Page 29 of Savage Stalkers
“What a magnificent event, Lillian. You’ve outdone yourself.”
Mom acts all coy and tells her it was nothing, and they engage in conversation until Mrs. Radcliffe excuses herself. While Mom works the room, I scan the crowd, trying to spot tonight’s victim—or should I say my potential suitor.
That’s when I see him. Kain is standing near the entrance, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit. His blonde hair is perfectly styled, and he looks every inch the professional security expert. His gray eyes scan the crowd, but when they land on me, everything else fades away. Why the hell does he have this effect on me? Out of our two interactions, during one he was a complete dick. My heart hammers against my ribs, and I have to force myself to look away.
“Skye, there you are.” Mom appears at my elbow with a man in tow. “I’d like you to meet Preston Thorne. Preston, this is my daughter Skye.”
I know who he is. Mom texted me yesterday with instructions to look him up and find out as much as I could about him. He was exactly what I expected—tall, conventionally handsome in that generic way that screams “old money,” with perfectly styled brown hair and a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, which seems very common among the wealthy. You would think money would make someone genuinely happy, but it doesn’t—maybe they are as miserable as me. I highly doubt Preston can’t find a wife on his own, so that tells me his family is associated with my stepfather.
“Skye, it’s a pleasure. Your mother has told me so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” I reply automatically, the words feeling foreign in my mouth.
“Of course. She mentioned you’re studying psychology? How... interesting.”
But the way he speaks makes it clear he finds it anything but interesting. He probably thinks higher education is simply something to keep women busy until they find a husband.
“Yes, I find criminal psychology particularly fascinating,” I say, taking pleasure in the way his smile falters slightly.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to explore your hobbies while we get to know each other better.”
Hobbies. So he considers my education a cute little pastime and not something I plan to make a career. How dare I want to be my own person and make my own money?! Oh, the horror!
Movement near the serving station catches my eye. A waiter is refilling champagne glasses, his dark hair falling across his forehead as he works. He looks up, and my breath catches in my throat.
Silas, my TA is here, dressed in the white shirt and black vest of the catering staff.
“—don’t you think so, Skye?”
I realize Preston has been talking, and I haven’t heard a word. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
His jaw tightens slightly. “I was saying I believe women are most beautiful when they embrace traditional roles, focusing on family and supporting their husbands rather than pursuing demanding careers. Don’t you agree?”
Before I can tell him exactly what I think about his opinion, someone approaches our small group.
“Excuse me, mind if I steal the lady for a dance?”
I turn, and my world tilts completely off its axis. Zay stands beside us in a perfectly tailored navy tuxedo, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced,” Preston says stiffly.
“Zayce Maddren, but my friends call me Zay,” he replies smoothly, extending his hand. “And you are?”
“Preston Thorne. Skye and I were just getting acquainted.”
“Well, you can get acquainted later. The lady promised me a dance.”
I definitely did not promise him any such thing, but I nod anyway. “Of course. Preston, would you excuse me?”
Preston’s smile is tight. “Certainly. Save me the next one?”
“We’ll see,” I murmur, letting Zay lead me toward the dance floor.
His hand settles on my lower back, and I resist the urge to lean into his touch.
“Fancy meeting you here, pumpkin,” he says with a smirk. “I told you we should get married. Thought I’d crash your fancy party and make my case before it’s too late.”
“This isn’t funny, Zay. What if someone figures out you don’t belong here?” I hiss.
