Page 203 of Filthy Hot Billionaire
I felt like the belle of the ball, although no one else was paying me any mind. At least not that I could tell. My entire world was currently within a tiny pinpoint of light, highlighting the two men who were orbiting my universe.
As soon as I reached the bottom step, Kieran moved forward, offered a hand. I smiled as I slid mine in his, welcoming the warmth and security that came with his touch.
Knox approached more slowly, his eyes flashing hot as they raked over me from head to toe.
I knew then that the dress I’d chosen for this night was the perfect one. With Emmett’s help, I’d narrowed my selection to a couple and, at the last minute, opted for a creamy white chiffon gown. The entire thing was transparent, with the exception of the thin ivory silk layer beneath. There was a narrow, transparent band around the middle, about rib high, attached to the light and breezy A-line skirt that hung all the way to the floor. But it was the deep V cut of the bodice that caught my attention first and seemed to be what Knox was focusing on now. The V was split—designed to separate my breasts and reveal quite a bit of skin from neck to navel—which was both flirty and sexy. Plus, the gap allowed me to show off the exquisite pendant Kieran had designed from the second engagement. He’d had it formed into three interconnected rings, the diamond dangling in the center.
Perhaps I should have my wedding dress done similarly, I thought as both men continued to ogle me for a second longer than was appropriate.
When we were nearly toe-to-toe, Knox leaned forward, his mouth close to my ear. “If you expect me to keep my hands to myself, you should’ve selected a different gown.”
I shivered from the promise in his tone. “Who said I want you to keep your hands to yourself?”
He groaned again, his green eyes meeting mine.
“While I usually don’t mind an audience,” Kieran said gruffly, “we’ve got a rather large one here. Perhaps we should mingle first before we drag her somewhere more private.”
I laughed, loving that I could do that to them.
As I slid each of my arms into one of theirs, I thought back to what Emmett had said when he’d helped me select this dress. The moment I told him that I was officially engaged to both Kieran and Knox, he’d gotten a little misty-eyed. That lasted all of three seconds before he shifted into blinding excitement, begging me to let him help with the wedding.
Of course he was going to help. I didn’t trust anyone else with such an elaborate event. Turned out my two future husbands demanded an enormous wedding. When I had shyly suggested we just elope in Vegas, I thought they’d lose their minds.
It’s the little things, I figure.
We mingled with the crowd for the next several hours. Emmett was there, always close by in case I needed anything, only venturing away when he was flirting with one of the cute waiters working the event. Siobhan and Priya were also in attendance at my request, and they were currently moving through the room like royalty. I’d extended an invitation to them in hopes of making up for the fact I’d disappeared without much explanation. They had accepted with squeals of excitement that might’ve done some damage to my hearing. I’d even taken them on a shopping spree to help them pick out dresses for the evening. Needless to say, I had been forgiven.
Last but certainly not least, Zena had come at my urging, her husband at her side. They looked so happy together, smiling and laughing.
For the rest of the evening, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and greet those who would help make this grand opening a success. Those who were bidding on the items in the silent auction were driving the numbers to astronomical levels. I hadn’t known what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t the amount that was currently tracking. Of course, we were in a room full of rich people who’d come from all over the world to be part of this event. Turned out the famous people Kieran and Knox knew were vastly more famous than I’d ever considered.
“Excuse me. Emily?”
The soft, raspy voice had me turning to see a woman standing just a foot away. I recognized her immediately, felt a churning start in my belly.
“I just wanted to introduce myself to the woman who’s captured Kieran’s heart,” she said kindly, her voice as beautiful as she was. “My name’s Arielle Adkins.” She didn’t have to tack on that she was a supermodel because it was obvious. She was by far the most beautiful woman in attendance.
I opened my mouth, closed it, not sure what to say.
A warm hand on my back saved me from embarrassment. “I see you found her.”
Arielle smiled up at Kieran.
I watched, expecting to see some glint of malice in her gaze, something to tell me she was out to take my man. It wasn’t there, however. Good thing, too, because I could’ve taken her. Maybe.
“Em, meet Arielle. Arielle, this is my fiancee, Emily Campbell.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. When Kieran told me about you, I thought he was exaggerating.”
I frowned, not sure what she was referring to.
“I think, however, you’re even more beautiful than he said you were.”
I swallowed, leaned into Kieran, overwhelmed by the love I felt from him. “I’m sorry if I’m being rude,” I told her. “I just figured if and when this day ever came, it would end in a catfight.”
She laughed, a melodic sound that had the power to make mortal women feel frumpy.
“Arielle’s not a threat to you, love,” Kieran said, his voice low enough others wouldn’t overhear.
