Page 60 of Bound By Crimson
Velvet, silk, and beaded gowns that shimmered like moonlight arrived daily in ivory garment bags.
And when she hesitated at the extravagance, Kai only smiled.
“You deserve the world!”
---
Days were filled with brunches at rooftop gardens, charity luncheons, and private gallery tours.
Thomas became her quiet, constant guardian, escorting her anywhere Kai couldn’t.
But Kai always came back to her.
Even when business took him away, he left notes. Flowers.
“You’re the only part of my day that never feels like work.”
---
One late afternoon, Kai surprised her.
“I want you at the Winter Gala,” he said, his voice warm with anticipation. “Every year, I host one for my highest-profile clients and partners.”
Lyric smiled. “Of course I will come. You do this every year?”
He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple. “This year is different.”
“Why?”
“Because this year, I have you by my side.”
Her heart fluttered.
“There is no place I would rather be.”
Kai grinned.
“I’ll have a glam team come to the penthouse,” Kai added. “Hair, makeup. And I’ll send the dress and shoes I want you to wear.”
---
The morning of the gala, the glam team arrived.
Stylists, makeup artists, and a young apprentice carrying trays of brushes and palettes bustled in with polite professionalism.
Lyric stood to greet them—and froze.
The apprentice looked up, sleek blonde hair pulled into a high twist.
Rowan.
Their eyes locked.
“Lyric?…”
Rowan’s face drained of color. She froze, lips parting as if to speak but snapping shut again.
“I didn’t know I was coming here for you. I didn’t know you were in New York!” Rowan blurted, voice a frantic whisper. “I’m so sorry.”
