Page 192 of Bodyguard By Night

I patted her hand. “You said yes because you’re sweet and understand they love each other.”

She sighed. “I do. Clay and I always ran in the same circles. It was just easier to attach myself to him, so I didn’t have to go to those blasted work parties alone.”

“I can’t say I get it, but I’m glad you guys could remain friends.”

“I only want the best for him. There were never any fireworks with us. He was just safe.” She glanced over at the tall, handsome man with light hair she’d attended this shindig with.

Wait, was his hair silver? Wasn’t he Ransom’s age?

Helena sighed. “Now I’ve gone full circle with one who’s anything but safe.”

I gave him the once-over. I was pretty sure his dove gray suit could buy me four laptops—top grade. He had that hot patrician thing going on, though I preferred my guys more ruggedly handsome. “Is that a good thing?”

She laughed lightly. “I’m not sure.”

“Been there, girl.” I waved down the waiter and took another glass of bubbly off the tray and handed it to her. “Why there’s alcohol.”

She clinked her glass with mine. “Today, I’m all about it.”

Ransom brushed his knuckles over my shoulder. “Sure you don’t want to go over and sit with Laverne?”

“I need a second. Helena and I are gonna hang.”

“Don’t go any— What is she doing here?”

I looked up. “Who?”

“I’ll be right back.” He was distracted, but my feet hurt too much to get up.

I craned my neck. “What is he talking about?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Do you want me to call over your guy? Reid, right?” I glanced over at him standing alone near the mini bar.

“He won’t come over here. He’s a solitary sort. I’m not sure how to get a read on him.”

“Ahh, the mysterious type.”

There was a commotion near the kitchen. Two of the waiters seemed very distracted, talking amongst themselves before one of them approached me with a strained smile.

“Miss. Ransom asked me to bring you over to him.”

“I can manage on my own.” Lightly, I touched Helena’s shoulder. “Sorry, I have to see what’s going on.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

I stood up and the room tilted.

“Let me help you.” The waiter tucked his hand under my arm. “This way.”

Dimly, I realized the waiter was leading me away from the room. What the hell? “Wait.” My tongue suddenly felt too big for my mouth. My head was pounding, and my ears were full of static.

What was happening?

“Shortcut around the people.”

“No, I don’t think I should…” I wasn’t sure if the words were actually coming out of my mouth. There was a disconnect between my throat and my head.

Was I floating? It seemed as if I was.

“Ransom isn’t going to want me to leave,” I whispered. God, my limbs were so heavy. Walking was too hard, but the waiter was dragging me now, even as I stumbled.

“Don’t worry about him.”

As the world went black, one word was in my head.

Ransom.

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