Page 31

The car slowed as we approached 583 Park Avenue, which was where the charity gala was being held. I hated the flutters in my stomach as the car pulled up to the entrance. Through the window, I could see a red carpet and what looked to be hundreds of people around it. This was clearly no ordinary charity event and based on what I knew about the Ashcrofts, that was no surprise.

Our driver opened our door and Cain stepped out first before he offered me his hand to help me get out of the vehicle. I stared at his hand for a moment before taking the offer. His warmth shook me to my core and once I was out of the car, I quickly let go, as if I was afraid of being burned.

“Ready?” Cain asked, but didn’t indicate that I was acting weird based on how quickly I let go.

I turned to look at him for a moment because I was taken aback by that simple word. And since when did he give a damn about how I was feeling about anything? It made me suspicious, but I swallowed the desire to question, instead choosing to focus on the task at hand: getting through this gala, making connections, and being on Cain’s arm.

“I suppose I am,” I said as I pushed away the fears that I had and focused on shifting my mindset because I needed to be on my A-game. “It’s just more… elaborate than I expected.”

Cain offered me his arm, and I slid my hand through it, this time feeling slightly safer because it wasn’t skin on skin. “My mother doesn’t do anything halfway,” he said. “The Ashcroft Foundation raises millions tonight. Appearances matter.”

That tracked with everything I knew about these circles, but instead of adding more to the conversation, I took in the spectacle that was just before us. The flashes from the photographers who lined the edges of the red carpet, capturing images of some of the biggest names in various sectors across the world, was a scene to behold. I was convinced that everyone here was dressed in gowns and tuxedos that cost more than my monthly salary.

“Should I know anything specific about your mother before I meet her?” I asked because I realized I was completely unprepared for that introduction. I did my homework on her and the family, but that still didn’t compare to learning what I needed to know from a primary source.

“She’ll ask intrusive questions and make judgments regardless of what you say,” Cain replied. “Just be direct with her. She respects that.”

As we approached the entrance, Cain shifted so that instead of our arms being linked, his hand came to rest at the small of my back so that he could guide me forward. Cameras flashed as we grew closer to our destination and I was momentarily blinded by the lights. In all the chaos, I could somewhat make out that people recognized Cain and were probably wondering who I was.

“Cain,” a reporter called out. “Care to comment on Ashcroft Group’s latest moves?”

Cain’s smile was polite but revealed nothing. “We’re here to support the foundation tonight,” he said smoothly. “Business can wait until Monday.”

The reporter’s gaze shifted to me. “And your companion?”

“Sutton Prescott,” Cain said before I could speak. “The newly appointed head of Prescott Vantage.”

I felt a surge of both gratitude and irritation that he’d introduced me without giving me a chance to do it myself, but I refused to show how annoyed I actually was. “Sutton Prescott, head of Prescott Vantage,” I said, extending my hand to the reporter with a smile that was both warm and professional. “We’re looking forward to supporting the Ashcroft Foundation’s important work tonight.”

The reporter’s eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting me to take control of the narrative. I felt Cain’s hand press slightly firmer against my back, but I couldn’t tell if it was approval or warning.

“Ms. Prescott, your company’s acquisition was quite sudden. Any comment on the industry implications?” the reporter tossed back at me.

“As Cain said, tonight is about the foundation,” I replied, taking a page out of Cain’s book. “But I’m happy to discuss Prescott Vantage’s exciting new chapter another time.”

We moved past the reporter, Cain guiding me with that same steady pressure at my back. “Well handled,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

“I’ve dealt with journalists before,” I replied, keeping my smile in place as we entered the venue in order to not raise any red flags because I knew that all eyes were on us. Something deep inside of me told me that the photographers and reporters would be child’s play compared to what I would find among New York City’s elite.

13

CAIN

Once we stepped inside, I glanced over at Sutton just before I gestured for her to walk ahead of me. Manners were always something that had been drilled into me since I was a child, but there was definitely an underlying motive for my allowing her to go first. It gave me an opportunity to watch her ass in this gown. I’d selected it specifically for how it would hug her curves while still keeping her elegant enough for my mother’s event. The deep midnight-blue fabric against her skin made her look even more striking than she was in the pants suits she chose to wear.

It was taking every ounce of control not to act on every dirty thought flying through my head. I imagined sliding my hands along her sides as I removed that dress, revealing every inch of her smooth skin. I couldn’t help but imagine how this dress would look pooled around her feet. The thought of Sutton naked and beneath me, her eyes widening as I took control, made my cock stiffen slightly. I adjusted my stance to hide any visible evidence of how hard my dick was to keep that very big secret under wraps.

I wasn’t surprised to find that the space was already crowded when we entered. I’d intentionally chosen to arrive late to make an entrance, but not late enough to piss my mother off—I would never hear the end of it. My focus was on maintaining appearances that didn’t really fucking matter to me and keeping my mother happy. I recognized most of the faces, whether it was congressional members and political officials, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, or old money. These were people I’d done business with, socialized with, and if I needed to destroy them, I would do it without a second thought.

“Impressive turnout,” Sutton murmured beside me as her gaze swept across the room.

“My mother has a talent for extracting large donations from people who consider themselves untouchable,” I replied as I snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. I handed one to Sutton. “It’s one of her more useful skills.”

As if summoned by my words, I spotted my mother across the room, chatting with Stephen Taylor and his wife. From here, I could see that Mrs. Taylor was fawning over my mother because Katherine Ashcroft commanded attention in a way not many could hold a candle to. Her silver hair was swept into an elegant updo, giving ample shine to the diamonds hanging on her neck and ears. I knew for a fact that they were understated by her standards, which meant they were merely worth several million instead of tens of millions.

“And there’s your mother,” Sutton said as she followed my gaze.

“In all her glory,” I confirmed. “Brace yourself.”