Page 26 of Enthrall Shadows
They appeared to be hitting it off.
That kind of pompous male species were set on finding a woman they could take home for their family’s approval.
Henry reflected sophistication in or out of his tuxedo, this one a little less crinkled than the one he had worn last night at Chrysalis.
He leaned on the bar, impressing the mystery woman with his casual yet controlled demeanor.
I focused on my friends once again, convincing myself this was one of the nicer evenings I’d had in a while.
I admired how romantic Shay behaved with Rue. His frequent gestures of affection to reassure her she belonged.
Mia and Cameron were so damn beautiful together—the “It” couple of every event. They always made everyone feel comfortable around them. Scarlet and Ethan were at that stage in their marriage where they finished each other’s sentences. Richard appeared relaxed as he waited for Andrea to join us.
My attention was again drawn to the bar, where Henry was ordering them two more drinks.
Two fancy cocktails soon appeared, set down by the discreet barman.
Henry’s body language proved he was enjoying the pursuit. Leaning in, he whispered something into Chignon’s ear.
Something seductive? She bit her lip, seemingly intrigued with him.
It didn’t make any sense.
How could I be obsessing over a man I hated?
When I turned back, Cameron’s focus had shifted to me. I’d been caught admiring a Cole—his older brother.
It was impossible to get away with anything when this man was in the room.
I needed a few seconds to center myself.
“Will you excuse me?” I said.
Cameron sprang up and helped me with my chair.
Strolling through the partygoers, I made my way onto the balcony where the sound of music was muted. A warm breeze washed over me. Beyond the endless palm trees was a dreamy view of the Pacific Ocean.
It was a view I never took for granted because I’d been born and raised on the opposite coast—the daughter of a housekeeper.
I wasn’t so naïve that I’d reveal my modest childhood to a snob.
I only trusted a few close friends with that knowledge. Moving in elitist circles, I knew well enough to protect my heart, but I was proud of my mother, who’d worked two jobs so that I didn’t have to clean alongside her, so I could study.
“I miss you, Momma,” I whispered.
Those memories of her were sacred.
I tried not to reminisce.
But my ex came back in a flood of memories—the Dom who’d broken my heart. Austin Lee, with his enigmatic New York attitude, had brought a unique vibrancy to our relationship.
It had ended painfully five months ago, when he’d returned to New York. I had continued to live in the home we’d built together, but after he left, I’d redecorated. I was still searching for the energy to sell the property and start over.
We’d been ill-matched from the start.
He liked to party hard and I preferred clean living. Simplicity brought the peace I had always cherished. I savored the quieter moments of a day, curling up on the sofa with a good book or hiking Laurel Canyon on the weekends. And I savored owning a home for the first time in my life. I’d had fun decorating my Encino house, in a neighborhood located in the heart of L.A. Family-friendly and safe, its previous reputation was no longer relevant.
I heard the screech of a microphone from inside.
