My dress falls to my mid-thighs, so fucking short I worry the knife will peek out.
“It’s just a precaution,”Koby said, crouching before the bed I sat on.“You won’t need it.”
“Then why should I have it? You really think a knife will make a difference in a room full of men with guns?”
“It’ll make a difference to me. I can’t send you in there defenseless. If anything goes wrong... it won’t, but—”He grabbed my knees, his thumbs brushing my skin. “Just humor me, hellcat. Please.”
I didn’t want it at first, but once I grabbed the handle, felt the power of holding a weapon that could end a life—unlike my fists—a sense of calm washed over me.
Koby won’t let a hair fall off my head. I know that. He promised... but he can’t be everywhere at once.
He’ll sit at the back of the auction room while I’m at the very front with Noretto and Grey. It’ll take Koby a few seconds to get to me. Even if I only draw the knife, it’ll buy him some time.
“Precaution,” I whisper, grabbing the holster.
Koby showed me how and where to fasten it earlier. I follow his instructions until the leather strap tightens against my soft flesh. I slide the knife into place, tuck the hem of the dress over it, and take a seat, testing how far my dress rolls up.
The knife stays hidden, but as I stand, checking my reflection in the mirror, I realize it’s noticeable if someone’s really looking.
A soft knock at the door breaks my thoughts.
“Leilani?” Blaze calls, sounding much calmer than I am.
I swallow the nerves crawling up my throat. “Come in.”
He steps through the door in a tailored black suit, his cold assessment sweeping me. “You look different.”
“That’s the idea.”
“It’s time.” His eyes dip lower, landing where the dress hugs my thigh, and my pulse spikes. “I see Koby decided to arm you.”
Shit. He’s been here twenty seconds and already spotted the knife.
“Show me,” Blaze demands, crossing the space between us.
I back away on instinct. Rationally, I know he’s on my side. He won’t hurt me. But I also know Koby would bare his teeth if he saw Noretto within six feet of me while we’re alone.
“I’m trying to help. If you’re wearing it, wear it right. The angle’s off. It’ll show through the fabric when you move.” He gets down on one knee, gesturing with two fingers. “May I?”
I nod, heat rising to my cheeks. The only man who ever got on his knees for me was Koby, in very different circumstances. I don’t dare imagine what he’d do if he saw Blaze touching me... but it’s that or leave without the knife, and I’m not sure which would anger Koby more.
Blaze adjusts the holster, turning it inward so the blade hugs my inner thigh, His hands don’t linger, as if he knows he’ll lose them if my boyfriend finds out he was even mildly inappropriate.
“There. That’s better. You can still reach it fast, but no one will notice it now.”
“You sure?” I pinch the hem, pulling it down to cover as much skin as possible.
“Yes, I’m sure... unless they undress you.” He straightens, smoothing the sleeves of his suit. “Ready?”
“Not in the slightest.”
A smirk tugs the corner of his lips. “Good. Fear keeps you alive. You’ll be fine, Leilani. Stay close to me.”
“Where’s Octavius?”
“He’s waiting downstairs. We’re taking a limo. Carter and Broadway are in position backstage, and Koby and Ryder will arrive fashionably late.”
I know. It’s all Koby’s been talking about for days, but even though we planned for every eventuality we could think of, I’m sure there’s something we didn’t consider.
