Page 49 of Dangerous Temptation

The night of Elena’s graduation party, Wolfe Manor sparkled like a jewel.

The gates had been opened and visitors were welcomed from far and wide.

White lights glimmered in the trees that lined the drive all the way from the main road to the house.

It was lit up, too, with violet sashes adorning the necks of the wolf statues that guarded the front door.

The press had been allowed inside the gates to film the comings and goings of celebrities and power players.

Their positions were strictly monitored and one who had tried to explore further had already been escorted from the premises by security.

A chosen few from respected news organisations like Time , Fortune and Entertainment Weekly had been allowed access beyond the doors.

Caroline Woodward, unfortunately, had not been on the guest list.

Unbeknownst to Elena, the fourth floor of the manor housed a ballroom.

The festivities were being held in the massive open space with gorgeous hardwood floors and French doors that opened onto the top-floor veranda.

Women in gowns looked like princesses as they climbed the never-ending staircase out front.

Friends and acquaintances mingled on the landings in between.

Security had the rest of the house blocked off, and all doors, for once, were closed.

The sheer size of it all was still rather stunning. Anyone who was anyone had fought for an invitation. Wolfe Manor hadn’t been open to the public in decades, and the party was the event of the season.

Elena stood at the head of the room in a casual receiving position. She’d greeted friends and strangers alike, and she was happy about that. She wanted Alex to get back to his old life.

The one he’d had before everything had come tumbling down around him …

She gave him a soft wave, and he was finally able to escape his discussion with a congressman.

He kissed her temple.

‘Are you having a good time?’

‘The best.’

The event was being catered by Jean-Georges, somewhat to the dismay of Marta.

Instead, the cook had been given the honour of making the cake.

It was stacked four tiers high and frosted in NYU’s school colours.

Matching purple-frosted cupcakes filled the rest of the table. Her mother had provided those.

Music was provided by a DJ, although several stars of the music industry were in attendance.

Many of Alex’s colleagues and upper-crust friends were starting to come out of society’s tightly grained woodwork.

The two of them had their supporters and their enemies.

The press had split two ways. Half thought that the new software Wolfe Pack had in development was genius.

The perfect way to salvage their reputations and make the best of a bad situation.

As Elena had guessed, though, the other half thought it was a ploy, a way to make money hand over Ponzi fist.

That still irritated them, but she and Alex were finding ways to cope better with the bad attitudes. They could put up with a lot now that they were together.

She smiled when Dr Walters came up to shake her hand.

‘Congratulations again.’

‘Thank you, Professor.’

He shook his head and his wire-rimmed glasses wobbled on his skinny nose.

‘When your young man here called me in to consult at Wolfe Pack, I really didn’t have much to offer him.

Little did I know that you had the answer.

You’d shared bits and pieces of your work, but I didn’t have the opportunity to see the full picture until your presentation. ’

Alex looped an arm around her waist. ‘It was a surprise to both of us, Professor.’

‘A welcome one. This is setting some in the economics field on their ears.’

Elena bit her cheek. She was running into naysayers there, too. One thing was certain. People always had their opinions and they were willing to voice them. Loudly.

‘Well, I’m happy to join the debate.’ She gestured to the table full of cake. ‘Please, enjoy yourself.’

She looked about the room. That was what she was enjoying most about the party. Dignitaries were mixed with Wolfe Pack developers. A group of her classmates was gathered around a Yankee pitcher, and a television actor was getting cosy with Jorge over in a dark corner.

‘I had no idea this was up here,’ she admitted. ‘A ballroom.’

She thought they only existed in old stories.

Alex took a drink of his champagne. ‘It hasn’t been used in years, not since my parents were alive.’

She smoothed his lapel. ‘Thank you for opening it up again for me.’

‘I can’t think of a better reason.’

He looked so sexy and mysterious in the tuxedo, she could hardly keep her hands off him. She’d already failed once in that regard, ripping it off him about an hour before guests were scheduled to arrive. A blush heated her cheeks, and she hooked her hair over her ear.

A big part of her couldn’t wait to get him alone again.

As much as she’d encouraged him to rejoin the world, she wasn’t accustomed to having so many people around.

She’d never been comfortable with the limelight, but it was a role she was going to have to get used to.

If he had to attend society parties again, she was going to be at his side.

‘Ms Bardot, hello.’

Elena spotted a familiar face. ‘Dr Hoff, I’m so glad you made it.’

It was the veterinarian from the zoo. She looked fantastic all dressed up, with her hair in an up-do. The woman held out a present. ‘I know these are supposed to go in the gift room, but I wanted to give it to you myself. It’s from everyone at the Grey Wolf exhibit.’

‘Oh, that’s sweet.’ Elena set her empty champagne glass on a passing waiter’s tray.

A few people near her turned at the sound of ripping paper.

The gift was flat and rectangular. Elena could tell it was a picture, and she hoped it was of Siren.

When she opened the box, tears dampened in her eyes. ‘I love it.’

The veterinarian helped gather the torn pieces of paper so she could get a better look.

The photograph was of more than just the wolf pup.

It was a picture taken on the day the wolf exhibit had been dedicated – before things had gone so dreadfully wrong.

There she was with Alex and the little black wolf pup.

The shy little thing was snuggled up tight in her arms, but its head was tilted back to enjoy the scratching Alex was giving its ears.

The photo was simple and sweet, and Elena cherished it.

‘Thank you,’ she said, giving the woman an impulsive hug.

‘Thank you for inviting me.’ The pretty blonde’s face was animated as she looked around the room. ‘I’ve never been to a fancy shindig like this.’

Elena laughed. ‘Hockey players are on your left. Movie stars are to your right.’

The woman wiggled her eyebrows. ‘Decisions, decisions.’

Like a phantom, Leonard appeared to take the framed photograph. ‘How wonderful. Where would you like me to put it?’

The butler was attending as a guest, but he couldn’t seem to help pitching in where he saw a need.

‘Above the fireplace,’ Alex decided.

‘Excellent choice, sir. I’ll make sure it’s hung tonight.’

The partying and dancing continued late into the wee hours. Elena spent time with her mother, who was leaving in the morning. She danced with Alex and opened gifts. Most of all, she just celebrated the big turning points in her life.

There were so many of them.

Finally, she had to catch her breath. Alex found her some time later alone on the balcony.

‘What am I going to do about you?’ The nip in the air was biting, but the night was crystal clear. He took off his tuxedo and wrapped it around her shoulders. ‘What does it take for you to put on a wrap?’

She tugged the jacket closer. It was still warm from his body heat. ‘I could go find the hoodie.’

He chuckled and stood behind her. He settled his chin on her shoulder and braced his hands against the balcony railing. ‘Don’t give me ideas.’

She was wearing the daring little black dress he’d bought for her. It was a bold choice, but she knew she looked good in it. With the secret black lace lingerie she wore underneath, she felt good, too.

‘What are you looking at?’ he asked.

The view from up on high was spectacular. The fourth-floor balcony looked right down into the lake. With no wind, the water was like glass, reflecting the stars overhead. They were shining like a million bright pinpoints of light.

‘It reminds me of the evening you came home, only then it was the sun reflecting off the water.’

He rubbed his chin against her shoulder. ‘I remember, but I was too busy checking out the sexy little brunette gyrating on my dock.’

She smiled. She’d taken to doing her yoga in the gym. It was too cold to do it outside any more.

‘What else is going on inside that head of yours?’ he asked.

She shook her head. She didn’t want to spoil the night. It had been close to perfect. ‘Nothing.’

He pressed his face into her hair. ‘I know you better than that, Siren.’

She sighed. ‘Seeing all these wealthy people partying and enjoying themselves … It makes me wonder …’

‘Wonder what?’

‘Don’t be angry.’

He leaned over further to look into her face. ‘What’s bothering you, Elena?’

She tilted her head back against his shoulder and looked at the sky. ‘Is your grandfather out there somewhere, going to parties and throwing money around? Is he in a chalet on a mountaintop with a sherry in his hand?’

Alex blew out a long breath. ‘Don’t get yourself worked up over what-ifs.’

‘I can’t help it. After all you went through, after all we went through, it’s just not fair.’

‘Life’s not fair, baby.’

‘I just want to see justice served.’ For the Ponzi scheme … but maybe more for what Alex had gone through as a child …

‘It has been.’

Three words. Soft and clear.

Her heart dipped right into her stomach, and she went very still. ‘Alex?’

He tensed. ‘Damn it.’

He hadn’t meant to let that slip.