Speak of the devil.
Aspen turned toward her father but didn’t pull away from my arm around her waist. Thank God, because I deeply enjoyed the small span of her back that the black lace didn’t cover. When I’d followed her down the stairs, I’d almost groaned finding more bare flesh beneath the lace stretched between her shoulder blades, leaving bare, warm skin exposed just above her lush ass, which was encased in black silk.
I relished every second my fingers played along that flesh until he pulled her in for a hug.
“You look stunning,” he praised, holding her arms as he looked her over. “But you always do. Just like your mother.”
A warm blush infused Aspen’s cheeks. “Thank you. You look handsome, as always.”
Hank shifted to me with an outstretched hand. “Lucian. Good to see you again.”
“You too, sir.”
“Thank you again for acquiring the replacement item for the auction. I know we all appreciate it at Quinn Music Group after Miss Hart retracted her previous donation. I must say, our loss ended up being our gain as well.”
“Any time, Hank.”
“As much as I’d love to spend the night by your side, I’ll see you two at dinner. Gotta go socialize and get everyone to spend their money.”
“Good luck, Dad,” Aspen encouraged with a kiss on his cheek before turning to me. “What did you end up getting as a replacement? I forgot to ask after the relief of learning there was one.”
“I wanted to keep the donation similar, so the highest bidder will be a special announcer for an award at the Oscars and assist in bringing the trophies to the other winners. As well as a VIP experience at an after-party.”
“Holy shit.” She blinked, her brows shooting high. “How the hell did you get that?”
I took in her dropped jaw, imagining all the ways I could fill her open mouth. “I have my ways.” I drawled with a wolfish smile, slipping a finger beneath her chin to coax her mouth closed. I didn’t need anyone else noticing her beautifully parted lips—or getting ideas.
I nearly rolled my eyes at the possessive thought.Get it together, Daire.
She nodded her thanks and turned her attention back to the crowd. “I guess we should follow my dad’s example and go talk people out of their money.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed, gesturing for her to lead the way.
We spent the next forty-five minutes floating from one conversation to the next, and I was reminded of why I avoided these functions whenever I could, sending one of my employees instead. I hated all the schmoozing and false platitudes.
At one point in my life, I’d looked forward to these events. After watching my mom and dad float around the room, effortlessly working their way through a room as a united front, looking like they’d rather be nowhere else than by each other’s side as they endeared some business out of their money for the charity’s cause.
I’d assumed I’d have the same experience with Daria when we married, but it never quite fit. She spoke over me, or I interrupted her. Which led her to walk away to grab another drink, eventually finding someone else—usually a man—to talk to while avoiding me.
After our divorce, I did my best to avoid social events.
However, having Aspen at my side gave me a different experience. She only spoke when she had something important to add. She looked to me when I spoke, as if she hung on my every word. She rarely left my side, unless it was to grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, grabbing one for me as well.
We balanced each other, and the conversations flowed effortlessly.
Just like my parents.
Before I could linger on that thought, two familiar faces appeared.
“Rose. Corbin,” Aspen greeted. “I’m so glad to see you here.”
“Of course. We wouldn’t miss a chance for The Berkshire to donate to the arts for public schools. As a reputable bar,” Rose clarified and laughed. “Couldn’t have people wondering why a kinky sex club is donating to children.”
Aspen snorted before pulling Rose in for a hug while Corbin and I shook hands.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Corbin stated.
“Oh, yes. The engagement,” Rose exclaimed, sparkling in her champagne-colored dress. “I was surprised after our conversation when you said you two hated each other. But then again, hate and love have such a fine line. So, maybe there wasn’t much to be surprised about after all.”
