Page 2 of King of Players

“Later!”

I went, and sure enough, Miriam had already thought of what I had, and instructed the team to employ more corners for water and cold refreshments.

The rest of the day went as if on fast-forward, and I could finally let out a sigh of relief as I stepped into the shower. After ten minutes of pure relaxation under cool water, I dried myself and walked into the dressing room, eyeing the dress I had especially made for tonight. A black silk number, long enough to touch my toes as I walked. The sleeves were wide and airy, allowing me to move freely without overheating.

As I touched the fabric, I thought of how black silk had been my mother’s favorite choice of night garment, and I believed I inherited that from her. What I never had the time to learn, however, was her tendency and acceptance of making it out in a little black dress that proudly showed off her assets.

Perhaps I was just a little shy about my femininity.

But now that the party was in full blast, I had to forget all about that and invest my time in persuading people to make donations.

“The children’s center is almost finished,” I said to one guest—a wealthy surgeon. “And with enough funds, we can add to the computer lab; a science lab, an art room, and a music studio.”

“Fantastic,” he nodded approvingly. “I must admit; it’s refreshing to see you holding the torch and completing what she started. Most people your age would rather spend their time squandering that inheritance or traveling the world.”

“I’ve already traveled the world, John.” I giggled. “Time to help the young ones see it the way I did.” In the background behind John’s head, I spotted Abel Drakos and another man standing next to him, both in killer Italian suits, radiating even deadlier handsomeness. “Oh, you’ll have to excuse me. One of our biggest donors has arrived with a new face.”

“Ah, fresh blood! Better pounce quick, dear.” John laughed, patting me on the back before I made my way over to Abel.

“Good evening, gentlemen.” I extended a hand to Abel. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you came.”

“Kaira.” He took my hand. “Charming as always. Not only did I come, but I also brought an interested donor.” Turning to his friend, Abel grinned, gesturing at his friend as if we had already met.

Confused that he didn’t bother making the introduction, I took the lead myself and extended my hand. “Kaira Bradley, thank you so much for caring about our cause.”

Taking my hand, he kissed the back of it instead of an ordinary shake. “Pleasure’s all mine.”

What was with those people? Where were their manners? “Um, I’m sorry, Mr.?”

His face suddenly froze, but he seemed to land on his feet rather quickly. “Uh—Chad? Chadwick Niles?”

Now I was beginning to question my memory. Had we met at one of my grandmother’s benefits? Another social event? Did I know him? “A—Very nice to meet you, Mr. Niles. I’m sorry. I’ve been standing out in the sun all day and my brain’s a little fuzzy.”

“But your skin is glowing, and I guess that beats anything.”

His smile came out appreciative to a fault, and I thought that maybe the V-neck of my dress was a little too revealing. Having failed to discern if we had encountered each other before, I decided that a little refresher of boundaries was never a bad idea. “I think I’ll stick to the power of my mind, thank you very much.” I added a smile in the end, a flair of lightness to my otherwise alienating remark. His smile slowly faded, so I quickly added, “Have you considered your contribution yet, Mr. Niles?”

Clearing his throat, he nodded. “Oh, I’m not just here to donate. I’m here to help you sell whatever cause this is.”

Although his confidence in his ability could have been explained as pure cockiness, I chose to see the intention in the greater scheme of things. “Well, if you manage to raise more funds tonight, you get a special prize.”

“Now we’re talking.” He raised an eyebrow. “A dinner alone with you?”

I couldn’t help it when my eyebrows shot up, amazed at his forwardness right in front of his friend—and in the first few minutes of us meeting. “We’ll see if that can be arranged. You must prove worthy, my friend.”

“Y—You really don’t know who I am, do you?” He sounded baffled.

Once again, I doubted my own mind. “Have we met before tonight?” I then turned to Abel, whose face reflected nothing but amusement.

“No,” Chad finally said. “But there’s a first time for everything.”

A hand landed on my shoulder, and I turned to see Theresa, a woman working with the church. She leaned in and said, “Someone has a question for you, Ms. Bradley.”

“Oh, of course,” I whispered before turning to my guests. “Sorry, gentlemen. Duty calls. Please enjoy your evening.” And then my eyes locked with Chad’s, who was half-smiling. “May luck be in your favor!”

He chuckled and waved—almost sarcastically—as he said, “I won’t need luck, Ms. Bradley. You’ll see.”

Walking away and following Theresa’s lead toward the other guest, I was aware of the questions in my mind. Why did Abel and Chad act as if I had met the latter before? Or should I have some idea of who he was? Had we met? Really? He certainly seemed a little familiar, but I had honed my skill at placing names and incidents to faces long ago. I remembered every one of our guests—who gave generously, who only came for the drinks and the women, and who donated their time through volunteer work.

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