Page 110 of On His Terms
“I’ll do that.”
Jen glanced in the direction that Alexander had walked. “He’s a seriously good-looking man. Just like his brother.”
“He is.” Devastatingly.
“I see your conundrum. If I’d slept with him, I wouldn’t want to let him go either.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I need to get back to the lobby in case any fires need to be put out.”
“I’ll say hello to the mayor.” The woman’s schedule was tight, and she wouldn’t be in attendance for long.
As she made her way across the room, Chelsea scanned the surroundings. She’d opened the bars early so that alcohol would flow before dinner, encouraging people to bid higher on the silent auction items. Judging by the lines in front of some of the displayed items, the strategy seemed to be working.
So far, at least, everything was going according to plan.
Except for her unnerving experience with Alexander.
Soon, she was caught up in the event, thanking the mayor for her time, mingling with people she remembered from her childhood.
When the waiting line grew, she found the catering company and asked them to start serving glasses of champagne to the people in the lobby.
That idea was such a hit that she made a mental note to approach all future events in that way.
Master Damien showed up, with Gregorio at his side. As always, the Den’s owner looked dapper and debonair as he sipped a glass of wine. Gregorio drank from a mug of draft beer and surveyed the room, giving off an air of danger and making her shiver. At the Den, he was in his element. But here, he didn’t quite fit in.
A few minutes later, another man joined them, and she made her way over to say hello. She shook hands with Damien and Gregorio, then Gregorio introduced her to the stranger, Master Michael.
While other attendees were in suits, he’d opted for a black leather blazer, jeans, and boots.
He could have walked off the cover of a Western magazine. And if he’d never been on one, maybe he should be.
“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” He tipped his felt cowboy hat in her direction.
That’s when she saw it, the layer of wariness grooved next to his eyes.
“Everything is all set at the Den for the private weekend escape for you and Master Alexander.” Master Damien, dragging her attention from the newcomer, a Dom, she assumed. Here without a submissive.
Wait. What had he just said? “I’m sorry, Sir.” She gave him her full attention. “Did you mention a private event, Sir?”
Gregorio grinned, and the act only made him look more ferocious. His earring glittered in the light. “Good thing you’re wearing boots, boss. You just stepped in it.”
Master Damien took a sip from his wine. “Perhaps I misspoke. Seems you may want to have a conversation with Alex.”
“I believe I will, Sir.” Sooner, rather than later.
Trying not to betray her thundering heart, she excused herself, but she was waylaid with a half dozen questions. More guests than their wildest estimates had suggested arrived, and so there were decisions needed about extra food and more beverages.
These were her favorite kinds of problems.
Chelsea walked through all the individual spaces, looking for Alexander, and was in the lobby when her parents walked in.
In case anyone was watching, her mother swept her into a distant, awkward embrace. “Darling!”
Her father nodded but didn’t offer a hug. “Decent turnout.”
“Thank you.” Delighted by the compliment, she smiled. Finally, she’d done something to earn their respect.
“If you had a husband, you could be here as an attendee, rather than the help,” her mother observed, obviously having no idea how hurtful or insulting her words were. “I hope you enjoy your evening.”
A server passed through with a tray of bubbly, and she snagged two glasses for her parents. Then she gave them a falsely sunny smile. “I’d love to visit, but I need to see the caterers.”