Page 68 of Ruthless Knight

But there’s something else I just figured out.

Attraction.It’s my opening, my foot in the door, my opportunity.

No matter what has happened, I can’t deny that I’m attracted to him, and he is to me.

I can use that.

It’s the wild card between us and the thing I’m sure Persephone used to get Hades to meet her halfway. I don’t even need as much as that. I just need an ounce of compassion.

A flash of a camera snaps our tension-filled stare.

It was someone taking pictures from the corner of the room.The press.

It’s begun.

I expect that picture to be in some newspaper tomorrow like all the others that will be taken before the night is out.

“Oh, my goodness, she is absolutely gorgeous,” says an elderly woman floating toward us. Although she’s thin, she reminds me of the fairy godmother inCinderella. She comes right up to me and takes both my hands. “I’m Etta, Knight’s grandmother. I’ve simply been dying to meet you.”

“It’s great to meet you too. I’m Aurora.”

“LikeSleeping Beauty. I love it.” A gleam of interest flashes in her pale eyes.

I give her a little smile. She seems really nice. Glamorous grandmother nice.

I knew I’d be meeting Knight’s family tonight, but I kind of expected them to have horns on their heads.

“My mother had a thing for fairytales,” I explain with awe.

“Well, she made a good call. My dear, you are just as lovely as your name.”

“Thank you.”

She gives my hands a squeeze before releasing them, then looks from me to Knight with glowing excitement.

A man I recognize from Google as Knight’s grandfather comes up next.

“Hi, I’m Bradford Grayson, Knight’s grandfather.” His tone is businesslike, as if he’s in a boardroom meeting.

“Good to meet you.”

“And you.” He puts out his hand for me to shake, and I do, but I don’t miss the look of wonder he gives Knight.

Something tells me it’s because of that kiss, and I wonder just how much he knows about us. I get the feeling he knows a lot. Or everything.

He exudes the kind of authority that demands that no secrets are hidden from him.

“I must introduce you to everyone.” Knight’s grandmother takes my hand again, and before I can say anything, I’m led away.

I look back at Knight, who is already looking at me.

He said nothing after that kiss. Not to me and not to his grandparents. And still, his face remains the same.

I’m taken to meet Knight’s grandmother’s friends, who fuss over me, my dress, and my ring. I meet more people than I’ve probably met in the last five years, and that’s saying something given that I went away for college and worked in two states.

I get invites to dinners, fundraisers here at the Astoria, and other venues I’d never be invited to in this lifetime. My personal favorite is an invite to a poodle fashion show put together by a new designer. Apparently, I’m lucky to get an invitation because it’s an early viewing specifically arranged for the celebs who will be attending New York Fashion Week.

The time comes for Knight’s grandfather to make his toast. When Knight finds me and slips an arm around my waist, I know the announcement about us is going to be made.

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