Page 34 of Malicious Marriage
Gambling. So her uncle is the reckless one with money. I can’t help her with that immediately, but I can save her here.
“My guests!” I call loudly, abruptly ending Terrance’s laughter as I step away from Clover and bring all eyes to me. Thestage where I’m supposed to give this speech later in the evening is all the way over on the other side of the room so instead, I step up onto a stool and hop onto the bar, much to the quiet amusement of those watching.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out and attending not only this charity gala, but also for providing your immensely generous donations to Housing Hounds. They are a charity very dear to my heart and it warms me to see them receiving so much love tonight. And of course, money, because we are all here to raise money for them to rebuild their shelter and keep every animal under their care alive and well until they can find their forever home!”
Soft cheers ripple through the crowd and as people lightly clap and tap their glasses, I catch Clover’s eye. She shoots me a grateful look as Terrance and his wife have moved on from quizzing her about her uncle and are now transfixed on me.
“But that is not the only reason I invited you all out tonight. Because not only am I helping these adorable animals find their forever home, but I am also one step closer to my very own forever. It is with great honor and immense pleasure that I am announcing that I, Dean Savoy, graciously asked the beautiful, thestunningClover Byrne to marry me.”
The sea of polite laughter and claps turns into an ocean of gasps.
“And it is with immense delight that I can reveal she saidyes. Sorry, ladies, I’m off the market.” My joke earns a ripple of polite laughter and attention drifts over to Clover, who stands against the bar with a wide, nervous smile on her face. Dropping down to my haunches, I slide off the bar and stand by her side with my hand wrapped in hers.
“Now some of you may be wondering why this is so sudden and I can already see the speculation in the eyes of those who aren’t so kind with their rumors.”
More polite laughter.
“In which I will remind you that just because you don’t see anything doesn’t mean nothing is happening. The Savoy family isalwaysworking and for once, I can say that it’s notmewho’s been working because I have been utterly charmed by this gorgeous woman. I hope you will all do me proud in welcoming her into the Savoy family and the circles we will share together. And if you have any complaints or negative reactions” —Clover’s hand tightens in mine— “then tell me with your bank account through donations to Housing Hounds!”
More polite laughter ripples through the room, and the music, which had quelled the moment I stood on the bar, rises back up, signaling the end of my speech.
“Oh, my God,” Clover hisses, turning her body into me and gazing past me toward the bar with cheeks aflame. “This is terrifying.”
“Which part?” I ask while keeping a pleasant smile on my face for any curious onlookers.
“All of it! I’ve never had so many people know my name before.”
“Surely not. We move in similar circles, you and I.”
Clover scoffs softly. “I mean crabs and sharks move in the same circle, doesn’t mean they're equal.”
I glance down and meet her gorgeous eyes with a warm smile. “You’re a very pretty crab.”
Clover’s anxiety gives way to laughter, and she finally smiles at me while nudging her elbow gently into my side. “You have a way with words, huh?”
“Years of practice,” I tease. “But if you are truly uncomfortable, then we can step away. I’ve done what I came here to do. There’s no need for us to stay.”
“And give fuel to any rumors rising about why you’ve announced an engagement so suddenly? As funny as that wouldbe…” She presses her lips together and her smile widens. “You were right earlier. We need to sell this, and I won’t slack on my end.”
A strange, brief sadness flutters in my chest at the reminder of our engagement only being a transaction, but she’s right so I ignore it. “Well, then, how about we do another loop of this grand hotel and count how many fake congratulations we earn?”
“I’d be delighted.” Clover grins while accepting my offered elbow.
Leaving the bar, we resume our walk around the ballroom and greet countless people. From families I work closely with and know intimately to smaller families who are here purely for the charitable contributions, everyone has congratulations on their lips but not everyone holds it in their eyes. Some judge Clover likely because she’s from a much lesser-known family than many would expect me to align with. Some judge me likely because I’m visibly older than her. Some eye Clover with jealousy as if she’s stolen an opportunity from them that they never were entitled to in the first place, while thankfully, a fair few treat her warmly and express genuine interest in her and her family.
It warms me to see and I return to the bar when Clover slips away to the restroom. Resting against the bar with a brandy in hand, I gaze out at the crowd. Terrance and his wife have vanished after having a short, sharp dispute near the champagne fountain. My loyal bodyguard Jack seems to be having a very animated conversation with Bobby. I keep an eye on it as Jack looks rather pissed off until he erupts into laughter with Bobby and it clicks for me. He was telling him a story. I drink slowly and wait for Clover to return, but when I feel warmth beside me, my stomach tightens briefly to see it’s not her.
“Don.” My advisor wears the same stern, sour look he always does. I partly believe he came out of the womb looking like that.
“Dean. So.” He taps on the bar and orders a drink. “It’s official.”
“You sound surprised.”
“Indeed, I expected you to keep in mind what is good for the family, not just what is good for you.”
“When has anything been good for me?” I narrow my eyes slightly. “Take a look around you, Don. How many people do you think accepted our invitation here out of fear? How many are glancing over at me wondering how safe Clover will be with a Savoy on her arm? How many have already made a snap judgment based on a rumor and think I’m the monster they have to warn their kids about?”
“We’re all monsters,” Don replies as his Vodka is slid into his hand. “We’re criminals. No one is clean.”
