Page 38 of Dauntless

CHAPTER TEN

The day of the event came around fast, and before I knew it, I was dressed up in the black high-necked laced gown I’d chosen with stilettos. I’d spent more time at the salon getting my hair up in a popular low side chignon with a jewel clasp. With Perfetto pencil and dark eyeshadow on my eyes and maroon on my lips. I was ready. I couldn’t take all the credit; Astrid had been great in helping me to perfect my new look over FaceTime. I loved it, but I’d have loved it more if I were with her. I missed her.

I missed Elliott and Dane too. Elliott had a lead on the case to follow up out of town, and Dane had been spending most of his time at Nella’s with Angel and Melinda. The doctor had recommended that familiar faces and routine would help bring her back to herself. I was being supportive, though it felt like I was imposing. Dane tried to assure me I wasn’t, but I didn’t think so. Could I share Dane with Angel or Elliott with someone else? Was I already sharing Dane with Angel?

The obsessive thoughts plagued me as I prepared for the event. I ended up leaving Dane’s with Tove who was still guarding me at Elliott’s behest. Angel’s party was a part of Justus’ show, which was already scheduled in the large outdoor tents set up at Bryant Park. The set-up included fashions from Angel’s archives of her most successful pieces. I was recognized by the host and invited to the first row of seats, at the end of the dimly lit clear catwalk. Tove was my escort. Elliott, who was supposed to sit next to me, hadn’t called or arrived yet, having to pursue some more leads on the case.

The show theme was Symmetry. Floating lights descended in teardrops from the ceilings, flowing sheets of silk lined the walls, and bare white trees decorated the corners. It was ethereal. Posed along the sides were female models that appeared like giant dolls draped in flowing strips of silk and satin. They were stunning. Around them were lines of chairs filled with people. Some I immediately recognized as famous, others had passes clipped to their clothing to identify them as part of the industry.

Just before the lights went completely down, Nella appeared and decided to sit in Elliott’s vacant chair. The clapping started and a short male with white blond spiked, gelled hair dressed in all black leather walked out. He was flanked by a nude couple with straps of material flowing from the hooks in their skin behind them.

“Welcome everyone, to the Justus and Browne Affair,” he announced in a thick German accent. “Angel is our Angel. We love her and welcome her home. Enjoy.”

The models stalked down the runway in jeweled stilettos and boots, ribbed lace and leather corsets, maxi and full colorful silk skirts with metallic inlays that shone like stars as they moved. The males were shirtless in leather and silk woven trousers, which seemed melted on, and metallic trench coats. I was particularly drawn to the way the make-up artists had used Perfetto cosmetics. They used shimmery whites and pale grey shadows with pale lips gloss. The clothing, naturally, was the star of the show. The selection fused well with the stylings. I was pleased as well as inspired. I instantly began making notes in my heat on a possible line of makeup for Perfetto.

Then what had to be the finale piece emerged donned by a supermodel. It was a large tiered gown of silk and bone leather. A screen lit up, and on display was a younger Angel. She was radiant in a nude jeweled gown. In the movie, she moved with power and grace as she stalked down the stage. At the end of the runway, she did a spin before bursting out laughing. The crowd clapped. Then Angel herself appeared ethereal, with her blonde hair flowing in angelic waves down her back. Her face was made up, giving color and shimmer to her pale skin. She was wearing a white silk dress and leaning on a cane. Dane, in a tuxedo, was at her side.

We were all on our feet giving a standing ovation.

The two of them looked stunning together as they walked the length of the catwalk. Justus came running out and handed her a microphone. I held my breath wondering what she’d say to the audience like I imagined others that had spoken to her recently would.

“Wow,” she said and giggled. Her eyes danced around then seemed to zero in on me. “Thank you for coming out to celebrate with my family and me. I’m back.”

I raised my brows. She was coherent. Had she been pretending the whole time?

She turned her head toward Dane and proffered her cheek for a harmless peck. Just before he kissed her, she turned her head, directing it to her lips. Their kiss started innocent, but quickly caught fire, evolving to passion, with Dane holding her up and Angel letting the cane fall to wrap her arms around his neck.

The crowd’s applause went to a fever pitch.

“That’s our Angel,” Nella trilled. “She’s going to be okay.”

I plastered on a smile, though my insides twisted in knots. Nella leaned over for my response. Fortunately, I recovered fast enough and said, “I’m glad for them.” But I wasn’t. I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat. I’d anticipated their reunion all along, but now that it was here, it was more difficult than I had thought. If I couldn’t handle it now, would I lose Dane? And without Dane, would I lose Elliott?

The lights came fully up, and people congregated into groups.

Dane and Angel were crowded smiling and answering questions. Dane’s eyes met mine, but I quickly turned away. I didn’t blame him for kissing Angel back. I just needed time to think about it.

The host came out to show us to the adjacent tent for dinner, I quickly moved forward to be swallowed by the crowd, shivering from the chill as I passed between the breezeways, though there were plenty of gas heaters stationed through the tent. Tove caught up to me and touched my arm. “Elliott’s here.”

I was happy to follow Tove only to be surprised when I saw Elliott. A few women surrounded him like he was a Rockstar, and even from where I stood across the room, he stood out. His compelling blue eyes; the firm features of his face. His strong, powerful build. He was strikingly handsome. One blonde, who looked awfully familiar was leaning close. Sophie from The Agency mixer? He must have said something funny because she threw back her head and gripped his bicep.

My lips pressed together. It wasn’t a kiss. I was being completely unreasonable. Still, I couldn’t go over to him. I needed some time to think, but I couldn’t get past the thoughts that this could be my new life, and it wouldn’t stop there—it would be more than just kisses. If this was my first test at being comfortable with Elliott and Dane with someone else, I failed. Horribly.

I didn’t want to watch Dane make out with Angel. And I definitely didn’t want to see another woman touch Elliot. I didn’t think I could share. So where would that leave us?

The path that led to the bathrooms led to the hotel in the park. I was almost at the end of the path when a hand clasped my elbow. “Gia Ruiz.”

My pulse jumped in fear and it wasn’t much better when I turned around. It was Bradley, a man I met at The Agency mixer party at Dane’s. He was in a modern suit of all black that contrasted with the white blonde of his hair. His blue eyes roved the length of my body before returning with a smile. “I thought that was you…. You changed your hair.”

I stiffened. “Yeah, I did. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Please don’t go,” he stepped in front of me blocking my path. “I’m no longer a member of The Agency. I’m not going to hurt you. Sophie and I were invited by Elliott if you want to check with him. That’s where she is probably right now. She always enjoyed him.” His deep tone didn’t hide his meaning, and what I had already suspected.

I jutted my chin. “Duly noted. Now I must go.”

“Wait,” he said touching my elbow again.

I took a step back and ran my hands down my arms and his gaze followed the move. “Is there something else?”

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