Page 70 of Taken By the Fae

Placing my hand on his arm, we walk to the elevator. Once we’re on, I stand against the wall opposite him. I need a clear head going into tonight, and whenever I’m too close to Tristan, it can prove difficult to think straight—or think about anything other than his hands on me.

Tristan says nothing, but the smirk on his lips is telling enough.

I roll my eyes and keep my gaze trained on the wall for the rest of the descent.

Skylar and Max, along with several other Westbrook Hotel employees, are already downstairs when Tristan and I arrive. We walk into the room, and eyes instantly find us. Squaring my shoulders, I stand straight, refusing to look as nervous as I am. Even with most of the fae working for Tristan treating me somewhat better than when I started at the hotel over two months ago, I can’t seem to shake my nerves surrounding the event. But I’ll be damned if I let that show.

“That’s my girl,” Tristan murmurs from beside me.

My girl.

My chest swells. I like that statementwaytoo much.

Skylar and I stand at the entrance to the ballroom and greet guests as they come in, while Tristan mingles with everyone inside. Tonight is all about getting donations from the high-class attendees. Westbrook Inc. chooses a new charity each year, and this year, the money is going to a queer support group for adolescents that Tristan handpicked from hundreds of applications. Most of the attendees of this event are successful businesspeople and friends of Tristan’s, meaning they are fortunate enough to be able to give.

I shake hands with an endless line of attendees, and by the end, my mouth aches from smiling so much. It’s amazing. Potential donors fill the room, and while my job is far from over, this is a decent start.

I spend most of the event chatting with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the city. It’s a dream come true for any business major, and I’m taking full advantage of the networking opportunity. Graduation is always on my mind, especially as it inches closer.

Tristan makes a speech, discussing the organization set to receive this year’s charity, and wraps up by thanking guests for coming and donating generously.

I find him after he exits the stage and hand him a glass of champagne. “Nice speech,” I say.

He clinks his glass against mine before taking a sip.

I follow suit, giving him a curious look when he takes my champagne flute and sets it beside his on a banquet table.

“Dance with me.”

I freeze, my eyes widening. Dance… with Tristan… My heart rate kicks up, heat flushing my cheeks. My fingers are suddenly itching for that glass of champagne.

Tristan steps forward, catching my chin in a gentle grip. “You look more scared right now than the moment we met.” There’s a hint of amusement in his voice that makes me exhale a sigh and lift my hand to his shoulder as Ruelle’s “The Other Side” starts playing. He drops his hand from my chin, resting it on my hip, and I place my other hand on his extended one.

We move in time with the music, and I use this opportunity to glance around the room. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves; I can’t help but beam with pride.

“I can feel that,” Tristan says, offering me a faint smile.

I lift my eyes to his. “Good.”

We dance until the song ends, and he pulls me against him. “Tonight is amazing. The donations are pouring in. Congratulations on a successful event, Rory.” He smiles at me. “I have to speak to some people, but I’ll find you later.”

I squeeze his hand before letting go. “I’ll be around here somewhere.”

He tweaks my chin, and his smirk sends my heart racing as he leaves me standing off to the side of the room, surveying my success.

My chest feels light as I watch guests dance around me. I couldn’t picture how this event would turn out—nothing would measure up to how wonderful this is.

As I’m grabbing another drink from the bar, I catch Skylar waving me over from behind the donation table. I’m heading toward her when one of the hotel employees taps my shoulder and leans close to my ear. “Your phone keeps going off.”

I forgot I’d left it on a table. “I’m a little busy right now,” I say, not wanting to keep Skylar waiting.

“It appears to be your mother.”

I huff out a breath and take the phone from her, my drink in my other hand. “Thank you,” I say, trying to be polite.

I exit the room and walk into the lobby as my phone buzzes again. “Mom, what’s going on? Is everything all right?”

“Aurora.” Her tone makes my heart stop. “I’m sorry to call you. I know tonight is your big event, but—” Her voice breaks.

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