Page 14 of Danger

“Maybe you should go and place a bet.”

Danger smiles his normally cocky grin. “Not tonight.”

I hook my arm in his. “Ready to do this?”

“Playing your boyfriend will probably be the easiest thing I’ll ever do.”

We take one step toward the ballroom and then another. “Why’s that?”

He winks. “Because if I were your man I’d spoil you rotten on the regular.”

I smile at his words, wondering what it would be like to be spoiled by a man like Danger. We step into the ballroom, and I scan the room for a familiar face.

The banner reads, Carter Loves in purple and gold. The ballroom goes on for miles, or what appears like miles. There’s purple flowers on round tables with gold-linen tablecloths. The lights are dim, giving the ambience of a successful elegant gala. The lights of the strip shine in through the high windows, casting a soft glow, making the whole party feel romantic. There’s so many people sitting at tables and clustered in groups, chatting, laughing, and talking to one another.

“What kind of charity is this?” Danger asks me as we move into the party.

“Something to do with children.”

Danger stops. “Like orphaned children?”

“I’m not really sure.” I shrug, trying to find Cole Danforth in the crowd. “Cole’s wife works for the charity.”

We both stop walking when we spot Thad speaking with my father.

Danger growls beside me. “What’s that asshole doing with him?”

“I’m not really sure.”

We cross the floor, stepping up to join my father as a waiter passes by with a tray of champagne-filled flute glasses. Danger picks up two and hands one over to me.

I take a much-needed sip as Thad’s eyes blaze into mine.

I straighten my shoulders, ignoring his heated gaze.

“I was just telling your father how much I missed having you by my side at these things,” Thad says, leaning over to kiss my cheek.

I push him away.

“Well, lucky for me I guess that you cheated on her and I’m able to have her on my arm instead,” Danger says, tugging me closer to him.

My father and Thad are both appalled by Danger’s words.

No decorum, and it’s actually refreshing. It’s something I kind of wanted to say too.

“Danger, this isn’t the time or place,” my father says.

Danger’s hand clenches tighter around my hip. “Right, sir.”

“Daddy, why don’t we find a table.”

My father nods, but Danger doesn’t move.

“Come on, Danger.” I tug him a bit.

He turns to face me, his eyes softening. “Why don’t you go ahead and find a seat. I need to talk to Thad for a minute.”

Thad laughs. “I’ve got nothing to say to you.”

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