Page 40 of Protected By the Sinner
When I hired a team to get her ready for tonight’s event, I just did what I thought she’d like, but only when I saw her walking toward me did it hit me that maybe I overdid it. I treated Amber the way I treat other women. I usually don’t date anyone under thirty, because I prefer more experienced partners.
Her boldness that first night threw me off, but the more time we spend together, the more I see that, despite her naturally wild spirit, she’s still pretty raw when it comes to what a thing like this actually is.
Athing? Is that the word she uses to label us? Because, frankly, I don’t know what the hell to call what we are.
I’ve never spent more than twenty-four hours beside a woman without having sex with her.
“I don’t like taking pictures,” she says, not looking at me.
“Where did that come from?”
“René told me there would be photographers everywhere.”
“They won’t get close. But if you don’t want to be photographed, just keep your head down. They won’t get a good angle.”
“I don’t care about good angles. I just want to see what it’s like to go to a party like this.”
If it were any other woman saying that, I’d think she was just being dramatic—but I get the feeling that for Amber, almost everything is new.
“We’re here, Mr. LeBlanc,” the driver says, parking in front of the red carpet.
“Oh, shit!” she blurts, then covers her mouth. “I mean, I thought it was a private party. This looks like the damn Oscars!”
“When we walk past them, just pretend you don’t see them. We’ll leave as soon as we can.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No.”
“Well, I’m hiding from the reporters for sure. But I’m wearing my Cinderella dress. We have to stay at least a little while. Please.”
I shrug. “Whatever you want.”
Despite what she said about enjoying the party in her Cinderella dress, Amber has stayed by my side the whole time. By now, I know enough about her to recognize when she’s putting on a front.
She’s held her chin high for most of the evening, like she’s daring someone to say she doesn’t belong here, but every time our eyes meet, I can see she’s scared.
I just want to get out of here. I really hate these events, but tonight I couldn’t avoid it.
“Had enough of your Cinderella night yet?”
“You’re ready to leave already?”
“I didn’t even want to come in the first place. But I’m expected to show up to at least one premiere a year.”
“What a sacrifice, Mr. Mogul.”
I pull her by the hips, drawing her closer. “You’re such a smartass, woman.”
“Not at all. I just don’t know anyone who complains about being rich.”
“No, I think you misunderstood. I like being rich. I just don’t like what comes with it.”
“Then hire CEOs, make up excuses. What’s stopping you? You own the place. Life’s too short to live it wrong. I wish I had choices.”
Our eyes lock, and I watch her cheeks flush pink.
She let her guard down without even noticing.
