Chapter 1
Sera
Charity functions are fun when they’re like this one. It’s not formal and it’s bidding and it’s all about taking care of animals—endangered species to be exact. The room is filled with the wealthy socialites I’ve come to know and definitely not respect. They think money can buy reverence; I prefer actions. So far, I’m not impressed.
We’re standing, thumbing through the pamphlet looking at all the creatures who are entirely too beautiful to let fade away. Some are well known, others are not.
African wild dog.
Amur leopard.
Amur tiger.
Asian elephant.
Bengal tiger.
Black-footed ferret.
When we get to the black rhino, Cage rubs his thumb over the image.
“What is it?”
His mouth is set in a hard line. “I know someone who hunts these.”
“Let’s hunt him. See how he likes it.” My blood is boiling. Hunting defenseless animals like that. Arrogant, entitled prick.
Cage’s lips twitch. “My darling Fee, I’d love nothing more.”
“Let’s do it. A game of cat and mouse.”
“Hmm,” is all he says, but I know that means he’s thinking about it. Fun, fun, fun for me!
Now I laugh out loud and Cage raises his brows. I point to the image. Black spider monkey. “Lucy.”
His lips twitch again.
I page through the pamphlet and I’m heart broken. I just can’t…
“Fee.”
I look at my gorgeous husband and pout. “I can’t pick just one. Can we support more than one?”
“We can support them all if you like. We can spread our donation out. We can also pursue other avenues to help these animals,” he informs me.
I lean in and hug him. “Thank you.”
“Fee, you never have to thank me. I’d do anything for you.”
And just like that, I’m a complete puddle of goo again. This man. This quietly controlled, formidable man can bring the best of opponents down to their knees. I won’t even mention what he does to the worst. But me, he cherishes. He treats me like a queen and loves me so completely, I’ll never get enough. Ever.
I’m pondering how I got so lucky, when I feel it. I don’t make it obvious. I just slide my eyes, looking around the room. It’s then that I see him. Dark hair. Large build. Mean mug.
I continue looking about the room, and still he stares.
“I don’t know who that is, but he keeps staring at me,” I whisper to Cage.
“Fee. You’re so beautiful everyone can’t help but stare,” he replies.
