Page 17 of Controlled

Or maybe because that’s what my asshole boyfriend had said to me.

“You’re nothing special. You’re not even pretty. You’ll never find what I have, you little bitch.”

The words had stung for a long time after he’d walked out of my life. I’d thought I’d been in love with him, but I lived and learned. Men were users. I threw my head back as I walked into the empty elevator and the turned heads of the men confirmed they were watching me.

A cold shiver skittered to my toes as I waited for the slow-moving steel box to rise to the top floor. Why was I suddenly thinking about the elevator being a coffin? I laughed to myself, closing my eyes briefly as I clutched my tiny purse against my chest. I’d been forced to leave my beautiful flowers at the theater, but they’d be safe.

It was me I was worried about.

When the elevator pinged, I jumped but as soon as the doors opened and I heard the lively music coming from the party, I was able to smile and relax a bit. Maybe this would be fun after all. With slow steps, I finally made it to the set of double doors, taking my time before stepping inside.

I wasn’t certain I’d seen anything so magical in my life. The room was transformed by twinkling lights coming from everywhere, strings of them hanging from the tall ceiling. The tables were adorned with black or red tablecloths, every round top layered in a shimmer of gold. The music was big band style, candles flickering on every table. There was glitter everywhere, including on the floor and the tables, helium balloons in several locations. There was a dance floor with people already enjoying themselves, others camping out at tables with flutes of champagne in their hands. And the tables of food were incredible, the scent of chocolate and various spices making my mouth water.

I’d never been to such a lavish party.

I was so out of place, uncertain of what I was supposed to do. Yes, Marcia had reminded every dancer that patrons of the art would come and seek us out, but right now, all I could think about was him. Creed. The sinful man with the dazzling eyes. Had he been invited to the party? Was he one of the rich possible investors that would keep our art afloat or was he nothing more than some asshole determined to use what he’d seen earlier in the day to get what he wanted?

Me.

I noticed the closest bar and made a beeline for it, almost making it to the short line when Jonas bounded out of the shadows.

“The prettiest looking woman in the room.”

“You scared me half to death,” I barked back, taking a moment to scan what I could see of the room.

“I’m sorry. What took you so long?”

How was I supposed to tell him I was avoiding leaving the theater, terrified I’d run into the man attempting to claim me? “I just wanted to look nice. Do you know who we need to suck up to?”

“My, aren’t you jaded tonight. I think you need a drink.”

“I do and not watered-down champagne either.”

“Ouch!” Jonas huffed. “Does this sudden attitude change have something to do with Mr. Hottie?”

“Maybe. I thought you were going to be late?”

He shrugged, obviously not ready to talk about dinner. “Just be glad you don’t have a family.” While he wasn’t trying to be rude, he had no idea how often I’d wished for a loving family to enjoy holidays and celebrations with. When was I going to get over the fact there were no knights ready to make me a princess?

“I’m sorry. Do you know anything about Creed Saint?” At least there was only one person in front of me by this point. My entire body was trembling, even though there was no reason for me to be nervous at all.

He backed away a single step, studying me intently. “Was that man Creed Saint?”

“Yeah, so he said. Why? I know he’s some hotshot corporate guy. He and his brothers are building the new art facility?”

As he scanned the ballroom, I sensed he was nervous. But why? “Yeah, I’ve heard that too but they’re just trying to hide who and what they are.”

“And what are they?”

“Honey,” he said as he pulled me out of the line. “Stay the hell away from him. He’s a bad man.”

“Why would you say that?”

“You really don’t know?”

“It’s not like I have time to pay attention to Chicago politics.”

Jonas glanced around the perimeter for a second time, pulling me further away from the bar. I grabbed his drink, taking a huge gulp then wincing.

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