You’d think after the lastkidnapping that he’d cancel it, but after seeing Eveline, sheshould have known that wasn’t going to happen. He wasn’t speakingto her about canceling the party, just the fine details. She shouldhave known that he cared more about money than his own flesh andblood. “Y-you’re still having it?” And, why was he so concernedabout her dress? She had a feeling that something more was going onand he needed her to look exceptional.
“Of course.”
She felt her face heat upin anger. She was nearly killed and he was still having thisuseless party! “I have plenty in my closet that I’ve never worn.I’ll wear one of those.” She was surprised at how calm shesounded.
He nodded. “This year’sfashion preferably. I have some investors coming to this party so Ineed you to look really good. I need you to beconvincing.”
Like she always was. Theperfect hostess and loving daughter. “I will.” That really pleasedhim. He grinned from ear to ear as if he just won a majorwar.
When she came out of herfather’s office, Ryan was gone. She knew he’d be close by, butmust’ve got called away for the moment. She made her way back up toher room. She knew now that her father did not love her. He neverdid. It was all about appearances with him. The only one thatseemed to care about her was Ryan. Should she put so much faith inthat though? Who’s to say that he’ll stick around after this isover, if it ever ends.
She stopped outside herdoor and leaned her head against it. She could definitely surviveon her own if she had to. She was sure she could. She didn’t needher father’s money or shelter after Ryan accomplished what he cameto do. It was important he succeeded and she would do everything tohelp him so she could get away from here.
A large hand smoothed overher shoulder startling her. She jumped and turned around. It wasRyan. The level of stealth he possessed was stillsurprising.
“Are you all right?” Henudged her under her chin to make her tilt her head up to facehim.
“I’ll be fine.”
“You will,” heagreed.
She smiled. “He’s just sohard to take.”
Ryan nodded. Then he leaneddown, reached behind her and opened her door.
She closed her eyes andinhaled his scent as her nose near brushed the skin at hisneck.
He turned his head andkissed her forehead tenderly. “Let’s go for a run afterbreakfast.”
“I’d love to.”
He took her hand and ledher into her room shutting the door behind them.
Down the hall Ivan steppedout behind the corner while lighting a cigarette. He knew he wasright about those two, but his boss won’t listen. He’ll have todeal with Casey on his own. Katya would be his whether she liked itor not.
***
“Oh, be still my beatingheart,” Ryan murmured. He made a circular motion with his fingerfor her to turn around.
Kat grinned from ear to earand swirled in front of him. She wore a form fitting deep plumsatin gown with off the shoulder straps. There was a long slit upthe side revealing one of her flawless legs up to mid-thigh. In theback, the material dipped below the taunting curves of her shoulderblades. The material spilled onto the floor behind her. It was aperfect choice for her figure. It was exquisite and classy, justlike the rest of her.
Around her neck was hermother’s tear drop diamond necklace. She also had the matchingearrings. Her hair was pulled up and piled neatly on top of herhead held in place by diamond encrusted pins and revealing herelegant long neck.
He let out a long whistleof appreciation. “You put the ‘class’ in classy,darling.”
She blushed red at thecompliment and the endearment. He was no hobo either. She didn’tknow how he got his hands on the expensive stylish tuxedo he wore,but it was definitely tailor made. “You’re no street urchinyourself.”
He chuckled as heapproached and gathered her in his arms. “I could eat you up rightnow,” he said huskily. He bent his head and gave her a long deepkiss.
She felt her knees go weakas his tongue caressed hers. Oh, this man knew how to seduce awoman with his mouth, that’s for certain. “Do you really like it?”she said breathlessly.
The corner of his mouthpulled up. He took her hand and moved it between them so she couldfeel his solid erection. Her eyes widened as she stared up at him.He tilted his head handsomely and lifted a single brow. She burstinto laughter. She couldn’t deny that type of honesty.
He narrowed his gaze in amock glare. “I’m glad my condition amuses you.” He glanced at hiswatch. “Time to go and receive your father’s guests.” He turned andheld out his arm for her.
She was still smiling whenshe took it.
“You will be paying forthat later,” he whispered in her ear as they descended thestairs.
“I’m praying on it,” shesoftly countered. His deeply voiced threat had the muscles in herpelvis contract suddenly. Gosh, how did that with just a phrase,was impressive.
There was classical musicplaying as they walked through the house to the back yard. Herfather didn’t spare any expense when it came to impressing theseso-called investors.
There was a massive buffet,top of the line chiefs, servers, and small orchestra to create anelegant atmosphere. He’d had the garden manicured to perfection andextra lights set up. People were mingling throughout the house andconcentrated mainly in the back garden where the music was. If shedidn’t know anything about her father, she would have thought thisvery enchanting and beautiful.
For the next hour shemingled, and acted the part, hating every second of it. The onlyperson that made it bearable, was Ryan. He was outstanding as hermock date. He was sophisticated and charming, and kept very closeto her. She felt protected and safe every time he placed his handon her lower back or touched her discreetly on the arm or by agentle caress of her hip. It was all the security she needed,knowing he was there. When asked what he did for a living, he toldpeople he was in acquisitions. She near choked on a sip of wine. Helowered his hand and pinched her
