Page 82 of Enough

“For some reason, you have this idea that you’re not good enough for me. But you’re mistaken. You’re everything I need and more. Do you hear me, Claudia?”

Swallowing hard Claudia responded. “I hear you.”

“But do you understand what that means?”

“I’ve got a feeling you’re going to tell me.”

Jaden gifted Claudia a half of grin that further set her loins on fire.

“That means, you and I will be together come hell or high water. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to—”

Before Jaden could finish someone glided to stand next to them. Jaden and Claudia looked to their guest, and a smile broke out on Jaden’s face. He reached out and slapped hands with his brother.

“Glad you could make it,” Jaden said.

“My plane touched down thirty minutes ago. I was already dressed for the occasion.” Julian looked to Claudia. “Hey beautiful lady, this is an excellent event you have on your hands. You could use some music or something though. Tell me what you need, I can grace the audience with these vocals if you want. What’s your pleasure?”

Julian was just as suave as Jaden but as different as night and day. Where he was constantly on the go because of his international male modeling agency, Julian lived for the attention he received on a regular basis. Having a woman in his life was an afterthought, but he couldn’t deny that today he’d taken the opportunity to see Desiree again at Claudia’s event. He had no idea Desiree would even be in attendance, but he’d hoped for the best.

“Whatever Claudia needs, I’ll be the one making sure she’s equipped,” Jaden said, “You feel me.”

Jaden slid Julian a perilous smile.

“My bad brother, I definitely didn’t come to step on your toes,” Julian retorted.

“Not if you want to leave with those toes intact.”

Julian chuckled the gleam in his eyes making their rounds to Desiree. Desiree stood next to Claudia sipping from a glass of champagne. She’d tried to suppress the smile on her lips, but Julian could see right through her.

“Excuse me,” Julian said stepping between Claudia and Jaden to stand in front of Desiree.

“You know I agree with your friend here,” a voice off to the side said. Jaden, Claudia, Desiree, and Julian looked to the voice. The middle-aged man eased into their circle and Cassie lingered at his side; the gray strands in his black hair seemingly put together on purpose. The accent he spoke with gave Claudia the impression that he was of Spanish descent but she couldn’t be certain. The man held his hand out for a shake.

“Ms. Stevens, besides the cover charge, how do you propose to make money off this event? Is there a live auction slated for later or?”

“No there isn’t a live auction, the cover charge and the price per plate is how I plan to gain donations. Unless of course, you’d like to make a generous offer out of the kindness of your heart.” Claudia batted her eyes, and the man smirked. “You are?”

“Angelo Garcia,” he said introducing himself, “and I’d like to make a proposition.”

He’d officially peaked everyone’s interest.

“Do you dance, Ms. Stevens?”

Claudia’s mouth fell open then closed. “Um, yes, I do.”

Angelo chuckled at her hesitation. He cast a look at Jaden who was standing so close to Claudia you’d think they were one person. Looking back at Claudia, Angelo said, “I’d like to challenge you to a duel. You can choose any partner that you wish and so can I. I’ll donate one hundred thousand dollars if you can spin the wheels off this crowd better than me.” Angelo smiled elated with himself. “What say you?”

“I’ll match his one hundred thousand,” came a voice standing next to him. Angelo’s smiled brightened.

“So will I, came another.”

“I’ll double it,” Mayor Jenkins said, now tuned back into their conversation.

Claudia was on pins and needles. Sure, she could dance, but she had a feeling her moves were slightly different than his and in front of this crowd she was growing stiffer by the minute.

“What do you say, Ms. Stevens? There’s currently five hundred thousand dollars on the table. Will you leave it there, or show us what you got?” Angelo turned and pulled Cassie in by her hand. “You’re not scared, are you?” He asked.

Claudia’s mouth was stuck. There was no way she could beat professional dancers. What kind of game was Angelo playing?

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