Page 109 of Heart of The Night

‘Right.’ He cleared his throat, seeming to understand. ‘Cara, this is Ivy, Alex’s…’ He hesitated to put a label on her, which amused me. He probably wanted to say: Alex’s soon-to-be-girlfriend.

‘Date,’ he finally decided.

‘His personal assistant,’ Ivy clarified and extended her hand to me. Oh, she was slaughtering William’s implication. That might not bode well for Alex.

Grabbing her hand, I shook it firmly. ‘I love your gown, Ivy. You’re putting Alex to shame.’ I shot Alex a mischievous look, hoping he’d take my banter in stride.

He melted my heart with his response. ‘She surely is.’

Ivy’s cheeks reddened, and she cast a furtive, tender glance at him. I pressed my lips together when I saw it, striving to keep my smile at bay. Maybe things weren’t looking so bad for Alex after all.

Andy jerked his chin toward William. ‘Where will you guys be seated?’

‘With you.’

‘Good.’

Light-hearted conversation filled the next hour before dinner, and I was grateful the men led most of it. Since I hardly knew Ivy or Chloe, I didn’t want to dominate the conversation. Making a good impression was important to me. Besides, I enjoyed witnessing the banter among the three men. Their friendship was more like the bonds of brotherhood in its depth.

As the evening progressed, I found myself increasingly at ease. The initial tension melted away, replaced by a warm camaraderie that made me feel part of the group. Despite Ivy’s initial formality, I noticed her relaxing as well, her laughter becoming more frequent as Alex whispered things in her ear.

Dinner was announced, and we all moved to our table. I took my seat beside William, who casually draped his arm over the back of my chair, a gesture both protective and possessive. Leaning next to my ear, he placed his hand on my thigh beneath the tablecloth, slowly trailing it upward. To onlookers, it probably seemed like he was only telling me something, yet I couldn’t help but worry that someone might notice where his hand was.

‘I can’t wait to strip you out of that dress,’ he whispered amorously, his fingers trailing higher, inward. I put my hand over his, halting him. His touch ignited lustful thoughts, and I didn’t want that right now.

He groaned, his fingers digging into my skin. ‘I want you so badly, it’s actually painful.’

‘William,’ I said softly and leaned slightly away, toward Alex. ‘Control yourself.’

He merely grinned.

25 | i’d just keep you

CARA

The ballroom’s atmosphere subtly shifted as the final applause for the soft-voiced singer faded into a contented murmur of appreciation. The earlier performances had set a serious tone, focusing on the poignant mission of Terry Lakewood’s organisation – to provide medical aid to war-torn and disaster-stricken regions. But as the comedian stepped into the spotlight with his sharp wit, the mood gradually lightened. His act sliced through the room’s formal veneer, reminding everyone that joy could be found even in the darkest of times and in simplicity.

When the comedian concluded his set, the lights dimmed to a soft glow, signalling a change in tempo. A lively band took the stage, their upbeat tunes enticing the guests onto the dance floor.

‘Excuse me, sir,’ a male voice suddenly said. William and I leaned back in our chairs, our heads turning toward the source. Between us stood a middle-aged man with dark-grey hair, his hand resting on his chest as he inclined forward slightly. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you, but I couldn’t help wondering – are you William Night by any chance?’

William cast me a quick glance, his expression blank. ‘I am.’

The man smiled faintly, extending his hand. William accepted it, and as they shook hands, the man introduced himself. ‘I’m Nigel Ashcombe, General Counsel at Gastronomy Group.’

I froze with shock. The director of the entire legal department at Gastronomy Group was here? And he had approached William directly? I swallowed a lump in my throat, my heart racing. Nigel’s recognition of William meant only one thing – the complaint William had sent to the CMA had not only been noticed but had found its way to Nigel’s desk, reaching the highest echelons of the company.

Was this a chance encounter turning into an informal confrontation? I tried to mask my unease as I observed their interaction. William, composed as ever, managed a polite nod.

‘I’m aware,’ he said. ‘How can I help you, Mr Ashcombe?’

Nigel’s smile remained, though it took on a more measured quality as he replied, ‘Well, I was interested to meet the legal mind behind such a meticulously crafted complaint. Your concerns have certainly sparked a thorough review within our ranks.’

William’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘I’m pleased to hear it’s been received in the spirit of constructive critique.’

‘Indeed,’ Nigel replied, his voice smooth, yet with a sharp undercurrent that might have been missed by a less discerning ear. ‘At Gastronomy Group, we consider it imperative to address any… discrepancies that may arise, internally or externally. It helps us refine our strategies and, of course, ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.’

‘There are few things more reassuring than a company that takes compliance seriously,’ William said, his tone polite but firm. ‘Especially when potential conflicts are identified proactively.’

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