Page 96 of Temporary Vows

When I got in the car earlier, he almost looked relieved to see me looking so well. Even I know I look good tonight—better than I have in many years. The swelling in my face has gone down enough for me to do my makeup properly, and the dress helps, too.

I think of my Porsche and realize I haven’t seen Dorian long enough to thank him for it yet. “Thanks so much for my car. You got me a Porsche.”

Dorian waves it off. “It was nothing.”

“Did you see my old car?” I grin.

He throws me an incredulous look. “Thatthingwas not a car.”

“Exactly.” A soft laugh falls from my lips. “How was L.A.?” I try for small talk again.

He gives me that stern expression, like that night in the attic. “It was fine,” he replies.Same answer.

I need to stop asking questions like that. It’s clear he’s not going to answer me like a normal person, and that’s, as he would say,fine.

“So, Albert gave me the rundown of what’s supposed to happen tonight with the press.” Better to move on to more pressing matters. “I think they’re already here. I saw a reporter on my way in.”

He glances toward the docks, then back at me. “That’s good. Just act naturally.”

I nod, even though my nerves spike.

I look around, my gaze drifting down the rows of people gathered with their flutes of champagne and easy laughter. Everything here is luxury taken to the extreme. And I’m on a yacht. I’ve never been on a yacht before.

When I was younger, my parents were always attending parties, most of them on yachts. I was either too young to go or not around. They were usually held in the summer, and I’d be away at camp. So, I have no idea how to act around these people.

“Hey, just act naturally,” Dorian repeats, his expression pensive but firm. He makes it sound as though actingnaturallyaround New York’s high society is a breeze. Though I suppose it is for him.

I glance back at him, nerves tightening inside my chest. “Will the press ask me questions?”

“Not tonight.” His voice is calm, controlled. “They’re just here to observe. And we’ll pretend to turn a blind eye. They’ll see you as the mystery woman.”

Mystery woman. That’s a new one for me. But it fits.

And I suppose this is the start of the narrative he’ll be feeding them.

Taking a quick breath, I nod. “Okay. I can be the mystery woman.”

“Think of it this way.” A ruthless smile touches his lips. “It won’t be any worse than what you’ve been through so far.”

I groan. “Please don’t remind me.”

He’s right, though. This is nothing compared to the last few weeks. It doesn’t even come close.

“Come.” He extends his arm. “Let’s go see my family.”

“What do they know about me?” I ask quickly. “I mean, I know they alreadyknowme, but what exactly have you told them?”

The last time his brothers saw me, my face was black and blue. It was clear I was in trouble. I’m also nervous about his father because I’m certain that Jeremiah Vale would have most assuredly preferred someone better for his son— someone polished, someone from his world, someone whose family didn’t go bankrupt.

“They know we’re getting engaged. That’s all they need to know.”

“That’s it?” I press.

“That’s it, Lamb. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

I take a breath and nod, but unease still settles inside my chest. He offers his arm, and I slip mine through it.

Dorian guides me forward, leading me down to the lower deck. There are more people down here. After a quick scan, I spot his brothers in the far corner talking with his sister. His parents are by the bar, laughing.