Page 143 of Redeeming the Villain

He’s the wolf in a room full of sheep. I just need to lure him away from the herd.

A shiver runs down the back of my spine, and I look to my right, locking eyes with the man of the evening.

My dad’s smiling at something an older man in his group is mumbling, but there’s no joy or humor in his eyes. Only anger and confusion when he sees Malik with me.

Comforting me, Malik rubs his hand up and down the small of my back.

A few of the guys next to my dad follow his stare, and I recognize them vaguely. My dad lifts his hand in the air and waves us over.

Oh shit.

Malik guides me forward, and I force myself to get out of my own head and start playing the part that I once perfected.

My spine straightens, and my shoulders shift back as I lead us across the floor with a smile on my face. As we reach the group, I nod politely, a slight bow to my head to show my respect.

Lifting my arm, I greet my dad with a side hug. “Hi, Dad.”

“Alora.” He grins, squeezing my shoulder tightly. “You look … lovely.” The words are hard for him to spit out.

I know he’s fuming inside … for a multitude of reasons. I’m not wearing the dress he sent. I brought a date other than Phillip. And I was late.

“I’m glad you could make it,” he hums, getting a little dig in at my punctuality.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” My gaze skates across the three gentlemen to his left, all staring at me a little too intensely.

“A word,” my father mumbles, trying to steer me away from the group, but I keep my feet planted.

It’s not the right time. I was told to attend the evening as planned, follow the itinerary, and then get him alone when everyone was bidding at the silent auction.

Malik secures me at his side, and the look in my father’s eyes is one of malice.

A waitress walks by with a tray of champagne, and I grab one, taking a sip.

“We can’t leave yet; the event is about to begin.”

As if on cue, the speakers in the room pulse as someone taps the microphone. “Good evening, everyone. Please make your way to your seats in the next minute or so, and we’ll get started.”

“Malik, should we find our table?” I look up at him, sliding my hand across his chest, feeling the hair on the back of my neck rise from the glare in my father’s eyes.

“You are with us, Alora. Your … date can join. Phillip as well.” My dad glances over at him. “Good to see you, Phillip,” he adds politely, offering his hand for Phillip to shake.

He shakes it and nods. “Good to see you too, sir.”

We follow my father to a table near the stage. He pulls my chair out for me as we approach. Taking a deep breath, I kindly sit, letting him push it in for me.

His hands slide over the tops of my shoulders, and he leans down, his warm breath hitting my ear. “What do you think you’re doing? Embarrassing me like this. Alora Briarwood, you know better. Get rid of him in the next five minutes.”

Tipping my head to the side, with a smile planted on my face, I whisper, “Or what?”

He goes silent, clenching his jaw as he pushes away from me before taking a seat at the chair to my right.

Malik sits to my left, and Phillip is to the left of him as the air in the room becomes heavier, making it harder to breathe as we sit and wait.

The announcer takes the stage again a moment later and commences the gala, welcoming everyone in attendance. Apparently, it’s their biggest gala yet with high expectations.

Time seems to fly by as every item in my mental checklist is marked.

Introductions.

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