Page 7 of Always Been Mine

Unfazed, the reporter shrugged. “You’re not the only one with political connections, Beatrice.”

“It’s Ms. Porter to you,” Beatrice responded. “Well, ifyou’re going to be mixing in these social circles, I suggest you fire your fashion consultant.”

The gloves came off. The reporter’s face turned ugly and she sneered, “You’d do best not to antagonize me. Your reputation is not exactly stellar at the moment.”

Beatrice gave a short burst of mirthless laughter. She shook her head. “Don’t threaten me, Ms. Winters. You print one lie, and you and your tabloid just bought yourselves a lawsuit.”

“Everything all right here?” a low baritone voice interjected.

Zach Jamison.

Kelly’s brow arched. “You’ve moved on pretty fast.”

“Come on, Beatrice,” Zach gently grasped her arm as he glared at the reporter. “Looks like you need a drink.”

When they reached the bar, Zach asked what she wanted and ordered their drinks. Giving her his full attention, he asked, “Was she a reporter?”

“Yes.”

“She the one who’s been printing all this garbage about you?”

Beatrice nodded.

“How did she manage to get into this exclusive event?”

“No idea,” Beatrice replied tersely and winced when she saw Zach’s face fall. “I’m sorry. I’m just not very good company at the moment. It’s been a weird day.”

He frowned and Beatrice realized how her statement came across. “Oh, no. No. Our lunch meeting was the most productive part of my day, actually.”

Zach grinned at her. “Okay. You got me worried there for a moment. We’re pretty set to work with you and whomever you choose for us.”

“Bee!” Doug reached them. He looked worried. “I saw Winters ambush you. I couldn’t get away from the French ambassador.”

“No worries, man. I got her covered,” Zach replied.

Both men exchanged strange looks she couldn’t decipher. Beatrice suddenly felt suffocated. She needed a blast of November chill.

“Guys, do me a favor? Make sure Winters doesn’t leave the ballroom,” Beatrice said. “I’m stepping out for a bit.”

“It’s forty degrees out there,” Doug said. “I’ll come with you.”

“Doug,” Beatrice said sternly. “I’ll be fine. Keep an eye on things.”

“Well, at least put this on.” Her assistant removed his tuxedo jacket and draped it across her shoulders.

“Thanks,” Beatrice said, and then nodded to Zach. “Thanks for rescuing me from Winters.”

“Not a problem, lady.”

Afterward, Beatrice couldn’t walk fast enough to the French doors that opened to the balcony. Because of the chilly weather, there wasn’t a soul outside. She closed the embellished glass door behind her and took a couple of steps toward the marble balustrade. Invigorating air refreshed her lungs. She had the odd desire to run.

“Beatrice.”

Whatever breath she took in was punched right out of her. She turned in the direction of the familiar voice and stilled.

Gabriel.

2

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