Page 13 of Dangerous Devotion

He returned to his bag and fished around an inside pocket, coming out with a handful of IDs. May watched him sift through the collection. He finally selected one that would work for the night and tucked the rest back into the bag.

He slipped the ID into his jacket pocket and offered May his arm. He wasn’t happy with the color she was wearing, but it was too late now. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

They left the room and headed to the lobby. Outside, a sleek black car waited to drive them to the gala.

Henner held the door for her, and she slipped in. When he followed, he threw a glance at her chest, expecting the maneuver to expose her completely. But that double-sided tape seemed to be doing the trick.

As the driver pulled away, Henner angled another glance at May. Whatever happened after this, one thing was certain.

It was going to be one hell of a night.

* * * * *

Titties. Dammit, ever since Henner said that word, it was all May could think about. Each small move she made, she was aware ofhow one wrong gesture could make her stand out in the crowd in theworst possibleway.

The dress made her feel strong and confident…but shewasdrawing a lot of attention. She straightened her spine.

The gala was a spectacle of wealth and power, the sort of thing that soured May’s stomach. And she should know—she’d grown up in this world.

Champagne flowed freely, and everywhere she looked, people clustered together, heads close as if they shared secrets. Which they probably did.

The grand chandelier shed golden light over the gala, highlighting the elegant attire. Most were dressed in military regalia, and Henner was right, damn him. The other women wore shades of blue and black.

As she and Henner wove through the crowd, a string quartet in the corner struck up a minuet. The low music seemed to hum at the same frequency of the tension vibrating through the whole party.

Gliding along at Henner’s side, she reached for his arm—

And felt the tape holding up her dress slip.

She tightened her grip on his arm, pulling him to a stop. He drew his eagle-sharp focus from the crowd he’d been scanning since the minute they walked through the door, and settled on her.

“What’s the matter?”

“Do you see the ladies’ room?”

His line of sight dipped to her chest and snapped back to her face. His pupils widened. “You’d never make it there. Get behind me.” He stepped in front of her, blocking her from sight so she could adjust.

Okay…that was cute…in a gentlemanly way.

With his solid body inches away, she grasped the top of her bodice and yanked it up a little, then pressed her fingertips into the fabric, hoping it would stick to the tape.

God, his back wasgorgeousin that tux.

Feeling more secure, she stepped out from behind him. “Let’s get a drink.”

He darted a look at her chest and she saw his own inflate as if a groan was gathering in his lungs, but he didn’t let it out.

They continued to move through the crowd, mingling by way of smiles and nods. All eyes turned to her as she passed. When she got a flute of champagne in hand, she turned to Henner. “See? Blending in by standing out.”

“Right.” He didn’t take any champagne, though he could definitely use a drink to take the edge off. The man was on constant alert.

Suddenly, it hit her.

He was supposed to be dead.

Anyonein this crowd could recognize him.

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