Page 61 of Victorious Vice

I make my way through the crowds, stopping to chat to individual donors and other guests. With warm gratitude, I take many large checks that are given to me.

Raven’s Wings is doing well tonight. My heart bursts when I think about the many people we’ll be able to help. The research we’ll be able to fund.

At some point, I have to figure out which one of these guests is Mr. Smith, the person who gave me the fifty million dollars. I want to pull him aside discreetly and thank him, but I haven’t been able to locate him yet.

“Ms. Bellamy,” a voice says.

I turn to face Dr. Landon Michaels, the oncologist who agreed to sit on our board. I recognize him from the photo on his website.

“Dr. Michaels”—I take his hand—“it’s such a thrill to finally meet you in person. Once again, I can’t thank you enough for being willing to serve on the board to lend your expertise.”

He smiles warmly. “When you called me, I couldn’t say no. I believe in what you’re doing here.” He scans the crowd. “Your sister and your attorney have been wonderful to work with, but”—he looks back at me—“I know working with you will be even more of a pleasure.”

I nod. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

He looks me up and down. “If you don’t mind my asking, which physicians treated you?”

“I don’t mind at all. I was privileged to be treated by several amazing physicians, Dr. Leonard Smith and Dr. Victoria Jensen among them.”

“Both excellent in their field,” Dr. Michaels says. “I’m so glad they were able to get you into remission.”

“Yes, so am I.” I chuckle nervously. “But unfortunately standard treatment didn’t work for me. I actually owe my life to my brother Falcon. He donated the blood marrow that saved me.”

“You mentioned that in your speech.” He clears his throat. “Would you care to dance?”

My hands become clammy. Dr. Michaels is a nice-looking man—light-brown hair with a little bit of silver around his temples. Lovely green eyes. And tall. I like tall men.

His shoulders aren’t as broad as Vinnie’s. And his facial features aren’t as sharp, as rugged.

But screw Vinnie. He has his own date. The dance floor is beginning to fill up, and the string quartet is playing a waltz. Later, a DJ will come out to play more contemporary tunes.

I hate myself for it, but I do a quick scan of the room to see if Vinnie is within eyeshot. He’s not on the dance floor. In fact, I don’t see him or his date. I turn back to Dr. Michaels. “I would love to dance with you, Doctor.”

I let him lead me to the dance floor. I put my right hand into his left and place my left hand on his shoulder, while he slides his right hand around my waist and pulls me closer than I’m comfortable with.

I step back just a touch.

He seems to get the message.

I know how to waltz, but my goodness, it’s been a long time.

It comes back to me quickly, and Dr. Michaels is a fluid dancer and an excellent leader. I’m proud that I don’t step on his feet at all.

I catch a glimpse of Jared standing on the edge of the wall, watching me like a hawk.

And then my brother, Hawk, also watching me like his namesake.

Falcon and Savannah are dancing, as are my mother and father.

Robin is dancing with a man I don’t recognize. She didn’t come with a date, so good for her.

Eagle is still sitting at the table, his hands folded together. He looks uneasy. I’ll never stop worrying about him.

Leif Ramsey is on the dance floor with his beautiful wife, Kelly, a fiery redhead.

Dr. Michaels and I don’t speak much, and when the dance ends, I give him a smile. “Thank you.”

“May I get you a drink?” he asks.

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