line across her face. Her gaze lands on me and that slice twitches.
There was a time when I'd thought she was undeniably beautiful. But I see her for what she is now—empty. All she has is Chanel and Gucci. Well, Max has me. I turn my back on her and place my hand on Max's neck. I kiss his lips softly and with so much gentle love and intent.
He gazes down at me, a gentleness in his eyes only reserved for mine. "You okay?"
"Can I look around?" I ask, staring at the display cabinets.
"Of course," Max says, studying me as I move away to explore.
That second glass of champagne has helped me relax. I'm not sure why I was feeling uneasy. Perhaps I should feel honoured to be such an important part of such a prestigious event.
That's what the champagne tells me.
I wander around the room and lean over the cabinets, taking in the colours and beauty.
"Open your mouth, Little One." I spin to face Max, my cheeks hot with surprise.
He laughs and holds up a small tart. I do as I'm told, opening my mouth so he can plop the morsel in. I hum as the flavour bursts around my tongue. He smiles at me and I smile at him, and my nerves have definitely settled.
My eyes are suddenly fixed on a little anklet with a ballet shoe pendant. The charm is completely encrusted with pink diamonds. "Oh my God. It's beautiful."
He swirls the liquid in his glass. "You got about $70k?"
My jaw drops. "Oh my gawd! How?"
"It's not the carat that matters with pinks. It's the colour and the clarity."
"Jebus," I say under my breath.
