Page 75 of Pure Evil

She flutters her eyelashes.

“Nothing.”

Then she pulls me after her with a mischievous wink and I swear every part of me wants to tear that dress off and fuck her and fuck the gala. However, years of putting business first overwhelms my wishes and with an irritated growl, I follow her out.

* * *

We aresilent for the entire journey. Purity is pensive and I am struggling with unexpected anxiety. Tonight, could damage the relationship we are building. I’m shocked to discover that I want her to remain ignorant of my real world. For her to gaze at me with anything other than adoration is like a knife twisting in my heart and for the first time in my life, I want to be a better man—for her.

But I’m not and as we pull up beside the red carpet, I take a deep breath and try to fix the bastard in me back in charge.

Saint opens the door, and my men stand as guards as we exit the car, the flashbulbs of the paparazzi exploding in our faces.

This is always the most delicate part of any appearance in public. Anyone could have their sight trained on me and it would be game over before it got started. My men hate it. I hate it and now I have even more cause to worry because if anything happened to the beautiful woman holding my hand so tenderly, I am liable to burn this world to the ground.

When did she become so necessary in my life? I don’t like it and I’m struggling.

With a deep breath, I play my part and hold her hand tightly as we head into the hotel that has been hired for this party only.

“Wow!” Purity stares in wonder at the huge glass sculpture in the center of the reception, flowers surrounding us with their heady scent. Soft music plays in the background and the waiting staff all smile and nod respectfully.

“I feel like a princess.” She giggles adorably and my heart lurches. When I see life through Purity’s eyes, I see things very differently. I have never noticed details before, but with her I see the beauty in everything. I love the sparkle in her eyes as she stares in wonder at the god-damned hotel reception, as if it’s Cinderella’s fucking castle.

It makes me want to give her the world just to keep that expression in place.

We head into the ballroom, and she gasps at the opulence of the finest hotel in Chicago. The people surrounding us are dressed in riches and dripping in jewels. The men stare at my bride with an interest that brings a scowl to my face because fuck if they desire what’s mine. Just the thought of anyone’s hands on her causes the beast to growl inside me and prepare to strike.

“Who are these people?” She whispers as she gazes around at a scene I doubt she ever believed she’d see first-hand.

“Businessmen and their wives or companions. Senators, judges, law enforcement officers and anyone of power in the state.”

“You know them?”

Her eyes are wide as she smiles shyly at a woman nearby who is staring at her with undisguised jealousy. I like to believe it’s because she has done the unthinkable and snared the most eligible bachelor in town, but it’s not. It’s because Purity is so god-damned beautiful it hurts to look at her.

“Not many, but the ones that count.” I answer her question as Senator Gibbons heads our way.

“Killian, I must congratulate you on your marriage. You are one lucky devil.”

He kisses Purity’s hands and I thank God she is wearing gloves because the thought of his wet lips near any part of her skin makes me feral.

“Senator.” I throw him an easy smile because my mission is to charm, not to alienate, and I glance at his young wife who started life off as his assistant.

“Mrs. Gibbons.”

I nod respectfully and note the desire in her eyes as she steps forward and kisses me on both cheeks, lingering a little too long, causing her husband to say quickly, “I must say we were astonished to learn of your marriage. I couldn’t understand it, but I do now I’ve met you, Mrs. Vieri.”

“Purity, please.” She smiles, causing the Senator to stare at her a little too hard for my liking and I say abruptly, “If you’ll excuse us, we must circulate but be assured of my continued support Senator and a large donation to your chosen charity.”

He nods with a smug acceptance and as we move off, Purity whispers, “That was so lovely of you, Killian.”

“What was?”

“Offering to donate money to his charity. What is it?”

The fuck if I know, but the proud expression in her eye is one I want to keep there, so I smile. “He has many charities and I trust him to direct it to the worthiest one.”

Before she can reply, another well-wisher stops by, and I smile politely as they extend their congratulations. For the next thirty minutes we are swamped with well-wishers and Purity charms them all with a soft smile and an infectious giggle. The women appear as mesmerized by her as the men and I am unusually proud as I stand by her side, holding her hand tightly, wanting to keep her safely beside me and away from the predators who are circling.

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