by Amy Marie
But she’s not listening. “Your friends are here,” she muses, her eyes locked on something in front of her.
“My friends?”
She dips her chin toward the entrance. At first, there are too many people in the way for me to see who the hell she’s talking about, and to be honest, I don’t really care.
But then I see them.
“What the fuck?” Not only are Asher and Sterling here, but they also appear to have brought a date.
Cyn blinks up at me. “Do you want to say hi?”
Not really, no. But curiosity gets the best of me, and I guide Cyn to meet them at the entrance to the main event. Asher doesn’t smile, his expression tense behind a black mask. Sterling is similarly dressed, only with a silver eye covering.
And their date is wearing raven feathers around her familiar green eyes.
I frown.
Where have I seen her before?
She’s not a regular in society. I can tell because her short purple-black hair is cropped close to her head, and she’s wearing a silky dress lined in lace and leather that’s better suited for the bedroom as opposed to a gala.
Somehow, I know Asher picked the costume. It’s just the kind of thing he would require a pet to wear.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two are becoming obsessed with me,” I drawl.
“Oyster shooters.” Sterling smirks, leading us into the room and directly toward the food bar. He snags a small glass filled with cocktail sauce, a raw oyster, and vodka, holding it up for us all to see as if that explains his presence. “I’ll travel across all five boroughs for them.” He tosses an amused gaze at the woman to his left. “Isn’t that right, Avala?”
Avala.
A name from the past attached to a face I barely recognize. Back at MIT, she had long, dark hair and a shy smile. A pretty girl. Cute, but not one who stood out in a crowd.
She sure as hell doesn’t have that problem tonight. Not in that black lingerie gown passing for formal wear. That, paired with six-inch studded stilettos, and she resembles a model ready for a sinful runway show.
But it’s not the sexy wardrobe choice that holds my eye. It’s the black leather choker around her neck. The center gem doesn’t look right. To the untrained eye, it appears to be a dark ruby, but I know technology. And I know Sterling and Asher know technology.
I also recognize a tracker when I see one.
And judging by the way those two refuse to leave her side, they are either protecting her or corralling her.
What the hell are they up to?
“Kellen.” Avala drawls out my name, her whiskey-soaked voice a familiar memory.
“Avala.” I greet her with a courteous nod. “It’s been a while.” Cyn clears her throat, and I glance down to see her jaw locked as she glares at the women before her. I won’t lie. I like the spark of jealousy flaring in her eyes.
Of course, she probably thinks I’ve been checking out Asher and Sterling’s date. Not the case, as this woman isn’t my type, but I am curious to know what the hell is happening here.
Kissing Cyn’s temple in silent apology, I murmur, “This is Avala Aldridge. We went to MIT together. Avala, meet Cyn Ellis.”
Neither of them offers a hand in greeting.
Avala arches an eyebrow, scanning a roving eye over Cyn. My date returns the favor, clearly finding the other woman lacking.
This is getting awkward.
“Well, aren’t you two adorable,” Avala says. “Just like in those sappy romantic movies on that network with no sex.”
Strike and a hit.
A flush creeps up Cyn’s neck, but she quickly recovers. “You mean the Hallmark Channel.”
Missile launch.
Avala bares her teeth in a wicked smile. “I figured you’d know it.”
Intercepted and destroyed.
Asher smiles tightly and wraps his fingers around Avala’s upper arm. “My apologies,” he offers, tugging her against him none too gently. “Avala is still in training. If you’ll excuse us for a moment.” Without another word, he yanks her away with the stern grip on her upper limb.
She’s not happy about it.
I’m not a lip-reader, but words of the four-letter variety are hard to mistake.
Once they disappear, I turn a hard stare toward the only remaining member of their trio. Everything in Sterling’s eyes says not to ask, so against my better judgment, I don’t.
However, they aren’t off the hook. After this gala is over, they owe me an explanation.
“Cyn, you look stunning, as usual.” In typical Sterling fashion, instead of ignoring the elephant in the room, he flirts with it.
The gratitude in her expression makes my eye twitch. “Thank you.”
“You look average,” he adds, passing a judging eye over my suit.
I shake my head. “Why am I friends with you?”
“Because of my dazzling wit and magnetic personality?” Smug fuck. “Also, because I just handed your mother a half-million-dollar check.” Finally tossing back the oyster shooter in his hand, he sets the empty glass on a nearby table while nodding toward the main floor. “Good turnout.”
And good transition. I just used the same one on my mother moments ago.
“It appears to be,” I agree, noting the crowd.
“Should prove to be one hell of a night.” His eyes roam to where Asher and Avala are in a heated discussion.
Yeah, something is definitely up.
“There you are, Kell, darling.” I cringe at the nasally voice behind me. I’ve only heard it once before, and my mind has not come close to forgetting it.
Cyn’s eyes narrow to tiny slits.
Maybe if I ignore Kota Ellis, she’ll go away. No such luck. A hand lands on my shoulder, and the wannabe actress shoves her liposuctioned ass in between Cyn and me.
Yes, liposuction. I’ve pulled her financials.
Her fingernails trail down my shoulder, and she hip checks Cyn until she all but falls into her. “Cyn. Well, this is unexpected.”
“Why?” I ask, because she’s the final layer in karma’s shit sandwich. “Cyn and I have been seeing each other for over a month. Is there a reason you think I wouldn’t bring her to my mother’s gala?”
The flare of surprise in her eyes is telling.
She didn’t know.
Which meant Cyn hadn’t told her. Why?
Another female joins us, her face familiar right away. Lorraine Ellis. She reminds me of Kota in an older-sister, trying-too-hard-not-to-age kind of way.
“Mr. Knight,” she murmurs, holding out her hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Have you?” I reply, darting a glance at Cyn, who has the grace to blush.
“Yes, Kota was most delighted by her meeting you last month,” Lorraine replies, confirming what I already know.
Cyn hasn’t said a word about me to either woman.
Whether that’s a result of our lack of commitment to each other, I’m not certain. But I’m not sure I like being the dirty little secret.
Lorraine gives us all a tight smile. “Cyn, may we have a word in private, please?” As if I care, Kota’s equally Botoxed mother, Lorraine, tosses me an explanation. “Family matters. You understand.”
No. Not really. But thanks for playing.
Cyn nods. She nods. Instinctively, I grab her elbow. “Are you sure?”
She forces a smile. “I’ll be fine.” Before I can stop her, she leaves with those two bitches, unarmed and unprepared for the emotional warfare they’re about to rain down on her. I can’t take my eyes off them. Cyn’s staring at her feet as the vultures pick at her carcass.
“Tuck your vagina in. It’s showing.”
“What?” I glance up to see Sterling standing next to me, another oyster shooter in his hand.
“You should see yourself.” Lifting the glass, he points his index finger in my face. “You get this stupid, lovesick-puppy-dog gleam in your eyes when you look at her.” A
utomatically, I glance back at Cyn, and Sterling snorts. “Yep, that one right there. Jesus, who are you and what have you done with the real Kellen Knight?”
I scrub a hand over my face. “Honestly? I don’t fucking know.”
“Yeah, well, if you marry her and start popping out kids like a fucking Pez dispenser, you’re on your own. I’m allergic to that shit.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Happiness?”
“Monogamy.”
I hear shouting, and the brief reprieve is replaced by laser focus. I glance back to where the three women stand arguing. Kota’s arms are flailing as she screams in Cyn’s face. The moment Cyn lifts her hand and wipes her face, I see red.
“Excuse me for a moment.” Leaving Sterling standing by himself, I clear the space between us in three long strides. Just before reaching them, I hear the end of Kota’s rant.
“It should be me on Kellen Knight’s arm, not you! If you hadn’t stolen my job, he wouldn’t even know you exist.” She lets out a maniacal laugh. “Nobody ever does. You’re an embarrassment to this family and to Kellen, and you know it.”
Anger rushes hot and furious through my veins as I step in between them. “Is there a problem here?”
Cyn grasps my biceps from behind. “Kellen, it’s fine! I’ve got this.”
I don’t turn around. I can’t. If I see those fucking tears in her eyes again, I don’t know what I’ll do. “No, you don’t, Cyn. You’re crying, and I won’t tolerate these women upsetting you during my family’s gala.”
“Kellen!” she yells, slipping around my arm and squeezing in front of me. She’s not crying. There are no tears in those eyes, only pure fire. “Jesus, stop rescuing me! I appreciate the gesture, but I’ve been dealing with this a lot longer than you have. I’ve bitten my tongue so hard it has holes, but I’m done.” Spinning around, Cyn faces Kota and clenches her fists by her sides, her tirade escalating several octaves. “Do you hear me? I’m done. I’m done being your punching bag. Your lackey. Your free labor. It ends tonight.”
Kota gapes at her. “You can’t talk to me like that!”
“I can, and I will. I’ve given up my life and my dreams to keep a family I don’t even like together. For years, you’ve done everything in your power to demean me and make me believe I’m not worthy of love when it’s the opposite. It’s you who’s not worthy.”
“How dare you!”
“No, how dare you!” She shoves a finger into Kota’s chest, causing her to stumble backward. “How dare you make me turn my back on my dream to help you pursue yours! Only, it’ll never happen, Kota. I didn’t steal your acting job. I took care of it just like you demanded so you could sit at home and nurse a fake cold.”
“Cynda!” Lorraine exclaims, attempting to tamp down the unwanted attention, but my girl is on a roll with no sign of stopping.
She’s shaking by the time she addresses her stepmother. “It’s Cyn, and you’re no better. What you turned my father into disgusts me. Both of you can rot in hell, for all I care, but you’ll never run my life again.”
Kota throws her head back and laughs. “Be my guest, but you’ll be poor.”
Cyn practically vibrates beside me. “I’m already poor!”
Shit.
I planned to talk with Cyn privately on this topic, but hell if I’ll stand here and listen to any more of this. Those two have gotten away with stealing long enough, and it’s time someone called a damn spade a spade.
If it’s me, so be it.
“Well, that’s an interesting assessment, considering all of your purchased fame is a result of Cyn’s father’s bank accounts, not your own success. From what my lawyers told me, she’s not the one who should be barely scraping by in this scenario.”
Cyn looks like I’ve slapped her. “Wh-what? What are you talking about?”
No use wading through frigid waters when you can dive in headfirst.
And judging by the look on Lorraine’s face, she knows exactly where this conversation is heading.
I take Cyn’s hand, hoping my touch lessens the blow of what I’m about to admit to her. “The inheritance is really yours, not theirs. I’m already working on the paperwork to get it transferred back in your name.”
No one says a word.
Not Cyn. Not Kota. Not Lorraine.
Not the crowd of spectators who have gathered around us.
Cyn jerks her hand away from me, the warmth in her eyes fading as she backs up.
It’s as if she doesn’t know me. As if I’ve severed something very fragile.
I reach for her. “Cyn…”
“No!” She flings her arm out frantically, batting mine away. “Don’t. You had no right to do that, Kellen. No right.” Tears spill down her face as she continues backing away. “I guess I really am the nectar,” she breathes, the words a lash against my heart. “That’s why… of course, that’s why.”
Her thoughts aren’t making any sense.
I try to touch her again. “Cyn—”
“Don’t.” She jumps back, shaking her head. “Just don’t.”
People silently part as she moves, except for a single-minded waiter who dashes across the sea of people. Cyn collides with him, sending him and his tray of champagne crashing to the floor in a grand spectacle of sight and sound.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry, everyone. I’m so…” More tears roll down her cheeks as she runs for the door. “I need time to think.”
No. No, no, no.
I’m running. I can’t stop myself. Something inside me is screaming not to let her walk out that door.
If I do, I know I’ll never see her again.
I catch her arm just as she flings the door open, my heart hammering in my chest. “Think about what? About tonight? Kota? Lorraine? The inheritance?” I swallow hard. “Us?”
Her voice breaks as she pulls away, one word on her lips. “Everything.”
And just like a similar night six weeks ago, a beautiful woman in a pale blue ball gown runs out of my life.
Only this time, I refuse to let her go.
Chapter 17
Cyn
I have no idea what I’m doing or where I’m going.
Kellen’s driver has my purse, which has my keys, my money, and my phone. And I’m somewhere on Broadway, surrounded by tourists who keep stopping to take photos of buildings.
Yeah, they’re tall, I want to tell them. Keep moving.
Ugh, that tone isn’t mine. I don’t snap at people. I don’t make scenes. I never yell. Oh, but I just yelled all right. In front of all of New York City’s elite.
Awesome.
That’s… just… awesome.
Tears trickle from my eyes, another couple standing in my way as I plow down the street aimlessly. This isn’t even the direction of my apartment.
Doesn’t matter. Once I get far enough away, I can focus. Kellen was surrounded by photographers as soon as we hit the lobby, giving me a head start.
Part of me realizes running is childish and stupid, but I can’t stop my feet from moving.
The Knight Gala was the last event I attended with my parents before my mother passed.
It hadn’t occurred to me until the familiar surroundings brought me back in time. Then Kellen distracted me with the reporters, something I almost thanked him for, until I realized why.
He wanted to give them my name.
Lucynda Ellis.
Why did he do that? To make us a headline story? To give them a reason to comb through the details of my life?
And then it hit me when I met his mom exactly why he brought me—I’m Archibald Ellis’s daughter. Of course his mother would approve of such a date, especially after all the generous donations my parents made in my early years.
Which also explained why he went behind my back to retrieve my fortune.
“The inheritance is really yours, not theirs. I’m already working on the paperwork to get it transferred back in your name.”
His proclamation reverberates
through my mind, sending me faster down the sidewalk. I swerve in and out through the people, not apologizing for those I elbow or shove out of the way.
Why did he do it? I wonder for the thousandth time. If he didn’t have ulterior motives, he would have told me about it, right?
Unless he wanted it to be a surprise.
But why?
And how? Was his claim even real? Had Lorraine and Kota wrongly taken my inheritance?
I shake my head, the questions making me dizzy. What I need to do is—
A hand seizes my wrist and whirls me around and into a hard chest, the minty cologne instantly familiar. Kellen’s arm is around my waist a second later, trapping me against him. “Cyn, hear me out, please.” Frantic dark eyes capture mine, freezing my impending protest.
He looks like someone punched him in the face, except there isn’t a mark on him. Hell, he’s just as perfect as he was when we stepped out of the limo.
Except for his gaze.
A host of emotions swirl in his midnight irises, each one of them pricking at my heart, and I crumble in his arms because I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know why I’m crying.
That place set me off.
The memories.
Kota.
God, her words. How did so much cruelty reside in one person? Well, two, because Lorraine wasn’t that much better.
They told me I didn’t belong at the event, that I was making a mockery of the family name by being there, and for a handful of torturous seconds, I believed them. My father stopped taking me to these affairs long ago, and it left me feeling not good enough. But then Kellen’s comments about the inheritance confused me even more.
What did he mean about it being mine?
How could I not know such a thing?
Why didn’t I know?
“Cyn,” Kellen whispered, his palms suddenly on my cheeks. “Talk to me.”
I blink at him, then frown. “Talk to you? About what? It seems to me that you need to talk to me. Because you’re the one who went digging into my background without ever mentioning a word. Why? Because you want to date an heiress? Because I need to have some sort of status to be good enough? I don’t get it. I don’t… Why?”
