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29

Blaise

Saturday finally arrives and I pace in the penthouse, waiting for Granger and Gia to arrive.

My makeup and hair are done. The only thing that will complete the party look is the dress. The doorbell rings. I hurry over and glance at the monitor. Granger and Gia are on the other side. Both look stunning in their evening wear.

I open the door and gesture for them to come inside. Gia follows me to the bedroom. In one hand is a garment bag. In the other is a brown bag. I glance over my shoulder and catch Granger checking out Gia. She’s decked out in a royal-blue beaded halter neck dress, the hem hitting above her knees. I waggle my brows. He glowers.

That brother of mine! Geez, wait until I tell him we’re related and he can never get rid of me now. He’ll crap his pants.

My mood light, I sit on the bed and clap my hands. “Open, open, open.”

Smiling big, Gia pulls the bag over the dress. Black. The dress is black. My anticipation pops like a balloon stabbed with a needle. Gia sees my reaction; I don’t hide my emotions well. Her smile slips.

“You don’t like the dress?”

I blink. “I love the dress. I don’t have matching black gloves. Do you suggest red or white gloves?”

Maddox told me of Gia’s passion for fashion. That she aspires to someday have her own line of clothing and open a boutique. I can help her make that happen.

“White will go well. A great contrast. Light and dark. Innocence and danger. You’re going to look so good my brother will be on you like white on rice.”

“I doubt it. There’ll be many beautiful women there.”

“Why do you do that?” She hangs the dress on the hook on the back of the door and sits next to me on the bed.

“Do what?”

“Doubt his feelings for you.”

“His history with women. The fact that he’s still heartbroken over this Kris woman.”

“He cares about you, Blaise. I see the way he looks at you when we FaceTime.”

“That’s his constipated look.”

Pregnant pause. Then she bursts out laughing. “You’re a hoot, you know that? By the way, where is my brother?”

“He said he has business to take care of and will meet us at the party.”

“What kind of business does he have on a Saturday night?”

I stare at my gloved hands. “No clue.”

“You didn’t ask?”

“It’s none of my business.”

“That ass is your husband.”

“We’re a business arrangement.”

She sighs. “Blaise—”

“Hey, it’s his loss. My other bodyguard Hale is picking me up and taking me to the party. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s nice. Taught me how to dance. Now, come on.” I rise, and grabbing her hand, I tug her up off the bed. “Help me get into this gorgeous dress, why don’t you?”

I stare at the dress. Black satin. Off the shoulder. Cinched waist adorned with clear jewels in the shape of a tiara. Lining the edges of the mermaid-style dress, from the waist to the hemline, is tulle. It truly is gorgeous, and Maddox is definitely missing out. I had wanted him to be the first to see me in this, but now he’ll probably be the last. He won’t show up at the party until halfway through.