Page 25 of Fallen Heir

Electricity shot through me like I’d touched something forbidden. Her skin was warm, soft. I lingered a second too long, just breathing her in. And when I pulled back, I had to clench my fists to make sure the arousal burning low in my gut didn’t show on my face—or worse, in my pants.

“You look…” I cleared my throat. “Different than I expected, but beautiful.”

She smiled again, gentler this time. “I apologize about the dress.”

“It was Oscar de la Renta,” I said, one brow raised. “Most people don’t return a gown that cost more than a car.”

“I didn’t return it,” she said, shrugging a little. “I just… already had this one in my closet.”

Another lie. I knew she bought it this morning. I’d seen the charge from Bergdorf Goodman hit her account hours ago. But Ididn’t call her on it. I just nodded once and tucked the truth away like I’d been doing.

“You wear it well.”

She blinked, caught off guard for half a second before recovering.

I turned slightly and nodded toward the edge of the crowd, motioning Ben over. He was already watching us, blending into the sea of black suits and silk gowns like he belonged.

“I want you to meet someone,” I said. “A close friend. He’ll be around a lot tonight, and if I’m pulled away, I’d rather you not be alone.”

“Alone doesn’t scare me,” she said softly.

“No,” I replied, eyes locking with hers. “But it should.”

It was a silent warning I needed her to heed. Her being alone scared me more than anything I was willing to admit.

Ben walked over and I stepped aside just enough to introduce them.

“Savannah,” I said, motioning in front of me, “this is Benjamin Ford.”

Ben gave a slight nod—calm, confident, already slipping into his role.

“Ben’s an old friend of mine. He’ll make sure you don’t need anything tonight.”

Savannah extended her hand, ever composed. “It’s very nice to meet you, Ben—but I don’t need to be babysat.”

Ben shot me a glance before leaning in slightly—just enough to get her attention, though a little too close for my liking.

“I actually might need the babysitting,” he said, gesturing across the room. “See that woman over there?”

I followed his gaze to a redhead I’d never seen before, eyes locked on Ben like he was dessert.

“She’s pretty convinced she’s about to become the next Mrs. Ford,” he added, his voice almost a whisper. “So I may need a date tonight to convince her otherwise.”

Savannah laughed, and something primal surged in my chest.

“Well, I can’t have two dates tonight,” she said easily, eyes still bright. “So how about I be your overprotective sister instead?”

Just like that, another problem was solved. She was smart. Witty. And I had the sinking feeling Ben was going to like her just as much as I did.

I shot him a warning stare. He didn’t acknowledge it. Not really.

Instead, his attention shifted. Just slightly. A muscle in his jaw ticked, and the easy charm he’d worn a second ago vanished.

I followed his line of sight—but all I caught was a blur of faces and sequins moving through the crowd.

“You good?” I asked under my breath, stepping closer.

“Yeah,” he said smoothly, but his tone had changed. Sharper now. Distracted.