Page 90 of Rebel Hawke

“You really think, as a Hawke, I wasn’t forced to learn every dance imaginable for just these occasions?”

“Hmm.” She purses her lips. “I guess I hadn’t considered that.”

“You’re going to have to learn, too.”

“Am I?” Her eyes twinkle playfully. “Why is that?”

And, fuck, I want to say those three little words that I’ve felt for so long.

The ones that explain I want her with me forever, for as long as I walk this Earth, but I don’t want to scare her. I don’t want to send her running—

A tap on my shoulder makes me turn toward the intruder in what could have been a very important moment in our relationship.

Isaac leans in so I can hear him over the orchestra. “We need you at the bar for a couple of minutes.”

I glance over there and see Dad, Uncle Savage, Uncle Stone, and Saint gathered around with their heads dipped low together in discussion. “Shit, that looks rather ominous.” Turning back to Wren, I offer an apologetic kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move from this spot where I can see you from the bar.”

She scans the couples around her, standing in the center of the dance floor laden with partygoers. “Um, I’m just supposed to stand here by myself?”

Better than the alternatives.

If she comes with me, she may get sucked into a conversation about something she shouldn’t have to worry about, and if I send her back to our dinner seats, she’ll be stuck answering questions from old, nosy friends of the family wanting to get the scoop on the first woman I’ve ever brought to one of these.

I press another kiss to her lips. “Yes, and no other man is allowed to touch you tonight.”

“Then…maybe I should just go to the table.”

“No, right here.” I squeeze her hand. “I’m comingrightback.”

She huffs out an annoyed sigh, and I step away and follow Isaac, weaving through the crowd, inclining my head toward everyone we pass. Some I can recognize even with their masks, and some who could be anyone.

The sheer number of people invited to these events boggles the mind. I’ve never particularly enjoyed attending, but they’re just part of being a Hawke.

Smile, wave, put on a show.

It’s for a good cause.

So, no matter how annoyed I might be at having to spend my evening here instead of with Wren at home, I’ll do it. This is important, not only to Hawke Enterprises but also to Dad and Savage personally.

The charity does so much good—one thing they set out to accomplish when they first joined forces to start building our empire.

We approach the bar, and Dad turns toward me, glancing back in the direction we just came. “Where is Wren?”

“I left her on the dance floor.” I turn so I can keep an eye on her, where she stands looking more than a little annoyed. “So, this better be quick.”

The corner of his lips twitch. “You’re kind of obsessed with that girl, you know?”

Yes…

“Is that why you dragged me away from her?” I raise a brow at him. “To state the obvious?”

Uncle Stone chuckles and takes a sip of what I know is club soda with lime—the same thing he’s drunk my entire life. “Wow. He’s in a mood today.”

Isaac nudges my elbow. “Maybe because he isn’t getting any.”

I gape at him. “Fuck you, asshole.”

He smirks.

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