Page 111 of Lovers' Dance

Suitably appeased, Bella regarded me in Matt’s arms. “Are you all right, Madi? It’s unnerving being in front the glare of cameras if you’re not used to it.”

“I’m fine,” I said, then tilted my head up at Matt. “Did I do okay?”

“You were great, poppet.”

I arched an eyebrow at him and he kissed the tip of my nose.

“It reassures a man when his girlfriend publicly admits he’s hot.”

I groaned, burying my face in Matt’s chest, which rumbled with his laughter.

“Look,” Nathan nudged Matt’s arm. “There’s that Atherton fellow. I think I’ll have to say hello to him. He thinks I’m unaware of his intention to buy into that software company right under my nose. The fool. I’ve been monitoring them for the past six months. Come, my darling.” He gestured to Bella. “I function better with you at my side during these events.”

Bella smiled brilliantly at us before taking Nathan’s outstretched arm. “You’re such a sweet talker, Nathan.”

Matt pulled me closer. We were getting a couple of curious looks from the people milling around.

As Nathan and Bella walked away, I heard her say, “She’s adorable. We must have her over at the house soon.”

Matt, who’d also overheard, grinned down at me. “Bella likes you, not that I had doubts about you two hitting it off.”

My response died on my lips as a couple of people descended upon us. Matt stepped away, but kept an arm around my waist while he introduced me. We joined the large body of guests filing further into the regal building.

“Where are we going?” I whispered in awe, taking in the grandeur with wide eyes.

“The event is being held by the moat. A marquee has been erected to accommodate the large amount of guests tonight. But first—”

“Can we go see the Crown Jewels?” I interrupted, excited over the prospect of seeing royal bling. The diamonds I wore were making me act funny.

Matt shook his head slightly. “I’m not sure if we can do that tonight, poppet. Perhaps we can visit at a later date when—”

“You know she uses some of the jewels, the queen that is.” I cut him off again, this was crazy. Maybe we could do a snap dance here? “Is that why there’s so much security all over the place, Matt?”

Maybe no to the snap dance idea. We would definitely get busted and put in the Tower. I giggled at my private joke.

Matt shot me a stern look. “Stop interrupting me, poppet. Listen, there’ll be photographers here tonight, both on behalf of the event planners and the media. Please try—”

“I won’t embarrass you again,” I said in a low, hurt voice.

Matt stopped, openly frowning at me, then resumed moving forward so we didn’t back up the line of guests.

He leaned over to my ear to hiss, “I was not going to say that and stop interrupting. What I wanted to say was please bear with me tonight. I’ll most likely be dragged away for photo opportunities or to discuss business matters at some point during the night. I wanted to warn you.”

Jumping to conclusions was never a good thing. I chewed my lower lip and squeezed his arm.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

“Humph.” Matt snorted, staring straight ahead and avoiding my apologetic gaze.

I tugged on his arm and he turned his head, eyebrows raised haughtily.

“I’m really sorry,” I whispered.

His expression softened and he patted my hand on his arm. “Apology accepted…for now.”

The woman in front of us turned around to strike up a conversation. Matt was polite, but I could tell he wanted her to shut up. When we got to where the event was being held, I took a few minutes to acclimatize myself to the beauty. Damn, being Matt’s girlfriend sure had its perks. I would never have found myself in a situation like this if it wasn’t for him. I beamed like an inane idiot and he stole a kiss, a super quick kiss that reminded me of my intent to get into his pants one way or the other.

“Excited?” he drawled as I nodded, eyes struggling to see everything and everyone. The other side sure knew how to throw a function.

---