I watch more people trickle from the cars. Most of them are couples. I can’t blend in with a couple. I need a group. Are there no single men around here? I’m not sure that would be so easy either. Would I just throw myself into his arms? That might not be such a bad idea.
The main obstacle looks to be the cameras. Why is everyone stopping to pose for pictures? Then the people taking them shout out their names even though they know who they all are. This will be the end of my charade. No one will be yelling for me.
My eyes drift further down past the photographers. Security is thick, but I don’t see anyone specifically checking for tickets. That might be because everyone knows who the stars and rich people are already.
Just go, I tell myself. Walk down the stupid red carpet like you own the place. That’s how it’s done. You belong here. You’re here to get your box. You have the right to be at this event. I come up with every reason I can think of to make myself believe my own lies. But I don’t belong, right?
“Not the time,” I scold myself. I’m not having an internal fight right now. That will have to wait for later. I walk to the curb, then hit the red carpet. Two girls slip from the back of a limo. I take a few steps to hurry to catch up behind them. Finally, a spot for me to slip into. Then I actually do slip. My heel catches on the stupid red carpet. I try to put my hands out to brace myself for the fall, but the ground never comes.
Two arms wrap around me and pull me close. Wow. One of those women is way stronger than she looks. I was sure a rough gust of air could have knocked them over. It occurs to me I talk a lot of shit for a girl who’s almost fallen on her face twice in the last five minutes. And for one that happens to be sneaking into an event that she can’t afford a ticket to.
“Are you okay?”
My eyes spring open at the sound of a man's voice. I’m stunned for a moment when I see whose voice it is. Gaines Braeburn. I don’t know if I should thank my grandma or curse her at this moment. I open my mouth but no words come out. Then stupid ones do. “You have the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen.”
He moves, righting me on my feet. I grab hold of his jacket to get my balance back in these heels. What the hell are the chances that he’s the one that saves me from disaster?
I reach up to touch my necklace as I get myself together.
“You’re so tall.” I drop my head all the way back to look up at him. I’ve seen pictures of Gaines before. I knew he was handsome. I just didn't know how big he was. He doesn't look like a man who sips tea and admires lost artifacts.
No, he’s a real deal tomb raider. Some say he’s a real life Indiana Jones if you add some additional weight and a whole lot of muscle. I’m sliding him over into that category and away from the Scrooge McDuck image I had in mind--even if I’m certain he’s got a pool of gold coins he swims around in before bed.
He stares at me without saying anything for a long moment. Then he leans down, and for a second I think he’s going to kiss me. My hands dig more into his jacket. I should push him away. Wait, I’m supposed to be seducing him.
I push my lips out, trying to make them look pouty. It’s what all the girls in pictures do these days. He stops a few inches from my mouth. He’s so close that I can feel the coolness of his minty breath on my lips. I lick them, wishing I could taste his as well.
“Are you okay?” he asks again.
“Gaines,” someone calls. “Look this way.”
Then another shout. “Over here.”
All the photographers are looking at us and taking pictures. I turn my face away. Having my photo taken with him will only draw attention to me that I don’t want. I’m here for one reason: to get my box.
“Don’t like getting your picture snapped?”
I shake my head. I really don’t care if someone takes my picture, but I’m going with the whole damsel in distress.
He'll hopefully play right into my hand by saving me and whisking me inside. Men love that sort of thing. They’re always looking for a girl that needs saving. Once inside, I'll have him eating out of the palm of my hand. And then he’ll take me to his house, and I’ll finally have my box.
“No more pictures, then.” He tucks me in closer to him. “I’ll get you inside away from the cameras, but then you’ll have to do something for me.”
I give him a bright smile. I plan on doing so many things for him already. Including making him fall in love with me. Robbing him blind. Then having him lose the greatest treasure of them all. Me. At least that's what Grandma always said I was.
I meet his gaze, puffing up my courage to take the next step. “Okay. It’s a deal.”
What’s doing one more thing for him going to hurt? Hopefully him.
4
Gaines
Unexpected, to say the least. The beauty beside me seemed to come out of nowhere, practically falling into my arms.
Not that I’m complaining. Though completely out of character for me, I considered keeping her against me, taking her mouth in a kiss, then dragging her out of this place so we could be together in private. It sounds barbaric and foolhardy, but I can’t deny what I’m feeling.
She shoots me a sideways glance as we climb the steps into the venue. “You really are ridiculously tall.”
“Ridiculously?” I ask.
“In a good way. I mean, you seem really solid. Thick, actually. Like long and sort of--” Her cheeks turn a decidedly darling shade of pink as she clamps her lips together.
“I seem long and solid?” I tease.
She tucks a lock of her brown hair behind her ear, then changes her mind and lets it drape freely down to her shoulder. She’s nervous. Why does that simple fact whet my appetite even more?
“Gaines.” Selena sweeps over, her gaze on me. “I intend to win you tonight,” she simpers.
“You say that every year.”
“This year I mean it.” She runs her tongue along her front teeth, then looks at the woman on my arm. “And you are?” She puts a sharp point on her question.
“Pan”—the beautiful brunette pauses, then finishes—“sy.”
“Pansy?” Selena laughs, her platinum blond bob bouncing. “Well, nice to meet you, I guess.” She slides her gaze back to me. “You’re mine tonight.”
“Actually”—Pansy steps forward—“he’s mine, and if you don’t mind, we were just on our way inside.”
Everything inside me pulses, and I can’t seem to keep from taking Pansy’s arm again, her soft skin perfect under my touch. “You heard her, Selena. I’m claimed.”
“We’ll see about that.” She turns, her white hair fanning out as she puts an extra sway in her hips and stomps away.
“Who was that?” Pansy looks up at me, her brow slightly creased.
“Selena’s been after me for years. Not me, though, of course. My money.”
“Oh.” She shrugs. “I thought everyone here was already rich.”
“Of course they are.” I lead her through the wide double doors into the ballroom. “But adding to their wealth is their favorite pastime.”