Page 117 of Merciless Obsession

My eyes shifted back to the light skinned woman. Her lips were painted red, which looked good with the gold dress she wore on her petite frame. Her hair was pinned up with bangs that went across her forehead.

“I’ve been trying to get the newspaper to bring attention to this matter for years and haven’t heard back.” I crossed my legs under the table. “Why now?” My head cocked to the side.

“Things are happening every day in the city. We can’t make time for every little thing.”

“Little thing? Missing girls aren’t a ‘little thing’.”

“The good thing is now she’s willing to report it,” Ezra cut in.

Rolling my eyes I took another drink of my champagne. This woman had obviously slept with Ezra before or had a crush on him. I didn’t think he would bring a woman he’d been with over to meet me so I was assuming the latter.

Eventually Maria walked off and Ezra went off to talk with someone else. The whole night he made sure to come back to the table to check in on me as he mingled. Every so often he would bring someone over to meet me or bring me over to someone.

Even if I didn’t want to be here, it was fascinating seeing Ezra work the room. People easily gravitated to him. He was charming, smiling, and easily conversed with anyone. It was clear to see how he got to where he was in his career. Still, it was like seeing a whole different person. I’d never seen him in this form before. It was attractive and had me seeing him in a different light.

Eventually the music paused and the mayor went on stage to give a small speech, thanking everyone for coming and explaining what tonight was for. Ezra grabbed my hand, giving it a slight squeeze when he noticed the disdain on my face. Everyone clapped as the mayor gave a wide grin.

“He’s so fake,” I huffed.

“Good thing tonight’s not about him.” My eyes swiveled to Ezra. “I’m glad you agreed to come with me tonight. You have every woman in here jealous because of how good you look.” His eyes gleamed with affection. My heart skittered inside me.

“Stop.” My cheeks flushed.

He pecked my lips once, then twice. “I’m just telling the truth. You’ve caught the attention of a few guys too but I have to play nice tonight. Since I’m the only one who can touch, I’ll let them keep breathing.” I swallowed hard.

“You two are so cute. Look how he looks at her,” the woman sitting across from us at our table gushed to her husband.

“Thank you.” Ezra lifted my hand and kissed the back. “But she’s the one that makes me look good.”

My skin grew hotter.

“Ziora, right? What is it that you do exactly?” the gentleman with her asked.

I tore my eyes away from Ezra’s heated gaze and faced him. “Uh, computers. I specialize in software engineering.”

Interest filled his face and he leaned in. “Software engineering? Does that mean you create apps?”

I nodded. “Among other things.”

Waiters came through the double doors with carts filled with food and started bringing them to the tables.

“That’s impressive.” He looked at Ezra. “Not a lot of women work in that field.”

I shrugged. “I’ve never been the one to play by the rules, in fact I enjoy breaking them.” I flashed him a grin, causing his wife to giggle.

“I like her,” she replied.

“My Ziora is the smartest woman I know when it comes to computers,” Ezra bragged with pride, poking his chest out.

Plates were brought to our table. I glanced down at the grilled parmesan chicken, mashed potatoes, and asparagus, along with a dinner roll.

After saying grace we dug into the food. I thought the food would be bland, but surprisingly it was flavorful and the chicken juicy.

Ezra, who was more familiar with the couple across from us, made small talk. I learned he was a psychiatrist Ezra had used in court before and now headed the psychology department at the private university across the water. His wife was the head nurse at the main hospital. While they talked, I was texting Inaya. She thought it was hilarious that I was at this ball. She knew how I felt about most of the people here.

My attention traveled and I laid eyes on both the chiefs of police, from this side of the bridge and The Sticks. They were speaking with the police commissioner. I made a note to speak with Bolden. I wanted to know if the connection of the girls and the center was ever made.

At some point I excused myself and went to the bathroom. On my way back I saw the mayor in conversation. He was grinning and nodding at the man talking to him.