Page 22 of The Keeper

Damon smiled. “He is. He’s also a sadist of the first order and his wife is a true masochist.”

Miley shook her head. “It never ceases to amaze me; you just can’t tell about people. Have we been seen long enough? Can we leave?”

“We’ve barely been here. What’s your rush?”

“We didn’t know about this and trying to keep you safe in such an exposed area with this crowd is not ideal. We need to leave.”

“I want to bid on the bracelet,” he said stubbornly.

Miley stepped in closer to him. “You agreed that in matters of your safety, you would defer to me. Well, buddy boy, this is a matter of safety. Brock, get the SUV; Jimmy, we’re going to be on the move.”

“We can leave but not just this minute. I need to see a couple of people and talk to the host and hostess. Let them know we’ll be leaving in fifteen minutes or so.”

“Knox,” she said with steel in her tone. He was not going to run over her. She was not going to let him get killed just because he was being stubborn.

“Miley,” he returned. “Do you really believe Frannie is going to make a try for me in the middle of this crowd? Her father does business with some of these people. Papa Acosta would not be happy, and the one thing Frannie doesn’t want to do is get on her father’s bad side.”

“Do I think it’s likely? Probably not, but I also don’t think the risk is worth it. You want to talk to the host and hostess? Fine. Let’s go find them. You can say hello, and we can leave.”

“And if I don’t agree?”

“Then I will call Fitz and tell him I am unable to keep you safe, and the plan will have to be scotched. He can have King or Royce come down.”

Knox shook his head and smirked. “You don’t play fair.”

“That’s the problem. This isn’t a game, and your ex sure as hell isn’t going to play fair.”

He seemed to consider her words. “You’re right, and I did agree to defer to your judgment in matters of security. I wanted to come tonight because I have always been a supporter of this event and its underlying charity, and frankly I wanted to show you off—not because I want Frannie to try and kill you, but because you’re a beautiful woman and I’m proud to be the man escorting you.”

Now what the hell am I supposed to say to that?

“I’m really beginning to like this guy,” chuckled Brock in her ear.

“Shut up,” she said quietly and then realized Knox had heard her. “Him.” She swept her hand past her ear as if pushing away a lock of hair. “Not you.”

Knox leaned over, running his hand down her spine and resting it in the small of her back as he kissed her lightly. “Forgiven?”

“Yes, now let’s go do what it is you need to do and get out of here.”

They walked toward the center of the room where a strikingly good-looking man was holding court with a woman who looked like she’d had one too many facelifts. Miley wasn’t opposed to cosmetic surgery if it was something that made the person feel better about themselves, but some people didn’t know when to quit. The woman’s face seemed to be frozen in an almost perpetual smile.

“Damon,” the man said as he spotted them making their way to him. “Thanks for coming.”

“Kent? Annette? This is Miley. Miley, our hosts. We’re going to need to duck out, but I wanted to say hello and ask a favor.”

“For you? Anything. Although I wish you were staying. You always get everyone’s competitive juices going.”

Knox smiled at him. “The diamond bracelet with the red diamond center stone?”

“It would look beautiful on Miley’s arm,” said Annette.

“I agree,” said Knox. “I want to ensure it ends up there. Whatever the winning bid is? I will raise it by whatever increment is needed to ensure it makes its way to my office tomorrow. Also, there’s a lovely manatee watercolor by Woodson. I’d like to make the maximum bid on that. If you don’t hit your minimal threshold for the charity, call Georgina and we’ll cut you a check.”

“Thank you, Damon. I’ll ensure both pieces find their way to you.”

“Then we’ll take our leave. Kent, Annette, thank you for a lovely evening.”

As they walked away, Jimmy fell in behind them and Brock was waiting with the SUV at the curb. He opened the door and Knox helped her inside, remaining next to Brock but close enough that she could overhear them.

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