Page 23 of Enthrall Shadows
My pixie-cut bangs hung low on my forehead in a sultry style, my makeup subtle with a hint of sparkle.
Cole events were coveted tickets, their auctions famous for raising millions for charity.
The evenings were filled with so much fun, and it was always a joy to see everyone again.
With a show of our invites and a check of our names on the guest list, Richard and I were permitted entry into the ballroom.
Sweeping drapes were pulled back to reveal the striking view of the Pacific Ocean. Laughter and chatter from the hundreds of guests seated at the lavishly decorated tables carried around the room.
My kind of music was playing—Adele’s exquisite voice surrounded us, the song about finding a lost love.
I jolted to a stop, startled by the vision of a dashing American aristocrat—Henry Montgomery Cole.
The man who’d helped the Tea Cole brand become a household name.
Smolderingly handsome features collided with his complex persona. He looked like an intimidating figure in his black designer tuxedo and pristine white shirt, a bowtie twisted into perfection. It seemed like the tailor had carved the suit around his tall, muscular frame. Flawless bladed eyebrows arched over intelligent chestnut irises.
The way he studied everyone around him probably was a residual habit from when his life depended on that kind of alertness.
Last night, I’d been tasked with containingthatgorgeous man after he’d trespassed into Chrysalis.
The same man who would be sitting atourtable. I cringed at the thought of Cameron’s elitist brother seeing me wearing fetish fashion.
I huffed my frustration. “What’s he doing here?”
“Who?” Richard followed my line of sight. “Henry?” He grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the table. “He has something of mine.”
When Henry caught my eye, he visibly jolted.
Both of us had been shocked by the same voltage.
A little hate never hurt anyone.
He ran his fingers through his perfectly styled short waves, looking like a prestigious older version of Cameron. They were only a couple of years apart in age and yet there was a light year’s difference between them.
I gave a warm greeting to everyone at our table.
Except for him.
At Richard’s request, I spun around so that everyone could coo over the dress from Mia’s fashion line, the straps delicate and the silky material feeling luxurious against my skin.
Cameron and Mia pushed out of their seats to give Richard and I warm hugs, as did Scarlet and Ethan. Shay and Rue waved from where they sat.
Oh, God.
The last seat available was directly opposite Henry’s.
Richard pointed at him. “You have something of mine!”
Henry’s gaze locked on to me as though he were thinking up an arrogant quip.
“Isn’t this wonderful,” said Mia. “Everyone together.”
The response was a rumble of agreement.
Mia looked radiant in her blue satin dress. It was one of her own designs with a signature dip between her breasts. Scarlet and Rue were both stunning in their long black gowns, and each of the men cut a suave presence.
“How’s Dex?” asked Richard.
