Page 46 of Promised Vows

“Thank you, Papa.”

Ari brought my hand to his lips and his gaze caught mine. It was a silent communication that he knew for the moment I was safe since the place was covered with security. Some of the biggest players in Chicago were in attendance. There was no way anything would go down while we were here.

He smiled. “Would you like to visit with your father? I need to speak to an associate who’s here if that’s okay.”

“Thank you,” I said.

With a touch of his lips to my forehead, he was gone. The chill of his absence was instant. “I didn’t realize you would be here.”

“I could say the same of you.”

“I didn’t know until a few hours ago. Ari called me and told me that I needed to be ready. He didn’t tell me where we were going until we were on our way.” I chewed my lip. “I thought you’d tell him we’d been meeting.”

“And break your confidence? No. I think our meetings are none of his business.”

Well, I wouldn’t say that. I couldn’t even give a good reason for not telling Ari. Perhaps I was worried he’d tell me I couldn’t meet him, and I didn’t want to give him that opportunity. Maybe I was thinking it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Childish perhaps, but the idea of being told who I could and couldn’t see, prickled me.

“It’s not, but I wasn’t sure…”

“If I’d try to drive a wedge between the two of you?” He smiled. “No, darling. If you want to leave then it will have to be willingly.”

Did he know how much I needed to hear that? “I appreciate that.” I scanned the room and my gaze landed on Ari. There wasn’t a man in the room who had his charisma and draw. He was so attractive. So commanding. The way he dressed. The way he carried himself.

The elevator opened, and my heart fluttered in my chest. Jason. This party now had the chance to turn into a shootout. Hopefully, they’d behave.

“Father,” Jason said as he stopped in front of me and Papa. “Anna.”

My father drew his shoulders back, his head tipped back as he looked down his nose. I suspect he was trying to make himself feel larger than he was. He failed.

“Jason.” My father’s tone was curt.

Papa nodded at me. “I will speak to you later, my darling. The company is less than appealing.”

“Yes, Papa.”

Jason waited until he was out of earshot. “Are you okay?”

I tilted my head. “Of course, I’m fine. Papa wouldn’t hurt me.”

My brother nodded. “Right.”

“Maybe if you’d tell me what happened, I’d have a better understanding of things.”

He lowered his gaze to the floor. “I’m sorry, Anna.”

The sound of footsteps brought Ari into view. “Sorry for what?” he asked. His arm wrapped around my waist and he tugged me flush against his body. “Is everything okay?”

Chapter Twenty-One

ARI

What an interesting turn of events. When I’d learned of the fundraiser, I thought it’d be another boring night in a tux. Well, minus Anna. Her in that dress had dialed up the night considerably. I wondered if she was aware of how everyone had stopped to look at her. The woman had a presence. A sexy confidence that radiated from her.

Michael Georgiou was a surprise. This building was his before Jason took it from him. That he’d shown up here meant there was a plan in motion. Unless the only goal was to rat out Anna, driving a wedge between us. I knew they were meeting. I was waiting for her to tell me when she was ready. I’d had guards following her each time she’d met with him. With the bubbling tensions between the families, I was only concerned for her safety.

The animosity between Jason and his father was a powder keg. I had to give my respects to Jason for how well he handled things. He’d been shocked to see Michael.

“Where’s Thomas?” I asked. I knew the answer, but I was curious how Jason would answer.

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