My head snaps up at Erik’s voice, as he strides into the office carrying a box. He places it squarely on my desk.
“A delivery for you.”
“A delivery?” I lean closer. There’s no name, no address, just discreet branding that screamsexpensive.
“From your boss,” he adds with a smirk. “He asked me to give it to you, then take you to him.”
I frown. “He went to a meeting with your father.”
“It’s wrapping up,” Erik says. “He’s taking you to dinner.”
“Usually he’d send Anthony—”
“Anthony’s driving him.” His tone sharpens. “Look, are you going to put the damn dress on or not? Because if you’re not, I’ve got better things to be doing.”
I flinch at the sudden edge in his voice but lift the box carefully anyway.
He holds up a bag. “Shoes.”
I head to the bathroom and change quickly, staring at my reflection once I’m done.
I look pretty. The dark blue silk skims my body perfectly, soft and expensive, and nothing like the clothes I usually wear. I smooth my hands over it, my heart fluttering.
When I step back out, Erik hooks his arm toward me. I hesitate, then take it. The heels are far higher than I’m used to, and the last thing I need is to embarrass myself by faceplanting in front of him.
We drive in silence for twenty minutes before he turns onto a private road. It winds through tall trees, opening out onto a large country-style building set back from the drive.
Erik pulls to a stop.
A man in a dark suit opens my door while the valet takes Erik’s keys.
“You’re coming inside?” I ask as he offers his arm again.
“It’s a…” He pauses, choosing his words. “A party of sorts. A celebration. My father insisted you come.”
My heart thuds harder in my chest. “And Warren knows I’m coming, right?”
“I assume so,” he says with a shrug as we climb the steps.
I stop abruptly. He sighs, rolling his eyes.
“I should call him,” I mutter.
Erik smirks. “He really has you fooled, doesn’t he?”
“What?”
“Do you need his permission to attend an event my father invited you to?”
“I—no, I just…” My words tangle. “It’s just—”
“Maybe Warren doesn’t know you’re here,” Erik says lightly. “Maybe this is something you need to see for yourself.”
“I’m calling him,” I say firmly, digging into the silk bag that came with the dress.
Before I can find it, Erik reaches into his pocket and lifts my phone, holding it up just out of reach.
“He’s been calling you non-stop since we left the office.”
