Page 44 of Virtue & Vengeance

11

EDEN

THE ROOM GLITTERED like something in a movie. Since coming to Vegas I’d seen some opulent places, Empire Sevens being one of the nicest, but this place was astonishing.

Men and women socialized around the room dressed to perfection. Their chatter and laughter wafted through the air filling the space with a sense of happiness and joy.

Zander took my arm and laced it through his before we took the grand staircase down to the main floor. Once we were on the main floor, I stopped to take in the room. I could feel Zander’s eyes on me, so I looked over to find him staring with a grin.

“God, you’re beautiful.”

Chills moved over my flesh.

His words.

The way he was looking at me like he wanted to devour me.

It was all too much.

“Stop it. You’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Compared to them, I’m a hot mess.”

His face went serious, and his emerald eyes clashed with mine. “No. You’re right. Attractive women surround me, but they have nothing on you. You’re gorgeous, Eden.”

I swallowed, feeling as though he had somehow reached inside me and flicked my heart. He rarely used my real name, and when he did, it did something to me. Not to mention, I had the most handsome man in the room filling my head with sweet compliments.

“Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” He turned away, stopping a guy holding a tray of champagne glasses.

“Thank you,” I said again when he handed me a glass.

He moved closer, his eyes capturing mine as he said, “Save all of your thanks yous for later. You’ll need them more then.”

My cheeks blazed making him chuckle before he put his succulent lips onto this glass and sipped from it.

“What makes you think there will be a later? Remember, this isn’t a date. You’re basically keeping me hostage for the night.”

“What if I’ve changed my mind? What if just this once we call this a date?”

“What exactly are you asking?”

“Do I get to go all the way with you tonight?”

He was grinning, and I knew he was teasing me. “You think if you pretend this is a date I’ll sleep with you tonight?”

“You mean f-“

I pushed my finger against his lips, silencing and glaring at him all at once. “Don’t ruin our first date, Zander.”

“If you’re going to agree it’s a date, you’re going to agree to all my terms of this date, Ms. Vaughn.”

I took a drink from my champagne, leaving him hanging.

“So, what exactly is this charity event for?”

“We host this event every year to raise money for kids who live on the streets.”

I looked up at him not at all expecting him to say that. “Really?”

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