Things are starting to look up. I just hope it stays that way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHARLOTTE
My feet feel like they are filled with lead as we walk across the red carpet, bypassing the event photographer and the few news reporters who are outside, hoping to get a few shots of the headliner and the wealthy guests.
Drew had pre-warned me it could be a little overwhelming going in, but once inside, the atmosphere is different and the only photographer is the event’s organised one.
He has been coming here ever since he was old enough to attend. His dad had also attended when he was younger. His friend was a fighter for the organisation and then his son when he retired. Silas isn’t the only relative of Drew’s who attends. Drew explained this is where his mum and dad met and had their one-night stand. He assured me Grace hasn’t attended for a few years now, so I won’t have to worry about bumping into her. I’m afraid if we do, I’ll end up blurting out my sins over the hotel. That said, either Wesley or a representative for the family attend in their place.
My stomach is weighed down with nerves as we step inside the hotel. With its high-ceilings and marble floors, it seems much like the last hotel we were at, but there’s a hint of richness here that the other place didn’t have. I can’t put my finger on it. Even as the staff direct and guide people, they have an air of money about them. There isn’t a member of staff who has a stain on their shirt, one who forgot to wear the right shoes or even forgot to tidy their hair. Everything here is immaculate, including them.
I run my hand down my dress, self-conscious as a woman elegantly walks past, wearing a gold shimmer dress that falls in waves at her ankles. Jewels drip from her neck and ears. She screams money, wealth, but that isn’t what is making me self-conscious. It’s the sophistication, the way she holds herself as she walks. She seems sure, confident, and has a glow of air around her. Like she belongs.
I’ll never have that.
The only time I’ve ever felt an ounce of that confidence is with Drew, but only sexually. Any other time I feel like a blithering idiot who speaks too much.
Drew, reaching for my hand, links our fingers together. He looks handsome in his white, crisp shirt, and black slack trousers. It’s his wavy hair down, his leather jacket, and boots that add to his sex appeal. He has a body women want to reach out and touch. They wouldn’t be able to help themselves. Even now, women of various ages are gawking and admiring his physique.
And who could blame them.
I also don’t miss the looks some of them are throwing my way. I’m used to those looks. People give them to me all the time. This is why I prefer books, kids, and animals. They aren’t judgemental or mean.
Pulling me against his chest, Drew then brushes my hair over my shoulder, causing a shudder to run down my spine. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look tonight?”
I melt against him, giving him a lopsided smile. “You have. Five times.”
His pupils darken as he leans down, capturing my lips. “I guess it was worth mentioning more than once.” He pulls back, putting space between us to look at my red suede dress. It’s an off the shoulders, low cut, knee-length, and form-fitting dress. It clings to my body like a second skin. My boobs look pretty freaking good too. I have to remember to thank the girls tomorrow. It isn’t me, but it is.
I kept my makeup light, not wanting to overdo it. My lipstick, however, is, and I love the blood red. My hair is in thick curls, two strands tied at the back with a silver daisy clip.
“So, what happens at these things?” I ask as we move forward in the line.
“Well, I come for the fights and to support a good cause. For the others, it’s a hit and miss. Some are here to make and meet more connections, to show off, or for the good press. Then others are here solely for the cause and fights.”
My stomach turns at the word fight. I can’t deny I’m not the littlest bit interested. I am. But each time I really think about what we’re walking into, I picture Landon in his hospital bed, bloody and bruised. I hear the sounds of the machines flatlining, the wails of my family crying out for their loved one.
“And people enjoy the fighting?”
His scrutiny has me shifting in my high heels. “It’s not that kind of fighting. It’s not watching someone walk down an alley to beat someone up.” I tense, flinching at the reminder. That was what happened to Landon. “It’s a sport; a combat sport people enjoy taking part in for various reasons.”
I lean in so no one overhears and gets offended. “Do they not, like, get hurt?”
He chuckles, pulling me against his chest. “Babe, they are trained to block it out, to keep going.”
I wind my arms around his neck. “I’m sorry. I’m being a baby.”
He groans, dropping his head back. “I should have known. This is about Landon,” he states, meeting my gaze. “Babe, if you want to go, we can go. We can go find a restaurant or club to check into.”
I tuck his hair behind his ear. Even in heels I have to tiptoe to reach. “No, I want to stay…” I trail off, seeing Woods from Tease. A wide smile pulls at the corner of my lips. “Woods? What are you doing here?”
The two women in front of him turn at the sound of my voice.
Oh no.
“Shit!” Drew whispers.
“Drew?” Natalie calls out, excitement shining in her eyes. That dims the minute her eyes land on me.
Paying no attention to them, I turn back to Woods. He beams, pushing lightly past the queue to get to me. “Charlie, what are you doing here?”
I lightly shake my head, forgetting the two women strutting toward us. “Me? What are you doing here? I thought you worked for Tease?”
“Isn’t that a strip club?” Eloise snidely remarks.
I beam, arching an eyebrow. “Yes, do you know it well?”
“God no.”
Woods chuckles, poking me in the shoulder. “This one is a regular. Dave, the boss, threatened to ban her the first night she came, but look at that face. How could you ban that?”
I push his hand away, giggling. “He’s just jealous I have moves.”
His eyes widen in horror as he turns to Drew. “Be careful when she dances.”
I press further into Drew. “I said I was sorry about that black eye.”
“Why am I not surprised she dances?” Eloise bites out.
Drew tenses beside me. “Actually, she was there at first to research for a book she was writing,” he tells her, before reaching a hand out to Woods. “I’m Drew.”
“Keep an eye on this one tonight,” Woods warns, but the smile doesn’t slip from his lips. “I’m Woods, by the way.”
“She stripped?” Natalie wryly gets out.
Drew gives her his attention briefly. “No.”
I nod, agreeing with him. “I stayed ‘cause I like it there.”
“She really does,” Woods comments before turning to me. “I need to get back to it. I’ll catch up with you later.”
I reach for his sleeve. “Wait, you didn’t answer my question.”
He gives the intruders a side glance before glancing at me, grinning. “I offer my services at the charity events. Dave knows and is always onboard with giving me time off.”