She rubs her nose and shivers. There’s a cool breeze out here on the terrace, and she’s not brought a jacket.
“Here.” I stand and slip off mine, walk around to her, and place it around her shoulders.
“Oh!” She looks up at me, holding the lapels with both hands. “You needn’t have done that. You’ll be cold now.”
“I run hot. I’ll be fine.” I return to my seat.
Her gaze slips down me briefly, although she doesn’t say anything. Then her eyes rise again to mine. Our gazes lock again, and my heart jolts. I open my mouth to say something.
“Marcus!”
I follow the sound of the voice and groan. My sister is marching toward us, holding up the skirts of her emerald ball gown so her stride isn’t impeded. Her red hair bounces around her shoulders with every step of her tiny frame.
A guy follows her, a few feet behind. He’s wearing a tux like any other guest, but the earpiece gives him away. As they exit the bar, he quickly scans the terrace before giving me an apologetic look.
“Shit,” I mumble. I get to my feet as she approaches, and I hold up my hands. “Let me explain.”
“I told you I didn’t want another bodyguard!” She stops before me, hands on her hips. Her green eyes flash behind her mask. Her chest heaves with indignation. “This should be my decision, not yours,” she says earnestly. She swallows hard. “Please, Marcus.”
I harden my heart. When I was younger, Aurelia was always able to get around me, but I’ve grown more adept at spotting her techniques.
“No,” I state. “He stays.”
“Marcus!” She glares at me. “You don’t have a bodyguard full-time. Why should I have one?”
“Because I’m six-three and nowhere near as pretty as you. He stays. Luke answers to me, not you. Right?” I look at Luke.
“Yes, sir,” he says.
“I’ve given him instructions to be very firm with you,” I tell her. “I’ve told him exactly how you like to twist your security detail around your little finger. I’ve made sure he’s wise to all your little tricks.”
Aurelia opens her mouth to protest, but I interject with, “I’m in the middle of something, and you’re being very rude.”
She looks at Wren for the first time, stares for a moment, then says, “Wren? Wren Carter?”
“Hey, Aurelia!”
My sister laughs as Wren rises, and the two of them hug, Wren having to bend quite low because Aurelia’s so small.
“How are you?” Aurelia asks. She pulls out a chair, about to sit.
I clear my throat, and Aurelia looks at me, then at Wren. “Ohhh…” she says, “sorry. Did I interrupt a tryst?”
“Yes,” I say.
Wren giggles. “No, not at all. I’m waiting for Caesar.”
“And here he is,” my brother announces, walking up behind Aurelia.
I stifle a groan. I’d hoped to have a little longer with Wren alone.
“Where have you been?” Aurelia snaps. “The mayor wants a photo with you.”
Caesar runs a hand through his hair. “I… uh… had a meeting.”
I glance him over, and my lips curve up.
Aurelia doesn’t notice and says, “Okay, I’m off to sort out the press packets. Promise me you’ll come and see the mayor when you’re done here?”
