Page 148 of Arianna

“And you ruined me, tyrant.” She smiles softly up at me.

Fuck, she looks so stunning.

Like a princess.

I hold her close before I force myself to step back. “We should go, or we’re going to be late.”

As much as I am dreading spending my evening with the blood-sucking leeches of the high society of Chicago, the other part can’t wait to walk in there with the most beautiful woman in this city, fuck, the planet, on my arm, and make every single motherfucker there wish they were in my shoes.

Another part of me cannot wait for the night to be over to get her out of that dress and into my bed.

* * *

ARIANNA

“Oh, great.” I don’t hide my displeasure once the double doors of the building are opened, revealing the gathering inside.

A high society gala.

Men dressed in tuxedos and women in gowns.

Dancing.

Eating and drinking.

Kissing ass.

Awesome.

“It will be fun.” Sebastian kisses the back of my hand at the doors to the Museum of Arts of Chicago. “Besides, it is for a great cause. Let’s keep that in mind.”

I take in the place and notice it is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees in every corner and fairy lights lighting up the place, giving Winter Wonderland vibes.

“Yes, and the perfect opportunity for self-absorbed pricks to kiss ass and push their agendas,” I mumbled. Quite judgmental, I know.

My very own self-absorbed prick laughs while leading me further inside the gathering. It doesn't escape me how many of the guests have their eyes and cameras trained on us. I swear Sebastian Kenton is an enigma. He has the ability to suck the air out of a crowded room without trying. Just by being there. “You wound me, darling.” Sebastian grins wickedly, looking so dazzlingly handsome in his tuxedo tonight. I could forgive him for making me spend the night with these people instead of a perfect night with my girl watching her favorite pig. “I will be discussing business tonight. I guess that makes me a self-absorbed prick, as well.”

“It does.”

Laughing and looking down at me, he says. “And yet, you let this self-absorbed prick fuck and kiss you senseless.”

He cares little that we’re surrounded, and someone might hear his crude comments.

Shrugging, I look up at him, ignoring the people around us. “Well, what can I say?” Clicking my tongue, I watch as his blue eyes fall to my mouth. “You’re the only self-absorbed prick I can tolerate.”

“Brat.” He mumbles as we walk through the sea of people gathered, already enjoying their night. From the corner of my eye, I spot Benjamin standing strong and vigilant in the corner with a shrimp cocktail in his hand and the other hidden behind his back, most likely gripping his gun just in case something were to happen.

He gives me a small smile, and then his eyes move to the crowd.

Turning to Sebastian, I say, “I love it when you compliment me, Sebastian. However, save something for later.” I wink at him, and it only makes him laugh. God, that laugh. An irrational part of me wants him to keep it to himself here. Not wanting anyone to witness how handsome he looks when he smiles. Truly smiles. Not the act he puts on in front of others.

The laughs and smiles he reserved only for me.

“Come, let's enjoy the night, shall we?” He leads us towards our table, where some of the occupants I have seen on TV.

Old money heirs and corrupt politicians gather to raise money for the less fortunate.

My Sebastian fits in perfectly.

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