“Did you get an invite to tonight’s party?” I ask as we make our way to the elevator.
She nods. “Casey and Alexa are very close, so she got me on the list.”
Casey is married to the king of Limaj, the country Daniil comes from. Daniil and the king are first cousins so it stands to reason that they’re all close.
And for now, I’m part of the fold, which is an interesting feeling.
“Why is your nickname Chaos?” I ask as we step onto the elevator.
Courtney and Landon snort, and one side of Chris’s mouth quirks up. “That’s a long story,” he replies with a smirk. “Way too long for an elevator ride.”
I chuckle. “I’ll have to remember to ask again sometime.”
The moment we step into the lobby, it’s a madhouse.
I see familiar and unfamiliar faces but I’m instantly lost in the crowd. Holding Landon’s arm gives me a touch of confidence that I’m not usually lacking but tonight is a little different. For some reason, the moment I see the throngs of people I can’t help but wonder if my attackers—or people that work with them—are among them.
“Easy,” Landon whispers against my ear. “I’m right here. No one will get close to you unless you want them to.”
He must have sensed my apprehension and I nod stiffly.
“Courtney!” The sweet female voice is familiar, and I smile when I turn.
It’s Alexa Humboldt, the star of the event, and I’m surprised to see her here in the lobby. She doesn’t see me at first, hugging Courtney like they’re old friends even though it didn’t seem that way.
“The dress is perfect,” Courtney is telling her.
Alexa dressed her?
Well, that’s what happens when you’re related to royalty, I guess.
“Allora!” Alexa is momentarily surprised to see me and she hugs me too. A little tighter than she ever has in the past. “How are you? I was glad to hear you’re still coming.”
I frown just a little. “How did you…”
She cocks her head. “Well, I saw it on the news. They never said your name but I know your face and body very well. I tried to reach out but your phone went straight to voicemail. Then when Courtney called, she verified that it was you.” She pauses, staring at me through her pink tortoise-shell glasses. “Are you okay?”
“I’m getting there,” I reply softly.
She reaches up, gently touching the bruise on my face. “If you want to cover that tomorrow, just tell Maxine I said so.” Someone calls her name and she merely lifts a finger, indicating they need to wait. “I’ll have a little down time in the morning. If you’re up for breakfast, text me.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, slightly choked up.
Alexa and I have a good professional relationship, and are certainly friendly, but we’re not close friends. That she would make time for me in the midst of one of her show weekends means a lot.
“See you soon.” She nods and moves off to the person waiting.
I wouldn’t have chosen for it to happen this way but if my kidnapping leads to some stronger personal relationships, I certainly won’t say no.
Chapter Twenty-One
Landon
The evening is busy but it’s also a good time. Once we get to the cocktail party, which is kind of a kick-off for Alexa’s weekend event, Allora seems to relax. She’s with colleagues, for the most part, and we start mingling. Luckily, most people aren’t aware of the kidnapping, so she’s able to talk and socialize without having to discuss what happened.
And she looks spectacular as she works the room.
Her light blue dress is clingy until the bottom. The final six inches consist of fluffy layers of fabric—I have no idea what they’re called—but they hit at mid-thigh and move as she walks. The back of the dress is mostly open, with a scooping neckline that shows miles of skin. She has on really high iridescent heels that show off her long legs and it’s a damn good thing I’m a professional because I just want to eat her up like a full-blown meal.
