by Dara Girard
“Don’t bite your nails,” Kenneth ordered, grabbing her hand before it reached her mouth.
“Kenneth, we’re not going.”
“Not going where?”
“To the ball.”
He furrowed his brows. “But you said—”
“I know what I said, but that’s not the point.” Her gaze fell. “We’re not going because I accepted a bet from Deborah that I could charm you enough to get you to ask me to the ball. If I lost, I’d have to be her housekeeper for a year. If I won I’d get the Sapphire Pendant.” She traced a pattern on the bed. “Before I thought losing the pendant and working for Deborah would be the worst thing in the world…and it will be awful, but I’d rather…” She gripped the sheets and took a deep breath. “I’d rather have you as a friend.” She raised her gaze to meet his. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m glad you told me.”
She frowned. “You don’t sound surprised.”
“I’m not. I already knew.”
Her eyes widened. “You knew? Since when?”
He lifted a brow. “Does it matter?”
“No.” She bit her lip. “Did you ask me out of pity?”
He shook his head. “I asked you out of revenge.”
She laughed without humor. “So I guess I hadn’t won.” The fact hurt a bit, but she brushed it aside. “What was your plan? Were you going to get me all dressed up again and then decide not to go?”
He cupped her chin. He liked her best when she was like this: real, worried, vulnerable. Her eyes a place he could sink into. His voice deepened. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Because right now I’d like nothing more than to go to the ball and have you by my side.”
* * *
Brooke’s blood chilled as the man’s cool, threatening voice came through the phone line.
“The vote is coming up and I have yet to be persuaded.”
“I told you you’ll get your money.”
“I don’t want words. I want cash. You think you can play with me like the others?”
“Don’t get brave with me Uncle. Your gambling debts aren’t my problem. You should start thinking of this as a favor. Otherwise I just may think you’re not worth my time.”
His bravado faltered. “I could tell people what you’re up to.”
“Sure you can,” she said sweetly. “But who will they believe?” She hung up the phone and swore. Why hadn’t anyone answered the ad? It was a stupid wooden bracelet and the reward money would be worth its return. Brooke took a deep breath. She wouldn’t worry. She would have it back soon. She scowled at the phone. She hated old men who tried to be tough. Her uncle was only useful as a puppet, but she needed him. He was respected by the elder members and would be a great support once Stephanie was in power. It hadn’t been hard to find a weakness to use against him. Fortunately, everyone had one.
Brooke suddenly clapped her hands. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? Kenneth’s image was a little too pristine. She knew he had a few skeletons in his closet. The question was what was the best way to use them against him?
Chapter 23
Jessie glanced at her watch. She was going to be late if she didn’t hurry. One of the most exciting nights of her life and she was ruining it. That morning Kayla came by to fix her hair and Ana had helped her with her make up. Unfortunately, hours later she’d ruined two stockings, misplaced her lipstick and a pair of earrings, and she’d broken the latch on her bra. But now she was ready. She stared at the attractive woman in the mirror, draped in a gorgeous turquoise dress. Tonight victory was hers. She grabbed her bag and shawl then ran down the stairs.
“Never run in a dress,” Kenneth said, adjusting his collar in the hall mirror. He wore a sharp conservative evening suit that reminded her of the stranger she sometimes met in his office.
“I don’t want to be late,” she explained, trying to fix her shawl.
He turned and his mouth fell open; he stood paralyzed.
She touched his sleeve concerned. “Is something wrong?”
“That’s not the dress you showed me at the boutique.”
No it wasn’t. It was a fitted velvet-lace dress with off the shoulder spaghetti straps and hand sewn sequins along the hem. She smiled. “I know.” She wiggled. “Surprise!”
“Go back upstairs.”
“Why?”
He folded his arms and waited.
She mumbled under her breath, but climbed the stairs. “Okay now what?”
“Come down, slowly. I want to enjoy this.”
She descended, feeling like a clumsy, awkward teenager going to her first dance. Kenneth’s look was so intense she felt her entire body grow hot. “You’re embarrassing me.”
“No, I’m admiring you.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I am charmed indeed.”
She felt tingles explode throughout her body. Hypnotized by his eyes she missed a step and crashed into him. Kenneth grimaced when her elbow made contact with one of his bruises.
“Try not to do that when we get there,” he grumbled, rubbing his side.
“Damn these shoes. Are you okay? You know we don’t have to go. I saw this great movie they’re going to have on TV.”
“We’re going, Jasmine.” He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a long black jewelry box. “It’s customary,” he said, when Jessie shook her head.
She opened the box, fear and excitement assaulting her. Inside, a white pearl choker gleamed against a blue velvet background. “Oh! It almost looks real.” She did a quick check. “Wait…it is real. I can’t wear this. Do you know how much this cost?”
He grinned. “I have a pretty good idea.”
“It must be very expensive.”
He shrugged. “It’s my money.” He lifted the necklace. “Turn around so I can put it on you.”
She hesitated.
“You’re hurting my feelings.”
Jessie took off the chain then turned. “I suppose one night won’t hurt.”
Kenneth draped the necklace around her. The white gems against her skin were as sensuous as cream over bread pudding. He kissed her neck. “Perfect.”
She fingered the necklace then took his hand.
* * *
The tall sandstone walls of the Hampton Hotel hugged the corner of Catlon Bay in the soft summer night. Kenneth and Jessie strolled up the stone walkway among the other well-dressed guests.
“You can let go of my hand now,” Jessie whispered, trying to free herself from Kenneth’s grasp.
“Only if you’ll promise to stop biting your nails.”
“I can’t help it, I’m nervous. I feel like I’m visiting royalty. I’ve never attended anything like this.” Except as a waitress.
They stopped in the grand entrance hall of the hotel. Flowers burst forth from china vases; elaborate chandeliers hung overhead, and a long burgundy carpet lead a path through the marble floor. Kenneth handed in their ticket while Jessie tried to calm her nerves and tried to remind herself how to breathe.
“I thought you wanted me to let your hand go,” Kenneth said, heading towards the ballroom.
“I do.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t, if you won’t release mine.”
“Oh sorry.” She abruptly let go. “Are you all right?”
He sighed irritated. “For the tenth time, yes.”
“You shouldn’t have worn gloves. People are going to think you have some sort of disease.”
“Perhaps they’ll think it’s a fashion statement. Besides, if Nathan has anything to do with it everyone will already know what happened.”
Jessie looped her arm through his and searched the crowd for familiar faces, particularly Deborah’s. A woman in a floral silk dress came up to her. “Excuse me—”
“Yes, the parmesan basket is filled with goat cheese and we do have white wine that is not too dry with a light fruity bite.”
The woman frowned. “I was going to ask about your dress.”
Heat touched her face. “Of co
urse you were.”
“I think it’s gorgeous.”
“Thank you. Gina designed it.”
The woman smiled and left.
Kenneth tried not to laugh. “What happened?”
“I forgot who I was.”
His fingers inched up her back until they reached her bare skin. “I don’t know how you could in this dress.”
She rested a hand against her cheek. “I am so embarrassed.”
Kenneth looked around the hallway and dragged her to a corner where they would be hidden by a marble column. He rested one arm against the wall and the other on his hip, successfully trapping her. “Okay, what’s the problem?”
“I’m sorry. Were you somewhere else when I made an idiot of myself?” He smelled delicious; she wanted to be closer, to bury herself in his strength and confidence. His gaze trailed down her body touching different areas as if he were caressing them. Jessie folded her arms feeling naked. “I wish you wouldn’t do that.”
He feigned innocence. “Do what? I think you look delicious.”
“You make me sound like something to eat.”
“That you are.” He glanced from side to side then kissed her, rendering her senses nonfunctional for a few moments. When he pulled away, his voice held a husky undertone. “Fortunately, I like to save my desserts for after dinner.”
“I thought you said poison was deadly.”
“I’ve developed immunity.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a ring. It had a silver band with a diamond surrounded by amethysts. He slid it on her finger. “Wear this for me, don’t ask why.”
She wasn’t going to. Speech was impossible as she felt the stone casting its magic, whispering its history and importance. The honor and privilege he had given her was clear and soon questions did fill her thoughts. She looked at him for answers. He merely shook his head. She glanced down at the ring, feeling her courage grow.
She looked at him her voice a whisper. “It’s beautiful.”
His eyes clung to hers. “My thoughts exactly.”
Jessie took a deep breath as they entered the main ballroom. Eyes turned and watched them. Admiring eyes, covetous eyes, and inquisitive eyes followed their every move. Jessie felt like dead meat in the presence of vultures.
“This is stupid,” she said. “Everyone is watching us like we’re a tabloid feature.”
Kenneth laughed at the description. “That’s pretty precise.”
“Is this how it always is?”
“Usually.”
A flash briefly blinded her. “What was that?”
“Photographers.”
“Shouldn’t they ask permission first?”
“That would be nice, but they usually don’t.”
She lifted her hand, wiggled her fingers and sent him a wicked grin. “I suppose it would be very uncouth to really give them something to photograph.”
“Not worth the energy.” He glanced around the room, hoping to find something to divert her attention.
“I don’t believe it,” two women said behind them. They turned and saw Michelle and Teresa staring at Jessie in amazement.
“Hi, Michelle, Teresa,” Kenneth said. “You both look wonderful. It’s comforting to know beauty and elegance are not in short supply.”
Michelle wore a striking blue sheath dress with a beaded jacket; Teresa a gold lace dress. They didn’t hear him, their attention focused on their sister.
“You look fabulous,” Teresa said.
Michelle lifted her champagne glass. “For once we agree.”
“Yes,” Kenneth said. “I think Jasmine looks gorgeous.”
Michelle choked on her champagne; Teresa’s mouth dropped open. They’d never heard someone call their sister “Jasmine” and not face dire consequences.
“Thank you,” Jessie said.
“We’d better mingle,” he said. “Nice to see you both.”
As she left, Jessie winked over her shoulders at her stunned sisters.
Nathan came up to them as they stood near the hors d’oeuvres. He looked handsome in a dark gray suit. “Can I have the opportunity to dance with this exotic creature?”
“No,” Kenneth said before Jessie could reply.
Jessie handed Kenneth her plate and offered Nathan her hand. “I’d be delighted.” She ignored Kenneth’s fierce frown and allowed Nathan to pull her into a dancer’s embrace.
“He is not going to be very happy with you,” Nathan said.
“I don’t care. I needed to give you something.”
“What?”
She kicked him in the ankle.
“Ow!” he cried, hopping on one foot. He scowled at her. “What was that for?”
“For watching while Kenneth got plummeted.”
Nathan gingerly put his foot down. “Hey,” he said in an injured tone. “First of all I kept him out of jail and second I kept the event out of the papers.”
“How?”
“Threats work.”
Jessie frowned. “I mean, how did you keep him out of jail? He didn’t start it.”
“Yes, but he did a lot of damage. I’m surprised the officers let him go after he was arrested.”
Her eyes widened. “Kenneth was arrested?”
“Yes, he’s a man of many talents.” He paused. “Would you do me a favor?”
“What?”
“Dance with the kid when this song is over.”
“What kid?”
He jerked his head in one direction. “The skinny kid holding up the wall.”
Jessie looked and saw a young man awkwardly holding a drink and searching the crowd as though looking for someone. She began to grin. “Your brother?”
“One of them. His name is Rodney. He’s a little shy.”
Jessie bit her lip. “I’m not sure…”
“He will, just ask him, please. Just—” A woman walking past diverted his attention.
Jessie sighed, disgusted by his bad manners. She turned to leave him alone on the floor.
He grabbed her arm. “Wait. Where are you going?”
“I’m freeing you so that you can gawk at other women.”
He shuddered.“At her? Never.”
Jessie allowed him to pull her back into a dance pose. “At who?”
Nathan gestured to a column where a woman in yellow stood alone. “Stephanie.”
“Oh, her.”
“Kenneth needs to watch himself.”
Jessie looked at him. “I guess you like her as much as I do.”
“Less.”
“Why don’t you like her?”
“She’s too...assuming. She’s too smart to be that open. She’s ambitious and women like her don’t easily let outsiders on their turf. She and that sister of hers are dangerous.”
“Personal experience?”
“Unfortunately. That—”
“Quiet. She’s coming towards us.”
They both pretended to be enraptured by the music and each other.
“Jessie, I owe you an apology,” Stephanie said.
Jessie stopped and looked at her.
“I made accusations that I later learned to be false. Kenneth told me that rumors of a bet were a pure fabrication.”
She blinked. Stephanie was apologizing? Being cordial to her? “Umm…thank you. It’s nice of you to be his champion.”
Nathan snorted. “Convenient, I’d say. Where’s your sister?”
“She decided not to come.” Stephanie hesitated. “You look very nice.”
He stared at her with cold brown eyes then turned to Jessie. “Thank you for a wonderful dance.” He bent and kissed the back of her hand then left.
Jessie felt embarrassed by his behavior, but it was the fleeting expression of hurt on Stephanie’s face that made it worse.
“He’ll come around,” she said gently.
Stephanie looked shocked then resigned. “I doubt it, but I still...” she let her words trail off.
“I know.”
She let her ga
ze fall and noticed Jessie’s bracelet. “That looks familiar. I had one like it once.”
Jessie lifted it up. “Syrah gave it to me.”
“That’s sweet. See you around.” She smiled then left to mingle.
Jessie went in search of Rodney, but ended up with three more dance partners before she was able to break free. She went up to the young man and smiled. “Would you like to dance?”
Rodney looked pleased then suspicious. “My brother asked you, didn’t he?”
“Does it matter?”
He frowned glancing at the crowd with disdain. “I know there are other guys you’d probably want to dance with more.”
“Does that mean you’re turning me down?”
He looked embarrassed. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Look, I know how it is. I have two older sisters myself and I know how hard it is to try and prove yourself.”
He folded his arms. “You’re not going to leave me alone, are you?”
“That’s right.”
“Fine.”
He wasn’t a smooth dancer, but he managed not to step on her feet. After a few moments he said, “You…uh…smell real nice.”
“Thank you. I don’t bite, you know. You can hold me closer.”
He cleared his throat. “I don’t think I should.”
“Oh come on. What’s the harm?” She pulled him closer then realized why he had kept her at a distance. She licked her bottom lip to keep from laughing. “Well, you certainly know how to flatter a girl.”
He missed a step and tread on her foot. “Maybe we should stop.”
“No, I’m enjoying myself.” She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t ever feel less than just because you’re not like everyone else. Take my advice. I’ m a fellow misfit.”
He looked at her doubtful.
“Don’t tell me you haven’t heard of one of the crazy Cliftons.”
“Yeah, but you can’t be…” He looked incredulous then let his gaze trail the length of her. “Whoa.”
She grinned then winked at him, which gave Rodney the confidence to hold her with a little less innocence. Soon he was spinning her around the dance floor, keeping Jessie busy with correcting his wandering hands. But once the song ended she didn’t refuse when he asked her for another dance
“I can’t wait until this thing is over,” she said.