Page 160 of His White Moonlight
“Thank you,” he said loudly enough to be heard by anyone close enough.“You’re wise to remind me.”
I rose to return to my chair, which he stood to push in for me.
Konni watched everything closely with a question in his gaze, but he didn’t ask.He continued to steer the conversation as course after course was served.
Bennett was calmer, but not calm.He didn’t talk much and barely ate his food.I stared longingly at the servers who passed with fluted drinks, but knew better than to take one.I was already feeling tipsy, which was why I’d willingly sat on Bennett’s knee.
Once everyone finished their meals, the servers set dessert tiers on the tables and moved the picture of the items to the side.The auctioneer walked to the front of the room along with several suited men and a well-dressed woman.She was holding a velvet bust with a necklace that had more precious gems than gold.
The auctioneer explained that it was a necklace from the Zellon collection and stated the opening bid.
Bennett glanced at me.I realized why and wanted to kick him under the table.Instead, I leaned toward him.He obliged by leaning toward me.
“If you think buying something here will help your cause, you’re a delusional idiot.”
Konni started choking behind me as I pretended to straighten Bennett’s tie.
He glowered at me but didn’t pull away until I was done.The necklace sold for almost five million.The auctioneer announced the next item while the first one was escorted out.I was bored to tears until a pair of gemmed high heels was brought to the front.The women were staring at them rabidly.Even Lindi.
The corner of my mouth tilted.Bennett caught it and looked confused.I took out my phone rather than whisper.
Me: Rich people are masochists.Heels are bad enough.Why add to it?
Bennett: A show of wealth, I guess.Is there really nothing here that interests you?
Me: The bathroom.Is there an intermission to this thing, or do I just sneak out?
Bennett was still reading my message when the auctioneer announced a short break.The servers converged on the tables, refilling wine glasses as event goers stood.
“Be right back,” I said.
I knew what this mass exodus would mean—a long line.So I tried to hustle, but there was no hustle with the number of people present.Out in the welcome area, a line had already formed.Women chatted with the people they knew as they waited.I took my place in line.
Several minutes passed with barely any movement.
“There’s another restroom down the east hallway,” one of the staff said to the people behind me.
I watched them mass-exodus that way and debated staying or going.
A man with a serving tray caught me staring after them and approached.
“Would you care for?—”
I snagged the champagne.“Thanks.”
He smiled then leaned in to quietly say, “There’s a staff restroom farther down this hallway if you need it.”
“Thanks.”
I headed in the direction he’d indicated as I downed the champagne.It was sweeter than the kind Bennett had gotten me and had an odd aftertaste.
Swearing under my breath, I let myself into the staff bathroom and quickly checked the stalls.After verifying they were empty, I sent Bennett a quick text to find me and placed the garbage can in front of the door so I could hear when someone entered.
A wave of dizziness washed over me as I fumbled with my dress and sat.
Fucking Lindi.I was going to kill her.
The garbage can clattered to its side just as I finished.
