“It is,” Buster said slowly, glancing down at the counter as he continued, “But sharing in her joy could cause problems.”
“Not really, not if it’s what makes her happy,” I responded, pleasure curling through me at the idea of Jane staying with us permanently. The idea had been brewing in the back of my mind, but logically, I’d wondered how it would work. Michael and Buster had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember and I’d never done well parted from them. Jane had settled most of my restlessness, but that could also be because we all lived together in the hotel suite.
“It’s worth considering, is it not?” I added, wiping my face carefully as Buster stood stiffly next to me.
“Aye,” he replied, and I heard the longing in his voice. He wanted Jane and he’d been resisting for my benefit. Had Michael done the same? “It’s a risk,” Buster warned as I stepped to the door.
“All great things are,” I paused and glanced at his back as I added, “Brother.” His head jerked toward me but I slipped from the bathroom before he could comment.
Chapter Sixteen
After stepping out of the bath, I brushed makeup on lightly and peeked out of the bathroom to make sure the coast was clear. Ian normally managed to keep to his courteous tendencies, but there had been the rare occasion we’d intercepted one another while dressing. Ian didn’t hide his desire to get an eyeful, and I found it more and more difficult to avert my own gaze. He was a gorgeous specimen. Lean and predatory as he prowled through the rooms of the suite and almost impossible to resist when he poured on the charm.
I caught sight of the dress lying across the bed and squealed, startling myself. I glanced around as I clapped my hand over my mouth, but of course, no one was around to hear me. My eyes went back to the dress as if it possessed magnetic properties.
I drew closer. The dress was nothing like I’d expected. Michael was traditional, so I knew this dress was completely Ian’s doing. There was no way Michael would have agreed if he’d known, but I was in love. The dress was black, floor-length with a high neckline. It would have been Michael approved, except for the bright pink flowers that started at the bodice and flowed down the skirt randomly. It was as if someone had taken a bundle of pink flowers and blew them onto the dress and let them stay where they fell.
I pulled the dress on, and it fit like a glove. The bottom of the dress danced; giving the illusion that the flowers were moving. The back had a sheer black panel, baring my back without actually revealing the skin. I twirled in front of the mirror, happy laughter erupting from me as I watched the flowers flutter with the motion.
A knock on the door interrupted me as I heard Michael.
“Jane, are you ready?”
“Yes,” I called, slipping on the shoes that accompanied the dress. They were the exact shade of pink as the flowers in the dress, and I shook my head at how perfect it all was. Cinderella and her fairy godmother had nothing on the Wright brothers. I tugged the door open and stepped out into the living room.
“My God.”
“You are magnificent,” Ian murmured, taking my hand as I grinned hugely.
“Truly stunning,” Michael said with an appreciative smile.
“I love it,” I admitted as I twirled for them, showing off the entire outfit.
“Well, there won’t be a woman there lovelier than you.”
“What Michael means is there won’t be a woman more ravishing.”
“Perhaps I meant mesmerizing, brother.”
“Perhaps bewitching would be more suitable, brother.”
“Comely, I would say.”
“Dazzling.”
“Exquisite.”
“Radiant.”
“Captivating.”
“I do believe there won’t be a lass more fetching than Jane tonight,” Buster interjected as he strolled through the door of the suite. His tuxedo had obviously been tailored to fit him, since finding anything to fit his physique would be almost impossible.
“Thank you, Buster. I believe they started with honest compliments, but it quickly dissolved into a competition,” I said with an amused smile.
“It happens frequently, lassie. Are you sure you wish to be escorted by these two louts? You’re always most welcome on my arm,” Buster declared, and I smiled in delight.
“I shall be the envy of every woman there with three gorgeous escorts,” I said, spinning between them to watch my skirt flare out as the flowers rippled.
To which Ian quickly responded with, “We shall be the envy of every male in the city with such beauty accompanying us.” He held his hand out for mine and I shot a quick glance at Buster, but he only nodded easily, a light smile on his face as he took in the two of us. I forced back a frown as I wondered if he’d so quickly forgotten our earlier moment.
I settled my hand lightly on Ian’s arm, noticing with delight that his tie matched the pink in my dress. A quick peek at Michael revealed the same tie. He noticed my glance and gave a rueful smile as he tapped it.
“Ian insisted, and I can see why now. It’s a lovely complement to your gown.” I nodded happily, and Ian gave me a concerned look.
“You’re happy with the choice?” His question hinted at uncertainty, so I gave him a wide smile.
“I adore it and couldn’t be happier. Everyone there will know you belong to me.” I flushed after I said it, fearing how the words would sound to them since they didn’t belong to me after all. I peeked up through my lowered lashes to see they’d crowded around me. I pressed my hand against Ian’s chest to steady myself and heard his sudden inhale.
“It would be our pleasure to have everyone there know we belong to you,” Michael answered, his voice thick as his hand brushed the curve of my waist
“We should go then.” Ian gave a subtle nod to Michael and threw another pink tie at Buster. He caught it readily and studied it for a moment before tugging his own black one loose. As he tied the new pink one, Ian smiled down at me. “Our family shall be easily recognized tonight.”
The men exchanged knowing glances that left me confused. It seemed to me there was more going on then they’d let on, but as Ian pressed a quick kiss to my forehead, I let it go. There would be time later to determine any secrets, but for now, I would enjoy the evening with them.
When we went downstairs, I was surprised to find we were traveling by limousine. Ian noted my surprise and nodded toward Michael, who answered the unspoken question.
“Tonight is about appearances.” He gave a calculating smile. “And we will, as always, live up to expectation.” He opened the limo door with a flourish and I ducked inside, impressed as I saw the interior of it. I had to admit it was the first time I’d been this close to a limousine, much less ridden in one. The seats were supple leather, and light glowed from underneath the trim. A mini-bar was built along one side, but none of them bothered with it, instead watching as I took it all in. Ian pressed a button, and the roof of the limousine slid back, exposing the night sky, causing my eyes to round.
“What do you think, love?”
“Impressive,” I answered him with a quiet sigh as I settled back into the seat. “But I think I still prefer your car.” He gave a low laugh and draped his arm behind me. “As do I, Jane.”
A few minutes later, we came to a slow crawl, and I looked out the window curiously to see what the holdup was.
“We’re almost there, love. It’s always a bit of a wait as people arrive and pose for the cameras.”
“Cameras?”
Michael gave me a pained look.
“Paparazzi, I’m afraid. There will be a great deal of cameras flashing as we enter the event.”
“More than likely a few questions thrown at us as well.”
“Some will be about the company and what our plans are, but there will be a few about you.”
“Me?” I squeaked, taken aback by the idea that anyone would question my appearance.
“Yes, love. A beautiful woman such as you in our presenc
e will raise more than a few questions. There will probably even be a photo of us in the news tomorrow.”
“If it’s a slow news day, it might be picked up by the AP also.” Michael peered through the window to gauge how much longer, and Ian studied me.
“Are you okay with this? I imagine it’s a tad overwhelming to the uninitiated.” Michael brought his attention back around to us as I took a deep breath and nodded. “We try to stay out of the limelight.”
“Some of us are more successful than others,” Michael added with a pointed look.
“I’ve been on my absolute best behavior,” Ian replied with a quick glare. “Jane, we will protect you, but this is a necessary evil in our lives.”
“I understand.” And I did understand it was a part of their life, and if I was to be a part of their lives, it would become a part of mine. I leaned over, in an attempt to see what was happening, as people walked up, but my view was blocked by throngs of curious onlookers. I’d never been in a position such as this, but I wasn’t going to let fear of the unknown stop me. I had to experience it, at least, to know if it was something, I could live with. “We’ll be together.” My voice held the hint of uncertainty I felt, and Ian squeezed my hand.
“Yes. One of us will remain at your side at all times, and we will face the media gauntlet together.”
“Okay,” I replied with a smile that felt more certain than I did. Ian leaned close and whispered, “You are a lady, through and through.” His breath against my ear sent a shiver through me, denying his claim I was a lady, but it was the note of admiration that gave me confidence. He always seemed to know what I needed, and was never hesitant to provide encouragement. His faith held me steady as our car pulled up to the flashing lights, and the car door opened.
“Mr. Wright!”
“Ian! Is this your new lady? Is this why you haven’t been spotted recently?”
The rush of questions, combined with the flashing lights caught me off guard, even though I’d thought I’d know what to expect. Ian squeezed my hand firmly, a smile plastered on his face. He muttered to me, “Keep walking. Smile if you can, but no worries … we’re almost through it.”
“Michael, is this a hostile takeover of Zane Industries?”
“Are you going to gut this business like so many others?”
I glanced back at Michael as the questions kept coming. Ian had his arm wrapped around my shoulders to protect me from the more zealous cameras, and Buster remained by Michael. He kept his composure, the smile never shifting, but I caught the subtle narrowing of his eyes and the slight furrowing of his forehead.
It dawned on me then, Michael hated this. Not just the pushy questions and prying into our personal lives, but the implication that he was a villain.
“Why?” I whispered frantically to Ian, my hand clinging to his jacket as we finally made it to the door. He looked down at me and then back at Michael, seemingly understanding the source of my question.
“Loyalty, family. He can’t break from them, even as they destroy his soul,” he replied, pulling us to a stop to wait for them to join us. “I’ve been trying to convince him to leave the company, and go into partnership with me using this buyout as the catalyst, but he isn’t budging. And I can’t figure out why.” It was clear the thought frustrated him, but my reply was lost as I was distracted by the spectacle below.
My shaky sigh drew his attention as I gazed over the ornate railing into the ballroom.
“Wow.” Ian heard me and followed my gaze.
“It is stunning, but still can’t hold a candle to you.”
I laughed as I said, “Now, I know you’re lying.” The room below us had been decorated to resemble a fairyland with lights twinkling everywhere and lush blooming plants tucked throughout the room. The heady scent of the flowers permeated everything, as I watched dancers swirl below us in their multitude of colors.
“Truly though, I’ll have to escort you to a Mardi Gras ball. This is nothing compared to one of the fabulous balls they throw every year. This would appear paltry.” My glance flashed toward him in disbelief, but his expression remained serious. My curiosity was put on hold, though, as the others joined us.
“Well, that was fun,” Michael commented dryly as he stepped over to us, and I gave him a sympathetic look. He studied me carefully as he asked, “And you? How did you fare the gauntlet?”
“Better than you.” I gave him an impish grin in an attempt to erase the furrow that remained between his eyebrows. When that didn’t work, I reached up and rubbed my thumb gently against his forehead, smoothing the creases. I blushed at my boldness, especially in front of Buster and Ian, but didn’t remove my hand when Michael captured it.
“You’re certain?” He questioned, his warm hand encasing mine as I nodded. Experiencing the ferocity of the press hadn’t been pleasant for me, but I wouldn’t worry Michael further tonight by expressing my dislike of them. It was nothing I couldn’t handle, and I’d noticed plenty of others who had taken delight in the flashing cameras. It wasn’t my nature to enjoy the attention, but as Ian had said, it was a necessary evil and one I would endure to support them.
He gave me a faint smile, his perceptive eyes seeing right through my attempt to divert the question, but he gave a nod as he raised my hand to his lips and brushed the barest kiss against my knuckles. “I believe, as the eldest, it is my right to the first dance.”
“Oh ho, Michael. Stealing her right in front of us.” Ian clapped his hand over his chest, the arch of his eyebrows indicating betrayal as Buster chuckled next to him.
“Late to the party as always, brothers.” Michael’s smirk was apparent as he escorted me down the stairs into the heart of the ballroom. Ian only shook his head as he and Buster followed down behind us. The scent of flowers was stronger as we came level with the dancers, and I could feel the heat from so many bodies moving. I wasn’t used to the mass of people and found myself pressing closer to Michael. He patted my hand reassuringly as he glanced over my head to Ian.
“Perhaps you could get us refreshments?” He nodded and slipped away. Buster folded his arms and stood next to a flower arrangement, giving the impression of a statue. “Let us dance.”
I eyed the graceful flow of dancers with a hint of terror. I knew the basics of dance. Mom believed all women should be able to acquit themselves on the dance floor, and the only dancing she considered proper was ballroom dancing, so I’d had lessons. But the idea of dancing here with Michael was intimidating. There was no doubt in my mind that he would be an excellent dancer and I was, simply put, a beginner.
“It’s all in the leading,” he whispered against my forehead as he spun us into the floor. “Trust me.” My stomach swooped as we found ourselves in the midst of a waltz, and I scrambled to remember the steps. Michael kept us moving smoothly as I found my feet, his graceful lead hiding my occasional misstep. Within a minute, we were moving in rhythm, and I understood why people were so enamored of the waltz. The movements were grand and, with the right lead, it felt like flying. I couldn’t stop my wide grin, and I saw the first genuine smile of the evening light up Michael’s face as he caught sight of mine.
“Enjoying yourself?”
“Yes!” My nod was enthusiastic and he laughed, spinning me. As I turned, I glimpsed Ian in the crowd and he gave me a wide smile. The room twirled around me as we continued to dance, the tension from earlier easing out of Michael as we danced.
“I believe Ian should have some liquid refreshment waiting for us,” Michael murmured, his movements graceful as he extracted us from the dance floor. At his words, I realized how thirsty I was from the exertion, and nodded appreciatively. As we walked up to him, Ian handed us each a glass. I gulped it, and was pleasantly surprised when I realized it was water and not a sweet punch. I drained the glass and gave him a grateful smile.
“I’ve been to more than a few of these, and have always found the punch to be not worth the time. After your magnificent display out there, I thought water w
ould be the better choice.”
I flushed from the compliment and waved to Michael.
“I believe Michael is to be admired more than I. Any manner of grace I displayed out there was his doing.”
“Not at all, my dear. You were a pleasure to dance with.” Michael’s smile was unexpectedly open and relaxed, leading me to believe him.
“Then, it should be my turn since I don’t believe my elder brother could manage another round.” Ian patted Michael’s arm. “It is the way with old age, I’m afraid, brother dear.”
“Yes, of course. Buster, did you remember my cane? I feel the need to beat this infant over here with it.” I giggled at their relaxed banter and the image of Michael wielding a cane. The thought was more terrifying than amusing, though, because I could easily see Michael hiding a sword in his cane and using it with abject skill.
“And what is going on in that head of yours?” Ian murmured, leaning toward me. I flashed him a wicked grin.
“I was picturing Michael with a cane and how very lethal he would be.” Ian’s eyebrows furrowed together as he considered my words, and then he laughed.
“How right you are.”
“Good day, gentlemen and lady.” The voice interrupted our little group as an older gentleman came up to us.
“Mr. Zane. A pleasure as always.”
The name Zane tickled, and I quickly recalled the name of the company they were in the midst of acquiring was called Zane Industries. This man must have some role in the company, so I smiled politely and paid attention. Ian thought he and Michael should acquire the company instead, and Michael was reluctant. I wanted to know why. I felt Ian come alive next to me and knew he felt the same.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” He was speaking to me, and I nodded before replying.
“Yes. It’s beautiful here, and the dancing is lovely.”
“Yes. I saw you on the dance floor with Michael.” He glanced over at Michael with a speculative look. “I was quite surprised to see you out there, to be honest. I wouldn’t have thought such frivolity would suit you.”
Charming Jane_A Reverse Harem Romance Page 17
