Page 97 of My Salvation
“Umm, love, you may not want to bend over in the dress.” His hands caress the tops of my breasts that have risen out of the bustier.
“Oops.” I cup them and tuck them in, making both men groan.
Lowell steps forward. “I am not going to be able to get that sight out of my mind for a while, my dear. You look beautiful.” Winking, he reaches out and slips a finger into my cleavage and uses the bustier as leverage to pull me forward and give me one of his restrained kisses.
A ping alerts us to the car service’s arrival. Grabbing my black velvet cape and clutch, we head out. A large black SUV sits waiting in the driveway. I settle in the back seat with Lowell and Thayer.
Shaw and Lev booked a hotel room for us tonight, so they’ll get ready there and meet us at the entrance to the ballroom.
My fingers convey my nervousness with their restless movement. Catching Lowell’s eyes, I notice he’s staring at my hands and frowning. I know I’m fidgeting, but I can’t help it. His long fingers reach out and pull my hand into his. Clasping it to him, he stares out at the window. A moment later, and I feel Thayer take my other hand. My nerves settle for now.
Arriving at the ball, Lowell steps out first, then helps both me and Thayer out of the vehicle. Entering the hotel, we head towards the coat check first. I notice the hotel is crowded with women and men spectacularly dressed. Wow, this is definitely THE event.
After handing them our coats, we stroll towards the ballroom. Thayer has been busy texting Shaw since we got here, and they find us quickly.
“Damn, sweetheart. You look good enough to eat.” Lev swoops down in his usual style and pulls me in for a full body hug. Giving me a sweet kiss on the lips, he hands me off to Shaw.
“He’s right. You look incredible.” Shaw’s hand cups my shoulder as he leans down to give me a soft kiss.
Stepping back to look at all four of them, I fan myself dramatically. “I’m a damn lucky woman tonight to have four incredibly handsome men as my escorts. Let me get a picture with all of you in it. And then we’ll get someone to take our picture together.” After snapping a few pictures, we finally get into the ballroom and to our table.
The first part of the event is dinner, followed by a silent auction for charity. I bid secretly on a few items for their Christmas, and I’m excited to hear I won my bids. Tucking the details into my clutch, I head back to the table.
Their voices are low, but they seem to be having a heated discussion when I walk up, “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, sweetheart. We’re just ironing a few things out.” Lev gives me a grin.
Raising my eyebrow, my eyes settle on each one of them, but they say nothing more. Setting my clutch down on the table, I turn to Lowell. “Let’s dance.” His green eyes sparkle as he quickly stands. Taking my hand, he smoothly twirls me on to the dance floor.
While we dance, I notice we’re getting a lot of puzzled looks. My nerves get the best of me. When people are puzzled, they’re usually trying to work out why I look so familiar. I stumble. Lowell glances down in surprise.
“Are you okay, my dear?” Seeing my white face, he pulls me off the dance floor. “What is it? Are you sick?”
“What? I...I’m fine. I need to go to the ladies room. Please excuse me. I’ll meet you back at the table.” Without waiting for a reply, I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there, watching me.
Splashing cold water on my face, I try to get my nerves under control. This is the first big event I’ve attended since the shooting. All I can think about is what will happen if someone recognizes me. People have a tendency to be extreme in their reactions, and I don’t want to ruin our first evening out together. Taking a few deep breaths, I exhale slowly and get myself under control. Dabbing my face, I square my shoulders and step out into the hallway.
A lady, entering the bathroom, stops when she sees me. I tense.
“Excuse me,” she calls out.
“Yes?” Maybe she’s just looking for someone.
“Are you with Thayer Bradford tonight?”
My shoulders relax. “Yes, I am.” Oh, great, an ex-whatever of Thayer’s. Looking her over, I almost snort at Thayer’s type. A buxom brunette, with a painted-on dress, dripping in diamonds.
“Such a shame what happened to him. What that man could do with his...equipment, if you get what I mean, will truly be missed.”
“He’s not dead. His ‘equipment’ works very well,” I snap. “In fact, I’m exhausted from last night. I would tell you about it, but honestly, it doesn’t matter because he’s off the market. Now, if you will excuse me.”
“What about Shaw or that hunky Lev?” she blurts out as I start to step around her.
Speechless, I stare at her. Fury rises, but I push it down. After all, I can appreciate the fact that my men are attractive.
“Let’s be clear, shall we?” I explain. “They’re all mine. Thayer, Lev, Lowell, and Shaw. Off the market. Permanently. I’m claiming them. All of them. So go tell your friends, and get out of my way.”
Her face reddens. “Four men? Isn’t that a bit...sluttish?”
