***
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 gentlemanly 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 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 on the dress to see where they’d fall.
I pulled the dress on and it fit like a glove. The bottom of the dress danced giving the illusion 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 Ian.
“Love, are you ready?”
“Yes,” I called, slipping on the shoes that had been left with 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 more lovely 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 tux 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, to which Ian quickly responded with, “She will grace my arm tonight.” His possessive posture and the daring look he gave to Buster indicated it would be longer than just tonight, but Buster only nodded easily, a light smile on his face as he took in the two of us.
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. I will be the envy of every woman there with such debonair escorts.” I pressed my hand against Ian’s chest for a second, and the touch felt like a brand and based on his sudden inhale he felt it as well.
“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 and 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 a 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 slide 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, love.”
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 was taken aback by the idea that anyone would question my appearance.
“Yes, love. A beautiful woman such as yourself in our presence will raise more than a few questions. There will probably even be a photo of us in the news tomorrow.”
“Depending 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. “Love, we will protect you, but this is a necessary evil in our lives.”
“I understand.” And I did understand that 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 warrior, through and through.” His breath against my ear sent a shiver through me, but it was the note of admiration that gave me confidence. He always seemed to know what I needed, and was never hesitan
t 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 known 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, he 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, 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 kidding.” 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. There is nothing to compare it to. 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. 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 and held out his arm. “I believe as the eldest it is my right to the first dance.”
“Oh ho, brother. Stealing my girl right in front of me.” Ian clapped his hand over his chest, the arch of his eyebrows indicating betrayal.
“Late to the party as always, brother.” 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 it.
“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. His words reminded me how parched I was from the exertion and I nodded gratefully. 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 finished draining the glass and gave him a thankful 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 would 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.” His smile was 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.”
“I’m full o
f surprises.” Michael replied adroitly. “However, when presented with a beautiful woman there should be no other expectation then to dance with her.” He said with a smile toward me.
“What a lovely sentiment.” Ian tensed next to me as a stunning woman slithered in next to Michael. “I don’t recall being introduced. I’m Audra Wilkerson.” Her outstretched hand hung for a second as Ian appeared reluctant to take it. I filed the moment away as he graced her with a charming smile and took her hand.
“My apologies, your beauty stunned me so.” He told her as I witnessed Michael give him a subtle nod. This was the woman sent to spy on Michael then. “Would you care to dance with me?” Ian squeezed my hand in apology as she nodded and he stretched out his arm to escort her.
“Well, I can’t be outdone by a young buck.” Mr. Zane held a hand out to me and nodded at the dance floor. “Care to take a spin with an old man?”
“I don’t see any old men around here, but I would love to dance with you.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear.”
He took my hand and Michael nodded approvingly at me. It was a different dance, but Zane was an experienced dancer and it wasn’t long before I had the hang of it. One dance led to several as Zane passed me off to members of his family and other company executives. I chatted politely with all of them, attempting to glean any small details or feelings about Michael’s presence at their company. They all seemed to think highly of Michael, but were understandably wary. His family’s reputation preceded him and from the many rumors I heard on the dance floor they were right to be wary.
I finally made my way back to Michael and he handed me a glass without interrupting his conversation. I hadn’t had a second to pause for a rest and the cool liquid felt amazing as it eased down my dry throat. He set his hand gently against my back as I scanned the room for Ian. I hadn’t seen him except for the odd glimpse as I spun around the dance floor, and he’d looked a little off the last time. I shifted anxiously as I didn’t find him, drawing Michael’s attention.
Average Jane Page 15
