Page 24 of The Unplanned Wedding

Then we’re inside, and she heaves a sigh of relief. "I was expecting attention from the press, but talking about it and being at the receiving end of those flashbulbs is something else altogether.”

"Ignore them." I nod toward the hostess who welcomes us, then follow her into the grand foyer. Light slants through the stained-glass windows that adorn the top half of the walls. Ahead of us is a sweeping staircase that ascends to the second floor.

"Wow." Her steps slow to a halt. "This is incredible."

I glance down to see the amazement on her features, those big eyes, with the brown irises which have turned almost golden, reflecting her surprise. Her red lips are slightly parted, and God help me, but she looks delectable. And so young. Not in terms of the years between us; it’s the undisguised astonishment on her face that makes me feel much older and jaded.

I realize, at some point in my life, I allowed my experiences to get the better of me. I forgot to believe in the joy of living. Forgot about looking forward to what the future would bring. Forgot how idealistic I was when I joined the Marines. I've allowed my life to be filled with pain and regret, and the pursuit of power. And it's taken just a few weeks of knowing this woman to remind me that I could have a different future. One in which I’m not running from my feelings.

When I noticed my Finance Director disparaging her, it brought my protective instincts to the fore. It enraged me and made me feel emotions I’ve buried inside myself for so long. It made me realize I could have a life where I'm not merely surviving, but engaged and forging meaningful connections with the world around me, only...

I don’t deserve that. I do not deserve to be happy. Not when I couldn't protect my best mate, and the rest of my platoon, from being massacred. It’s why I’m going to step away from her and ensure I keep my distance. It’s the only way to ensure I don’t taint her further. I increase the pace of my steps. The faster I get this evening over with, the faster I can drop herhome and be on my way to a place where I can find some relief from this constant hurt that has hooked its claws into my belly.

She’s forced to hurry to keep pace with me. I slow down enough for her to navigate the flight of stairs safely. When we reach the entrance to the ballroom, I release my hold on her.

She stumbles a little. My fingers twitch to reach out and right her, but I resist. I need to keep away from her. Need to find my equilibrium again. I snap my fingers, and a steward appears next to me. No, not any steward; it’s my friend Sinclair Sterling’s butler Jeeves. It’s not a well-known fact that when the Royalty and quasi-Royalty in this country attend events, they bring their butlers along.

My stint with the Marines made me frown at this tradition, but I gotta admit, I appreciate it now. If I'm going to leave her with anyone, I’d rather it be with Jeeves. I can trust him to take care of her.And why should that matter? You don’t have any claim on her, no matter that you spanked her, and she enjoyed it. But she’s also my employee. She’s an asset to my company, and her safety is important to me. I wouldn’t leave her with any man. But Jeeves? He’s all right.

Yep, it’s her safety that’s prompted this flurry of thoughts. I’m being a considerate employer, is all.

I nod in Jeeves’ direction, then at her. "Please introduce my assistant around, will you?"

8

June

"Where are you going?" The smile on my face turns into a frown as I watch him put distance between us. When he doesn’t answer, I take a step forward. "Knox!"

"That’s Mr. Davenport to you." He scowls at me over his shoulders. "And I’m going to the bar to get in a couple of drinks, so I’m insulated enough to put on a game face."

"B-but… I can’t go on alone."

"You won’t be alone; Jeeves here will keep you company."

Jeeves, who’s dressed in a black suit and tie and is clearly part of the service staff, looks between us, then pastes a smile on his features. He’s uncomfortable but is too polite to show it.

"Shall we, Miss?" He leads me away while my boss stalks off. I track his progress, then frown when he’s stopped by a woman in a black dress that fits her like a glove. Her shoulders are covered, and the dress ends below her knee, but the height of the heels on her fire-engine red stilettos ensures she’s almost at eye-level with him. She smiles at something he saysthen takes the arm he offers her. A spurt of jealousy licks my insides, and I bat it away.

Together, they walk forward, picking up another man dressed in a tux with a bored look on his features. He nods at them, and my boss and he exchange a few words, then all three of them head toward the bar at the far end of the room. I hunch my shoulders.

So, he pawned me off on someone else, then decided to catch up with his friends. I thought I’d be spending the evening with him. I thought he invited me along to help further his business. Instead, he’s not giving me any direction. He abandoned me and I... I don‘t know what I'm supposed to do.

The scent of expensive perfume permeates the air, combined with the flowers that are arranged in huge vases on tables—lilies and violets and enormous orchids of a size I've never seen before. All around me are men in tuxedos and women wearing the kinds of clothes I’ve only seen in society pages. The kind of clothing I'm wearing tonight. Many are wearing hats. On the outside, I, too, am wearing a designer dress and heels, and my makeup is flawless. But inside, I feel like a fraud.

I’m not ashamed of my background, or that my childhood was spent in the care system, or that I was adopted. Or that when my mother fell ill and lost her job, I stepped in to help take care of my sister and brother. I want them to benefit from a higher education and promised myself I’d help pay for their university fees.

But surrounded by men and women who’ve been born into generational wealth, I feel the contrast between them and me keenly. I realize we’ve come to a halt and Jeeves looks at me expectantly, "Are you okay, Miss?" he asks in a kind voice.

For the first time, I look at him properly and realize he’s much older than my boss. He has a patient look about his features, and an understanding in his gaze that I’m grateful for.

"I, uh… Could you lead me to a quieter part of the room, where I might, perhaps, not feel like I'm on display?"

"Of course." He guides me to the side opposite where my boss headed. He leads me to a standing table, pushed up almost against the wall. Once I step behind it, I’m able to hide behind the flowers. This way, I can see the room, but not too many people can spot me. I hope.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asks.

"I believe the lady would like some… Champagne?" a voice comments.

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