Page 32 of Devil's Claim

“I need some air,” she said. “This is far too oppressive, but thank you for the dance.”

When she tried to pull away from me altogether, I snatched her closer. “You need to remain close to me tonight. Is that understood?”

“You expect something to happen.”

“Not necessarily.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

I guided her out the set of French doors. “Tell me again how you became friends with such an oppressive crowd.”

Her laugh was stilted. “I went to college with Chloe. She’s not at all like the pompous pigs wolfing down thousand-dollar bites of caviar. Oops. Did I say that?”

I pressed my hand against the small of her back, a completely possessive gesture. “I’m glad to hear it and you did.”

“When I arrived in town, she introduced me to several people and we all got along. Suddenly, Tonya was along for the ride. Chloe’s parents are wealthy, but more down to earth. I don’t think she’ll like this anymore than I do, but the man she’s marrying is very important.” She laughed, but I heard a glitch in her tone, enough of a change I knew there was another story lurking somewhere in the shadows.

“Money is the root of all evil. I’m certain you’ve heard that before.”

“Of course, but money is also the easiest method of gaining freedom. As long as you don’t become absorbed in the venom flowing freely from the chains surrounding it.”

“Touché,” I told her. “Answered as if you know that personally.”

“I’m an excellent observer. As you might imagine, I barely know anyone here. The cake is woefully underdone, but there are pastries to make up for it. I can only imagine how much it cost to cater this party.”

Something told me my sweet companion wasn’t as innocent as I’d believed her to be. What was she hiding?

We walked closer to the open set of doors. The light breeze and scent of the ocean was a welcome change to the insufferable fragrances worn by both the female and male guests alike.

“Thank you for today,” she said as she sipped her champagne. “I’ve enjoyed watching people squirm.”

“I’ll let you in on a secret. So do I. You have an excellent eye. The suit is perfect.”

“But not like the ones you’ve have hand-made for you, right? I see you flying to Italy once every three months so your personaltailor can provide you with the newest fashion statement. Straight off the runways of Milan.”

“You overestimate my life, Christine.”

“I don’t even know what you do. I mean other than the fact you enjoy wielding a weapon and scaring helpless women.”

“You are anything but helpless.”

She laughed and took a deep breath the moment we neared the railing, the water rolling to within fifty yards. “I love the ocean. Digging his little toes into the sand was Maverick’s favorite thing to do. Just watching him put his little feet in the water always made me laugh. He would…”

Her voice trailed off and I instantly bristled as I’d done when she’d told me the story.

“I’m sorry, Kruz. That’s my cross to bear, not yours.”

I bristled from hearing her sadness.

“Christine. You’re here!” A young woman appeared from a crowd, rushing toward us. She acted as if she didn’t see me, throwing her arms around Christine. “The cake is just gorgeous.”

“Ha. You know better than that, but I’m glad you like it.” Christine pulled away and I could tell her smile was genuine.

The girl looked up at me, her eyes opening wide. “You brought a guest. Wow. I’m so glad.”

“I did. Chloe Tempest, this is Kruz Blanco.”

“Lovely to meet you,” I told her. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.”