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“I feel as if I’ve been transported back to Chemistry and...” Roberto exclaimed, and before Harper had a chance to respond, Noah and Charlie arrived. The women immediately embraced, and Noah and I fielded a few more questions until I wrapped one arm around Harper, then led her down the red carpet.
We were asked several questions, and it seemed as if our recent appearances in town had prompted attention and research, because everyone now knew exactly who she was and had done their research on her family.
The deaths of her parents were much easier for her to talk about because it had happened a long time ago. Mine had just perished months earlier, and I hated to discuss it with anyone, even Harper. What I’d told her in Washington D.C., had been the truth. As if she knew I was becoming uncomfortable with the same questions being asked over and over, she smiled at me, then tipped her head to the side toward the entrance of the ballroom.
“If you’ll excuse us,” I said, then ushered her in the direction of safety.
It wasn’t long before we were firmly surrounded by Chicago high society. These events were ones I usually dreaded, but with Harper as my date, they became a bit more tolerable. It was important for her to be welcomed back, in a way, and I would never do anything to hold her back. This world was one she’d been born into, and one she deserved to be front and center in.
She was so beautiful catching the eyes of almost everyone passing by. The only ones not looking at her with lustful intent were Callum, Daxon, and Noah, and only because they knew I would kill anyone who dared touch what was mine. She was that now, and truthfully speaking, she always had been.
“I bet you’re excited to be here in person for Gabriel’s big speech tonight,” one of the women said, and Harper turned to look at me.
“Of course, and if I expect to not be a barrel of nerves, we should go find a drink.” That was my excuse to lead her away, and when we were out of earshot of the gossip hounds, I stopped. “I’m starting a scholarship fund in my parents’ names that will help the local schools.”
“Oh my God, that’s so great. I know Franklin and Ashley would’ve loved that.”
She knew my parents well, and they always considered her a daughter. Evidently, that affection lingered well past mine because my father had jumped right in to help her when she’d sought him out years later for help with her inheritance.
“There you are,” Charlie said, interrupting us before Harper could respond. “I have some people for you to see.” She flashed an impish smile at me. “I’ll have her back in a bit.”
Daxon came up behind me and clapped me on the back. “She’s very persuasive.”
“Who?” I asked and as I saw him staring longingly at Charlie, I chuckled. “She’s single, man. You can—”
“I don’t care about any of that,” he quickly responded, then tore his gaze away. “She’s a friend and nothing more.”
I continued to grin. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear he was protesting way too much. His eyes said something a lot different than his mouth, and I decided to file that away for later.
“She’s a pain in the ass, anyway,” Callum said as he joined us.
“Hey, Gabriel. I thought I’d warn you that I’ve seen Charlie and Harper swooning over Crystal Benson’s rock,” Noah told me as soon as he joined us. “You know how damn women are. One gets married or has a kid and then the rest all expect to do the same, too.”
“Excuse me, gentlemen.”
I left and found my woman. As I had feared, she was still enamored with the ring which looked to have cost a fortune. Crystal was marrying Jonathan Lanning, another powerful Titan in the city, and one who was twice the age of his soon-to-be blushing bride.
I was able to sneak up behind Harper, and I wrapped my arms around her. She leaned back and when she tilted her head, I leaned in and covered her mouth with mine. We kissed only briefly because the guys had followed me, and Callum cleared his throat.
“They’re asking for the man of the hour, Gabe. Looks like it’s showtime.”
Charlie, Harper, and the guys followed me toward the stage area.
“I’m so excited for you,” Harper told me as we stood off in the wings near the stage.
“And I’m nervous as hell. I hate standing up and giving speeches.”
“You?” she teased, then stifled a laugh. “I find that hard to believe.”
“He’s a damn blowhard,” Daxon said, and I growled.
I didn’t have time for a retort because I was introduced. I spent the next twenty minutes talking about the city and its communities. I explained how just donating money wasn’t enough. We needed to uplift these neighborhoods, and especially the youth inside of them, then explained how these scholarships would work. I threw out the numbers researched and finally took a breath.
The partygoers erupted in applause when I finally finished my speech. The event host then said a few words about my parents as I exited the stage. Harper was right there with a flute of champagne. I clinked mine to hers, downed the liquid, then pulled her into my arms.
“How did I do?”
“Very impressive, Mr. Blake. If I wasn’t already so enamored with you, I would be now.”
