Page 45 of Midnight Revelations

It was just the type of event that Catarina would love because she could people watch and gossip about their outfits later. I had no interest, the need to find a corner and hide there overwhelmed me.

I stayed at Papa’s side until one of the event organisers made a beeline to me to ask if I would like to donate anything for an upcoming auction. Normally, I would have enjoyed chatting to them about work they were doing and my designs, but every nerve in my body felt too tight, a headache starting to pound at my temple.

“Of course, I’d happily donate a piece. Let me know when it is and I’ll have something ready for you,” I promised, desperately trying to sound like myself.

There were too many eyes in here, any of them could belong to Michael or his spies. I jumped when someone touched my elbow.

“Easy,” Xavier whispered. “Since Uncle Lucas was busy earlier, Jordan and I decided it was best if we crashed the event. Ash had a prior engagement tonight.”

I almost sagged against him in relief, my eyes blinking rapidly as I bit down on my bottom lip.

“Shit, Lucy. He really did a number on you.” Xavier guided me away from the main body of the crowd. “I’m going to have to speak to Francis and up your security.”

I shook my head and glanced away. “He’ll just blame himself. Michael had obviously been waiting for an opportunity.”

“That’s what the bad guys do, Lucy, and why your security patrol is supposed to be at your side.” He gave me that look that warned against protest. When did he become so like Papa?

“Francis is one of the few people I trust in the world, Xavier. Please don’t upset him.”

His stony silence was the only reply I received. So I looped my arm through his. Surely no one could object to me stealing my cousin’s strength? He lifted a glass from a passing waiter and raised an eyebrow to me. I shook my head. The way I felt right now, I would probably vomit it straight back up.

It was Xavier’s reaction beside me that drew my attention to the couple across the room. It happened in slow motion and high speed all at the same time. The woman giggled, her breasts sharing the joke and bouncing along with her. The man turned to look at her, and I knew without anyone having to tell me—it was Ash.

Sickness rolled up the back of my throat and Xavier’s arm tightened to keep me standing beside him. There was a difference between seeing it in the gossip columns and witnessing it in real life. There was the man I was in love with, currently standing with another woman on his arm. My heart slowly shattered into a million pieces that dug deep into my soul and shredded it until I bled emotional tears.

“I need to get some fresh air,” I muttered.

Xavier moved slightly to shield me. “You need to stand there like a Black and pretend everything is okay right now.” His eyes bored deeply into mine. “If there are spies watching, they will be waiting to see your reaction and Ash’s when he sees you. Do you understand?”

“You knew he’d be here,” I accused.

“I added two and two, and although I’m not an accountant, I still got four.” He gave me a hint of a smile. “Trust me, Lucy. That’s all I’m asking.”

I nodded and sucked in a deep breath, covering it with my professional smile. No one else knew I had seen them, so I allowed Xavier to manoeuvre me around the room, casually chatting to some of his associates.

The fact that Jordan appeared at my other side clued me in that the situation was about to get more than awkward.

“Matteus!” Xavier greeted the older man. He was around six foot with black hair which was grey at the sides and salt and pepper on top. His dark brown eyes were set in a handsome face as he turned toward us.

“Xavier! I didn’t realise you’d be here tonight.” Matteus’ smile reminded me of a shark.

“I just found out Uncle Lucas was in town, and you know that he’s like a surrogate father to me.” Xavier’s demeanour was casual, but the muscles under my fingers suggested his feelings were anything but casual.

“Ah, yes, I saw him earlier. I must stop and say hello.” Matteus moved his gaze to me. “And who is this?”

There was no doubt in my head that if Michael knew who I was, then so did he.

I felt the heat from Jordan at my other side as he moved closer to me, the two men forming an impenetrable wall.

“This is my youngest cousin, Lucrezia. She’s the little sister I never had but God granted me anyway,” Xavier replied. “There isnothingthat I wouldn’t do to protect her.”

Jordan lifted his glass in a salute to the comment. “I agree. Lucas Black’s daughters are family to me.”

Matteus studied Jordan for a moment, a slow smile curving his lips. “How very intriguing that one woman has so many defenders and men dancing attendance to her.”

“Not at all.” I returned his smile. “I’m a Black, and to us, family is everything. Papa taught us at an early age that trust is earned, and once broken, it’s irreparable. Xavier and Jordan have my ultimate trust.”

If we were drawing battlelines, then I may as well get my chalk out as well.

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