Page 85 of Obsessive Love

"You look beautiful."

My brows raise in surprise at his compliment.

"Uh, thank you."

A crease forms between his brows and he chuckles as he holds his arm out for me to grab onto.

"You need to try and mask that look of surprise tonight when I compliment you or say something nice. Otherwise there's no chance of anyone believing us," he says.

I loop my arm through his and sheepishly smile.

"I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting it."

"Are you ready?" he asks as we walk towards the open front door.

I nod and blow out a shaky, nervous breath.

"I will be once we're there and I have some champagne in my hand."

Chapter Forty-Nine

Sophia

We pull up outside a large building surrounded by shiny, top-of-the-range cars and heaps of people strolling around and walking inside, each dressed to impress. The men are decked out in suits and the women on their arms are practically blinding people with the amount of sparkling jewellery they have on.

As Kaleb and Jaylen exit the front of the car, I look down at myself, noting the butterfly necklace I always wear, the bracelet that Kaleb bought me clasped around my wrist and the blinding ring on my finger and doubt seeps into my mind.

"Was I supposed to wear more extravagant accessories?" I ask, turning to Jericho beside me.

"No, of course not. Everyone here likes to be showy and flaunt their wealth, but Kaleb and I have never been like that, so no one would expect you to either," he says, clearly understanding why I asked the question. "You look perfectly fine, Sophia. I promise you."

He pats my hand resting on the seat between us and flashes me a comforting smile.

"Ready?"

I take a deep breath and then nod, painting a wide smile on my face.

He taps his knuckles against the window and then the door is being opened, and he's sliding out of his seat, motioning for me to follow along behind him.

I scoot across the leather, being careful of my dress and when I get to the door, Kaleb is there, holding his hand out for me.

I look at it in confusion and subtly shake my head.

"Take my hand,dolcezza, and let me help you out of the car. I'm a bodyguard tonight, remember? This is the sort of shit I have to do," he grumbles quietly, displeasure evident on his face.

I giggle as I place my hand into his and allow him to help me out of the car, and hand me over to Jericho who's waiting for me with an outstretched hand.

I spot Charlie, standing by himself and I frown, heading in his direction.

"Where's Jess?" I ask.

"She got a phone call on the way here and asked me to drop her off somewhere. She said she'd text you."

Jericho subtly nudges my arm, drawing my attention back to him.

"Let's get this over and done with," he mutters. I nod and take his hand, and we begin walking towards the entrance of the large building where the auction is being hosted.

"Thank God this is almost over," Kaleb groans from where he's seated beside me as the auctioneer shows the last item up for sale. "I can't sit here any longer and watch all these old, snobby bastards with their lingering stares in your direction."

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