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- Chapter Ten -

Bach

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As I strolled throughthe open-air garden of the gala, I strained to tell if people were whispering behind my back. A woman in a low-cut gold dress swayed close, a tray balanced on her left hand. “Champagne?” she asked.

“Sure.” I took a glass, noting how she lingered even after I slipped her a tip. She’d recognized me, and she was trying to work up an excuse to stay and talk. Normally, I’d have embraced such a brazen act. Tonight, my heart was on something else.

Someoneelse.

“I won’t need a refill soon,” I said, gesturing with the glass. “Take care of the rest of the room before everyone thinks I’m as greedy as the magazines say.”

“Of course, Mr. Devine.” Her smile was weak. After one more second of hoping I’d change my mind, she wandered off. I watched myself from a distance, noting how weird I was acting.

Taking a deep drink of the tart champagne, I went back to wandering. It was all I could do to keep myself from going crazy as I waited for news about Amina and Violet. Last I’d heard, they were getting something for Amina to wear. Would it be revealing? Tight?

Could she possibly look any sexier than she already did in plain clothes?

Fuck, get a hold on yourself. I headed towardthe flower arrangement near the chocolate fountain.Do your damn job. Network, asshole.There were powerful people at this gala. Many of them were pleasant enough. But there were sharks in the water, too. Rich companies who were delighted over how mine was crumbling more each day.

With that in mind, I still wasn't prepared to see the tall, broad-shouldered man laughing near the chocolate fountain. He was surrounded by a few beautiful women... and a guy I didn't want to lay my eyes on again.

Santino Fresh.That bastard. Why was he here, and why was he making conversation with one of my father's closest friends, Sherman Proud?

Approaching the group, I waited until both men caught my eye. Their joy faded into seriousness. “Sherman?” I asked as I closed the distance.

“Bach,” he replied, looking me up and down. “I wasn’t sure you’d come tonight.”

“What are you doing getting cozy with him?” I jerked my head at Santino, who was smirking behind his glass of champagne. The women were watching eagerly; this was gossip fuel. They were probably praying someone would throw a punch or break something.

Sherman's expression remained neutral. “I'm helping to make sure his talent isn't wasted.”

Ice bloomed in my chest. “You mean you’re working with Danny Eckland?”

“Don't be so shocked.”