Page 135 of Bite Me

“Mr. Everhart, please come with me to fill out the required paperwork and secure your payment.” An older man stands between us and the stage. The crowd is still buzzing from that little display, and so am I.

It has all made it worth it to feel her again, safe and in my arms.

“Hold on just a second.” I motion to him.

The instant calm of her skin sends chills down my spine as I cup her cheek.

“I need you to know . . . that I love you, and I’m sorry. I was detained, and I couldn’t get out, but every day, I thought of you. The only thing I’ve ever wanted in this life is you, and I’m going to prove that.”

Emma answers all my wondering and doubts with a kiss. My favorite answer.

“I thought you’d be mad at me,” I say.

“Is there a reason I should be?” She straightens my blazer. “Other than your reckless display of affection?”

“Just the train wreck that is my family. And for making you wait.”

“I’d have gone to find you myself if I hadn’t made that deal with your grandfather.”

“Mr. Everhart, are you ready?” the man says with a polite smile.

The auction has continued. They’ve moved on to the paintings and will then finish with the jewels. I should get her out of sight and far away from my grandfather and Liam.

“Do you have my purse?” Emma asks the attendant.

“Yes. Here you are, ma’am.”

I place my hand on the small of her back as he begins our escort. Emma wraps her arm around my forearm. Suddenly, all my past failures don’t matter as we intertwine our fingers. I’m a new man, and I have a responsibility to never let her doubt me again.

I won’t let her down.

We’re ushered toward the entrance of the tent and past the rows of seating and that bar I was waiting at with Luther. The crowd whispers as we pass. A few cameras flash, and I wrap my arm around her to shield her from the bright lights.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Liam blocks the way, just as the fresh outside air is within reach.

“I’d keep my head if I were you,” I say. “Not a good place to cause a scene.”

There’s a click of a camera next to my ear. His proximity has all my senses on edge. But he can’t hurt her here.

“I agree with that statement.” Parker nudges me from behind.

“Fame won’t save you from everything, Mr. Owens. You’re creating a lot of enemies.” Liam growls.

“I can handle it.”

He walks forward, and Liam grits his teeth before letting us pass.

“So disappointed in you.” Liam squeezes my other forearm as we pass and then disappears into the bodies behind me.

I know it’s not the last time I’ll hear about that. My grandfather is likely seething and doing damage control with his friends. Instead, I focus on Emma’s fingers wrapped in mine, and with every step, I try to inch her closer. Occasionally, she glances at me, as if she’s still shocked I’m actually here.

Emma and I are escorted out of the tent and into Doxlothia Castle, where there’s another banquet and a smaller auction being held in the main foyer. We take a left and walk until we’re brought to a dark mahogany room with candles shoved onto every table. This must be the designated signing area.

“Here is the paperwork to complete your arrangement. Should you need anything, or if you would like to invite your lawyer to be present, I will be right outside the door.”

I offer my thanks, still enchanted by how Emma looks in that skintight dress.