Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 106150 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 531(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106150 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 531(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
“What is going on over here?” Bash’s murmur made my skin prickle. He handed me a glass of wine and slid an arm around my waist. “Constance. How are you this evening? Exciting developments with your topiaries?”
Constance laughed delightedly. “So thoughtful of you to ask, Sebastian. I’m doing much better now that I’ve run into Sterling here. The man brings life to a party.”
Bash’s hand tightened on my waist. “I couldn’t agree more.”
She pursed her lips, and her eyes danced. “He was just bragging about his… wool. It seems the man… excuse me, his tuxedo… has been through some things since we last met.”
I tried not to choke on my wine. “Yes, well. You know McQueen.” I waved a hand in the air, trying at the last minute not to slosh out my wine. “He likes to make a statement.”
“Indeed.” Constance looked around the room. “Bash, please tell me there’s going to be entertainment tonight. I can hardly stand these awards banquets. The least they can do is roll out a dance floor and strike up an orchestra. Or maybe have Zee Barlo sing. I swear I saw him around here somewhere.”
“There’ll be dancing after dinner,” Bash said with a knowing smirk. “Why do you think I brought a date?”
I elbowed him while secretly bouncing with excitement over the idea of dancing with Bash after the awards ceremony. I’d never been to a party like this—not as an invited guest, anyway—and I’d certainly never danced with another man in public before.
Constance waved to someone across the crowd. “Pearson, darling!” Then she leaned in to whisper, “Insufferable ass but serves the most delightful Coquille Saint-Jacques at his Memorial Day fête every year, so I can’t help but maintain the connection, you understand. Until later, mon cher! Save a dance for me, will you?” She floated away into the crowd with a heavy waft of Chanel No. 5.
“Force of nature,” I murmured.
“We should have told her your real name,” Bash said. “She’s a good connection to maintain.”
“Pretty sure she somehow knows it,” I admitted softly. “The woman seemed to see right through me.” I gave him a look. “Not easy to keep a secret in this crowd.”
Bash threaded his fingers through mine and tugged me in the direction of the banquet tables. Rows and rows of tables sparkled with silver and glassware, rich floral centerpieces, and lit votive candles. My eyes took in every inch of the exquisite surroundings from the elegant clothes to the pristine table displays. Near the side of the room, he found the tables with Sterling Chase’s logo on a card in the center and led me to them.
Landry was already seated at the first Sterling Chase table, slumped in his seat with a glass of wine in his hand. His date, a model-gorgeous man, sat beside him, talking to his phone like he was making an Instagram reel and ignoring everyone else around him. When we approached, Landry winked and raised his glass to us.
Silas waved from another table and elbowed Dev, who was hunched awkwardly over a tumbler of whisky like he was attempting to appear invisible. Dev up-nodded us.
“Thank you for bringing me,” I said impulsively, pulling Bash to face me before we took our seats at Landry’s table. “I’m glad I’m getting the chance to experience something like this.” Not just being at the glittering party but the chance to be part of his brotherhood, even temporarily.
“First of many, I hope,” he said, giving me a half-smile that made my knees go weak.
“Huh?”
“I mean… I hope this is the first of many boring awards banquets you experience with me.” He leaned in close to my ear and whispered, “Ducking behind a potted plant alone seems like such a waste now.”
My heart beat fast, and my stomach dropped. “Are you… are you saying…” I licked my lips. “Do you mean while I’m living in New York? Or, like, you’d want me to maybe come back to the city sometime? O-or…” I trailed off, unable to think of a third option.
“No.” Bash set his hand on my waist. “I’m saying I’d like you to consider—”
“Bash.” Austin Purcell stood behind one of the empty chairs. “Hey, hey. Sorry to interrupt, but there was a mix-up with my ticket tonight. The people at the entrance said—oh.” He noticed Bash’s arm around me and broke off with a frown.
Bash stiffened and turned, blocking Austin’s view. “Austin. I thought you were in Sierra Leone until tomorrow.”
“Well, I was, but I changed my flight. I assumed it was an oversight on Kenji’s part since I was meant to be here.” He peered around Bash, his attention fully on me. “Are you…?” His eyes widened in recognition. “Your picture was up on Bash’s wall screen.” He looked to Bash for confirmation.
Bash ignored him, instead smiling broadly at someone near the entrance. “Oh, look, Clarissa’s arrived. We should take our seats.” With a hand on my shoulder, he finally took his own seat.