Page 78 of Claimed By my Father's Enemies
Then I see the carpet itself. Red. Stretching out ahead, bright against everything black around it.
"Nobody told me about a red carpet." I blurt out nervously.
Adrian tilts his head. "Want me to ask the driver to go around the back?"
I look in his eyes and what I see is confidence so I borrow some of it.
"No." I say. "But let’s be quick about it, ok?"
He smiles, kisses me once more and gets out. By the time I've gathered my bag he is at my door, opening it, hand extended. I take it without hesitation this time.
The flashes start the moment I step out of the car.
I don't know where to look. There are people everywhere, voices, the rapid-fire percussion of cameras, and the only thing I can feel clearly is Adrian's hand around mine. It’s all so overwhelming that I welcome is anchoring touch.
"I don't recall your name on the guest list." A voice says near me. A familiar voice in its disdain.
I turn.
William.
Black suit, black shirt, black tie. Devastating. He is looking at me with an intensity that doesn't read as anger exactly, but it isn't far from it. His jaw is set. His eyes move over me once, sharp and complete, and I think that the heat I see in them is not the good kind.
My first instinct is to pull my hand from Adrian's. I know that this is going to cause trouble.
Adrian's grip tightens.
I try again, a small reflexive tug, and he holds on. Firm. Certain. His fingers lace through mine, not subtle and when I glance at his face he is looking directly at William.
He is not hiding this.
He is claiming me.
William keeps his eyes on me even though he is talking to Adrian. "You didn't tell me you were bringing a date."
Adrian steps forward, putting himself between me and William. "Is that going to be a problem?"
The way Adrian says these words gets Wiliam attention, that finally stops looking at me.
He looks at Adrian. "No problem at all," he says. "Enjoy the party."
William steps aside and carries on greeting the party guests as they arrive. The loss of his presence feels like standing in the shade after being in the sun and I absolutely hate that I feel it.
Adrian squeezes my hand and we move.
Inside Vanta the mood is completely different from the chaotic energy from outside.
It is all low amber light and the music is something between jazz and electronic, with a pulse underneath it that you can feel vibrating in your body. The bar runs the length of the far wall, champagne towers at one end catching the light and throwing it back in small hot points.
Adrian steers us toward the bar, stopping briefly when someone calls his name, but never fully pausing. He doesn't let go of my hand.
"Something to drink?" he asks.
I hesitate, not sure what to order.
"Champagne?" Adrian suggests.
"Yes. That."
