Page 70 of Hot Blooded
“Sorry,” I whisper, and reach out for his hand.
He wraps his warm palms over mine, encasing me. “Don’t apologize, you look radiant.”
“You sure this isn’t too revealing?” I gesture to the dress, which is essentially see-through.
Reign shakes his head. “I wouldn’t have picked it if I thought otherwise. Look, we’re here.” He points out the window as the limo rolls to a stop in front of a stone-façade museum, complete with imposing pillars and larger than life animal statues.
“Gosh,” I gasp at the sight, which makes Reign chuckle.
“This is probably blasé to you…” I start while Reign shakes his head.
“Maybe in the past it would have been. Watching you experience it brings back the pleasure ten times over.” His words sound happy, but his tone is pure melancholy. Whatever is eating him up, he’s doing a great job of hiding it.
I smile at his words, but I see a little twitch in the corner of his mouth. I wish I knew what he was thinking.
A valet opens the car door and Reign steps out, reaching back to help me. This dress may look stunning covered in Swarovski crystals, but it adds a stiffness and weight that I have to get used to.
As we step onto the red carpet, cameras flash. Waves of fear plunder me, being in the spotlight like this. My breath quickens and I start to wonder what to do with my hands, how to stand, heck, how to walk.
Reign must sense my panic, because he pulls me to his side like he’s claiming me. It’s instant comfort, being held against his powerful body.
He guides us forward and then pauses, angling his body toward the hoard of paparazzi who shout his name. Amid the calls are questions like ‘who is your date’ and ‘what are you wearing’? Reign just smolders at them, looking handsome as heck, as I try to keep my smile from looking deranged.
Finally, we’re able to walk off toward the large open doors of the venue. “That wasn’t so bad,” I hum.
“You looked incredible, I’m sure,” he assures me and swipes two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. I take the most measured sip to ensure I don’t lose my head.
The museum’s cavernous rooms buzz with conversations played over a backdrop of a classical pianist situated in the center of the room.
“Reign,” a woman’s voice calls. Then I spot her. It’s Kai, looking glamorous in a dark green dress that despite the large volume of fabric, covers a very small amount of her perfect body. She’s waving a black-gloved hand like a blushing debutant.
He makes an annoyed little sound in the back of his throat that has me feeling happier than I should.
“Kai,” he says in a clipped tone.
“Tressa, that dress is so… perfect for you.” Her eyes narrow as she looks me up and down, as if sizing me up.
Reign drops his hand from my lower back and I suddenly feel like I’m balancing on the ledge of a rooftop.
“And this tux,” Kai steps into Reign, running her hand over the fabric of his sleeve. She makes a little clicking sound in approval. “I remember this tux.”
The way she says the words makes my stomach churn, made worse by the effect her words seem to have on Reign. He clears his throat and reaches for me again, lacing his fingers in mine.
“I think we’ll catch up with you another time, Kai. We’re eager to get to the silent auction tables before they close.” Reign practically pulls me away.
I’m completely lost on what to say to him, so I stick with his direction of ignoring the tension. “There are some beautiful items,” I comment as we approach the start of the seemingly endless tables filled with treasures.
Reign gives a soft chuckle.
“What is it?” I turn to meet his gaze.
He shakes his head. “I haven’t cared much for treasures in many years. This is something that’s easy to lose passion for over time.”
I see his sorry attempt at self-loathing from a mile away. “You love your book collection though. I know humans who value books too. I am a bibliophile, in case you’ve forgotten.”
We wind our way quietly down the aisles until we reach the end and I gasp, my heart flipping in my chest. “I can’t believe it.”
“What is it?” Reign asks, leaning down to read the little card next to thedescription. “The Winnie-The-Pooh stories sumptuously bound by Timothy Wolfendale.”
