Page 33 of Daring to Love You (Priestly Family #3)

Chapter Twenty-Six

D orian felt like she was living a fairy tale as Lynix helped her out of the limousine. He was being so attentive tonight, like a knight and shining armor, and she felt like a princess for the first time in her life.

As they fell in line with numerous guests who were also arriving, she took in the huge, stately, mansion, surprised the event was being held there.

She had assumed it would be at a hotel with a large ballroom, but Lynix mentioned the owner had offered the use of the building, as well as the catering, free of charge.

It was his way of supporting the organization so the majority of the funds raised would go to the nonprofit.

When they entered the building, Lynix was greeted immediately by several people.

It was clear he and his family were well respected in the community.

Stories were told, photos were taken, and there were so many introductions, Dorian was sure she wouldn’t remember anyone’s name.

It took them almost thirty minutes to get from the entrance to the ballroom.

“What do you think?” Lynix asked when they entered.

“It’s bigger than I expected.”

It was the size of one that you’d see in a hotel and the decorators had done an outstanding job. They’d gone with a mostly white color scheme with pops of emerald green and royal blue. It was an interesting combination, but it worked.

“My mother must’ve been looking out for us. She’s on her way over,” Lynix said near Dorian’s ear, and nodded his head toward an older woman who was making her way to them. She was dressed in a white evening gown, looking regal like a Nubian queen.

Before she could reach them, she was stopped a few times by guests.

Dorian would’ve known it was her by her smile alone. It was the same as Lynix’s.

“You guys made it,” the woman said, embracing Lynix before turning to Dorian.

“You must be Dorian,” she said, squeezing both of Dorian’s hands before wrapping her into a tight hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Lynix has spoken very highly of you, and I have to say, you’re even prettier than he described.”

“Thank you,” Dorian said and blushed.

“And your dress is absolutely stunning,” the woman continued.

“Mom, you didn’t even give me a chance to introduce her,” Lynix grumbled.

“Oh, I’m sorry, honey,” the older woman said with a laugh. “I was excited to see her.”

“Anyway, Dee, this is my mother, Bridget Mathews.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Mathews.”

“The feeling is mutual and please, call me Bridget. I’m so glad you were able to attend tonight. We’ll be sitting down to dinner shortly, and…”

As Bridget rattled off the plans for the evening, Dorian felt Lynix go still next to her. When she glanced at him, she found him watching two older men who were heading their way. The tall one on the left had to be his father. He looked like an older version of Lynix.

“Oh, that’s my husband,” Bridget said just as the men reached them. “Honey, this is Dorian Priestly, Lynix’s girlfriend.”

The man didn’t smile but extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Weston Mathews III.” Then he gestured to the other guy. “This is a friend of the family, Karsten Baldwin.”

The man nodded at her, but before she could say anything to either, Lynix reached for her hand.

“There’s my brother, Thane.” Lynix escorted her away without acknowledging his father or the family’s friend.

“Lynix, what is wrong with you? That was rude,” she said, walking fast to keep up with his long stride.

“Sorry, sweetheart. We have to sit at a table with my father. I figured we’d wait until then before he starts his interrogation. Had we stood there any longer, he would’ve started in on you. I don’t want to subject you to any more of his superior attitude than necessary.”

Dorian wondered if his father was really that bad or if it was Lynix letting his dislike of the man cloud his judgment. But for the next few minutes, she forgot about his dad as she enjoyed conversation with his brothers, as well as their women.

Soon everyone in attendance was directed to their assigned tables and dinner was served.

Dorian loved chatting with Lynix’s family, specifically his mother, brothers, and their dates.

Mr. Mathews didn’t say much and neither did Lynix, but between the great music the band was playing and the delicious food, she was having a good time.

It wasn’t until Bridget left the table did Mr. Mathews start lobbing questions at Dorian. He claimed it was to get to know her better, but it felt more like he was trying to show her that she didn’t belong.

“Wait a minute, the B&B your parents own is in Lincoln Park? Is it the Greystone that had a big write up in Architectural Digest last year?” Thane’s date asked from the other side of the table.

“It is,” Dorian said proudly and talked about the Italian architectural style and the interior.

“Do you do anything else besides help out at your parents’ B&B?” Mr. Mathews asked.

“Actually, Dorian also has her own small business,” Lynix said, telling those at the table about her baking business that she had on the side.

Dorian smiled at him and how proud he sounded when he told everyone that he was thinking about secretly signing her up for one of the baking shows on HGTV. Claiming she could out cook and bake anyone on any of those shows.

Questions came at her from left and right, his brothers asking about her family, the business, and whether she’d bake for them sometime.

“Can’t imagine any of those little jobs being enough to live off of,” Mr. Mathews interjected. “Is that why you’re with my son? So he can be your sugar daddy?”

“Be careful, Dad,” Lynix said, his tone lethal enough to make everyone at the table stop talking. “I won’t have you disrespecting my woman.”

“What?” The elder Mathews shrugged, trying to look innocent while Dorian’s heart dropped. “I’m sure I’m not the only one at the table thinking the same thing. Just because she walks in here in a designer dress and diamonds dripping from her ears, doesn’t make her one of us.”

“Dad!” the brothers barked just as Lynix jerked out of his seat.

Dorian gasped as everything seemed to play out in slow motion. Lynix charging toward his father, and his brothers practically leaping over the table to stop him.

“What is going on over here?” Bridget hissed, seeming to come out of nowhere. She’d been circulating throughout the room, talking to those in attendance, and had been gone for a while.

Dorian was glad to see they’d only caught the attention of the tables closest to them. No one else seemed to notice the rise in tension. Most people appeared to be having a good time talking, laughing, and some were even on the dance floor.

She stood and reached for Lynix’s hand. “Dance with me?” She stated it as a question but didn’t wait for an answer as she pulled him toward the dance floor.

She ignored him when he suggested they leave the gala. His father was a jerk, but it warmed her heart knowing Lynix was willing to fight for her honor. The line between fake dating and what felt like a real relationship was blurring for her and, apparently, him too.

Once they reached the middle of the dance floor, Lynix relaxed and pulled her close.

Dorian was thankful the band was playing a slow song because in his arms was exactly where she wanted to be.

And one nice thing about her ridiculous high-heel shoes was they made her taller.

It was easier to wrap her arms around his neck.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

He frowned and tightened his hold on her. “I should be asking you that. I’m sorry about my dad. He was way out of line. When we finish dancing, we’re out of here.”

“We can’t leave yet. Your mother would be disappointed if we left early.”

“She’d understand.”

“No, I want us to stay a little longer,” Dorian insisted.

“Well, if we do, we’re finding someplace else to sit. There’s no way in hell we’re sitting at the table with my father,” Lynix said gruffly. Then he lowered his head and kissed her sweetly.

God, she loved when he kissed her. He could be intimidating with others, but he was always gentle with her. Making her feel special, like she was the most important person in the world.

That’s why she could no longer fight her feelings for him. It was no use. She loved him. Somehow, she had fallen in love with Lynix Mathews and had no clue how she was going to tell him.

An hour and a half later, after dessert, drinks, speeches, and more dancing, Dorian was ready to call it a night and get out of her shoes. She was glad Lynix was also ready to leave. He had told her that had it not been for her, he would’ve left already.

As they headed to the other side of the ballroom, they stopped periodically for Lynix to greet people he hadn’t seen earlier in the evening. Considering he didn’t start working for the family business until recently, he knew quite a few of the family’s business associates.

They had just passed the dance floor when Lynix started laughing, and Dorian glanced up to find him grinning from ear to ear. She followed his line of vision and spotted a guy approaching, wearing the same silly grin as Lynix’s.

“Dude! They just let anybody up in here,” the man said with a laugh before he and Lynix greeted each other with one of those man hugs that included a handshake and pounding each other on the back.

After introductions, Dorian took a step away to let them catch up with one another. She glanced around the ballroom, impressed with the sheer number of people who had attended. Though some had already left, there were still plenty of folks in the room.

Dorian’s gaze landed on a tall, thin woman who was heading their way wearing a gorgeous white and silver evening gown. She was one of the most beautiful people in attendance and considering her seductive walk, and the attention she was getting from a few men, she knew it.

“All right, sweetheart, sorry about that,” Lynix said and placed his hand at the small of her back and kissed her. “I haven’t seen that guy in years. Not since he moved back East to be closer to—”

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?”

Lynix stiffened, and Dorian turned slightly and came face-to-face with the lady she’d been admiring a few seconds ago.

Now that she was closer, the woman’s dress was even more spectacular than she realized.

It hadn’t been silver she saw, but diamonds on the garment.

The outfit looked like it cost a fortune, and standing next to the classy-looking woman, Dorian suddenly felt like a kid playing dress up.

You walk into that ballroom like you own that bitch . Cree’s words blared through her mind, and Dorian straightened her shoulders. Despite the way Mr. Mathews had treated her earlier, she didn’t need to feel inferior. She belonged there just like anyone else.

“So, Lynix, which escort service did you get this one from?” the woman asked. “I would think with your type of money you could afford a better quality woman. Is she even old enough to drink?”

Dorian’s hackles went up. “Excuse me?” she said, shocked by the nerve of this woman. “I don’t know who you are, but you clearly have me mixed up with someone else.”

“Let’s go, Dee,” Lynix growled.

The anger pouring off him was palpable, and if looks could kill, this woman would be dead. Dorian had never seen him like this before.

They tried to move past the woman, but she jumped in front of them.

“What? Leaving so soon? Lynix, I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself to your little friend here.”

“Marisela, so help me. If you don’t move your ass out the way…”

“Oh, I get it. You haven’t told her yet, have you?”

Unease crawled through Dorian as her gaze bounced from one to the other. There was some type of private conversation going on between them that she wasn’t privy to.

What was even more unnerving was how stone-faced Lynix had turned, and how his jaw was clamped tight enough to break his teeth. There was also fire in his eyes, and it looked like he might attack at any moment.

“I guess you didn’t tell her about our engagement,” Marisela taunted.

Then she looked at Dorian and wiggled her fingers out in front of her.

Sure enough, there was a huge diamond on her ring finger.

“Our marriage has been arranged by our fathers for years. So don’t get too comfortable.

I’d hate for your little delusional heart to get hurt. ”

Engaged?

Arranged marriage?

Delusional?

Dorian tried not to react, tried to remain cool and calm despite the questions racing through her mind. She knew Lynix. There had to be an explanation, but he wasn’t saying anything. He just stood rigid with his breathing sounding ragged.

She wasn’t sure what was going on, but it was having a weird effect on him. She needed to do something or say something. He’d come to her rescue too many times to count over the last few weeks. Now it was her turn to help him, to shake loose whatever mental hold this woman had on him.

“Ahh, I get it,” Dorian hurried to say and smiled up at Lynix, hoping he’d snap out of it. “This is the woman you were telling me about, isn’t it? The one who couldn’t take no for an answer.”

Shock showed in his eyes but disappeared so fast Dorian wondered if she’d imagined it. But then he blinked several times, and his expression softened. The tender way he looked at her made her heart squeeze.

He was back. Whatever daze he’d been in had dissipated.

When Dorian returned her attention to Marisela, the woman looked as if she wanted to spit bullets. Dorian was waiting for her to say something else, but once again there was some type of silent communication going on between her and Lynix.

But then, without taking his eyes off the woman, Lynix reached for Dorian’s hand and interlocked their fingers.

“Marisela, let me introduce you to my future wife, Dorian Priestly.”