The Rules (16 page)

He’d shocked me again when he presented me with gorgeous dangling silver earrings and a matching bracelet. I felt like a princess.

Now, as he led me into the hotel lobby where the party was being held, he stroked his palm up my bare back, skimming the sides of my breast with his thumb.

I squirmed. My nipples hardened.

Cade drew me closer to his side and set his lips on my ear. “Stop wiggling, baby.”

I lifted my face. “Stop touching me so intimately, Sir.” I smiled at him, but my sass was back out.

He stopped walking and narrowed his eyes. “That’s twice, Amelia.”

“We aren’t currently ‘playing’,
Sir
.” I emphasized the word
playing
and then stressed my exaggerated
Sir
.

“We’re always playing to some extent,
Amelia
.” He winked. “And you won’t tempt me again, imp. I won’t hesitate to find a secluded corner in which to punish you. Are we clear?”

I swallowed. I didn’t think he was kidding that time. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good girl.” He splayed his hand wide again, intentionally brushing my breasts as we continued. My nipples rubbed against the soft material of the dress. I glanced down to see if it was obvious to anyone else how erect they were. The gown was amazing. I was still in awe. The halter-style front dipped just low enough to be decent. It shimmered when I walked, the silver glistening in every kind of light. It also hugged my body to perfection, the sides of my bare breasts skimming the edges of the luxurious fabric. The back was completely bare down to my ass, arguably a bit too low, though Cade insisted it was perfect and no one could see anything they had no business seeing.

The elegant material also lay fitted against my hips, a slit up the side reaching high on my thigh, making it possible for me to walk. The whole ensemble was made more fantastic by the dainty silver heels covered with Swarovski crystals. It had to have cost a fortune. I didn’t even want to know.

We rode to the third floor in the elevator, my man as attentive as ever behind me, his arm wrapped around my waist, holding my back against his front. His palm lay flat on my belly. Another couple stepped in with us to ride from the second floor to the third, smiling as they took in our stance.

I felt like I’d won the lottery. I had, in a way.

When we reached the ballroom, I was shocked. I’d known it would be over the top based on the way we were dressed, but this was beyond anything I’d ever been to. Wall-to-wall, people covered the dimly lit room. If this was the engagement party, I couldn’t imagine what the wedding reception would be like.

Cade led me into the party, his hand still at my back possessively. I liked it. I hadn’t brought a purse. There was no need. I had everything I could want at my back. We wouldn’t be eating other than hors d’oeuvres, so even lipstick wasn’t necessary. Besides, I wasn’t wearing any. Cade had sent me back into the bathroom to remove it before we’d left the hotel. After he’d kissed me in that dress, he’d had my pink all over his mouth. And since he claimed he intended to kiss me a hundred times during the evening, I was only permitted lip gloss. I’d easily complied with that request.

Servers walked by us with various drinks on trays, but Cade ignored them and made a beeline for the bar. “Never know what’s in those glasses. I’m particular about my drinks.” At least that was his intention. We got stopped several times along the way.

At one point, a man with a beaming smile who looked the same age as Cade slapped him on the back. “Dude. You made it.” I guessed him to be Riley. He looked at me and reached out to take my hand. “You must be Amelia.”

I nodded. “Most people call me Amy.” I rolled my eyes. “You must be Riley.”

He let me go and turned back to Cade. “You’re right, man. She’s gorgeous.” He gripped Cade’s shoulder. “You could do worse.”

Cade cleared his throat. “Riley. Stop while you’re ahead.”

Riley’s eyes twinkled as he smiled. I had the impression he did that often. He was about six one, maybe an inch taller than Cade. His darker skin made it seem he’d just returned from the beach that morning. His dirty blond hair was the tiniest bit too long, making him look more human than most of the people in the room. But what really stood out were his eyes, a deep penetrating blue that seemed to soak in everything he saw.

“Gotta mingle, Cade. But find me again in a few, yeah?”

“Will do.” Cade hurried us to the bar and ordered two glasses of whatever. It seemed like he knew every wine on the planet the way he rattled off names of various Chardonnays every time he ordered. I wondered how he knew what types they had at each location.

Cade led me back into the throng. He introduced me to various men as we meandered. Interestingly he did not introduce me to many women, only the ones on the arms of one of his buddies.

“Most of these guys are business associates,” he informed me the next time we were alone.

I nodded. I felt much calmer after my glass of wine, less intimidated.

After a few more people greeted us, we headed back toward the bar. The bartender nodded at Cade and handed him two more glasses without a word. Cade handed me one and hauled me closer to kiss my neck. “I need to speak to some people, baby,” Cade whispered close to my ear. “Will you be okay if I leave you here for a few minutes?”

“Of course.” I leaned my back against the long bar and took another sip of my wine.

Cade met my gaze head on. “You sure?”

I nodded and smiled at him. “Go. I’m fine, Cade. I’m a big girl.”

Seconds after he walked away, a tall, slender brunette who easily could have been a model and carried herself as though she were, squeezed in next to me and took a champagne flute from the waiter’s hand. “It will never last, you know.”

At first I paid no attention to her, but then I realized she was staring down at me. Even in my heels, I was only about five seven. She towered over me. Her face was hard.

“Excuse me?” I must have misunderstood her words.

She angled her head toward Cade, who stood across the room with a group of men, his back to me. “Cade Alexander. Whatever little game you’re playing with him, it’ll never work.”

My mouth opened, but I just blinked at her.

She gave a sharp laugh. “He’s not your type.” She let her gaze roam up and down my body, taking in the entire package. “It’s obvious you aren’t from money. I’ll bet my last dollar Cade bought you this dress…and put it on you himself.” She lowered her voice as she spoke.

I flushed the deepest shade of red, set my wine on the counter behind me, and turned to face the room, determined to ignore this bitch.

“Cade doesn’t go for girls like you, honey. He’s got tastes that run in a direction you could only dream of. Trust me. I would know.”

I jerked my gaze to her, unable to stop myself. “Excuse me?” I repeated, regretting my reaction immediately.

The crazy bitch had her hair pulled back in a tight bun, so tight it stretched her eyes outward. Her makeup was overdone, and in my opinion, borderline slutty. She was right. I was nothing like her, and I was proud of that fact, even if it did cost me Cade Alexander in the long run. But that was none of her business.

She gave me another evil grin. “Use your teeth when you go down on him, honey. He likes the thrill of the bite.” With that, she walked away, her head high, her perfect hips swaying under the long black gown that fit her so perfectly I had no doubt it had been tailor-made for her svelte body.

For long moments I watched that bitch disappear into the crowded room, unable to move a muscle. A twitch formed in one of my eyes. I finally yanked my gaze to scan the area and found Cade in the same spot.

As soon as I could move my legs, I made my way out of the room and down the hall. I had no idea how I managed it, but I didn’t cry all the way to the bathroom and into the last stall. Thank God the room was currently empty. I wasn’t even sure why I was upset. Who the fuck cared what that bitch said to me. I was with Cade. She was clearly jealous.

But she’d also implied she’d slept with him. And that made my skin crawl.

I leaned against the door and tried to catch my breath. I needed to wrap my head around what had happened and pull my shit together. No way in hell was I going to let that bitch rattle me. Or at least, I wasn’t going to let her know she’d done so.

I also had no intention of telling Cade. It wasn’t his problem. This was my issue. And I would handle it with my head held high and a smile on my face.

I caught my breath and gathered my thoughts.

I remained very still when three other women entered the bathroom. I knew there were three of them because they were talking on top of each other as they came in giggling. Only one used the toilet. The other two stood at the mirror fixing their makeup.

I didn’t move. I wasn’t ready to face anyone. And I sure didn’t want to make small talk. The only people at the party were rich. I had no way of knowing which ones were snobby bitches like the brunette with the tight bun, but I didn’t want to chance it.

And I didn’t have to, because suddenly my blood went cold.

“Can you believe that skanky whore Cade Alexander brought?” The voice was high-pitched and full of laughter.

The other two women giggled. One of them spoke. “I know. Who does that tramp think she’s fooling? I’d be embarrassed.”

I swallowed back the bile that rose in my throat, ignoring the tears running down my cheeks. I was not a slut, by any stretch of the imagination. Nor was I a whore. I hadn’t even been with one man yet.

My hands shook as I covered my mouth to keep from emitting a sound.

The women continued to trash talk me as they left. Silence followed. Blessed silence. I was totally not welcome at this party. It was ridiculous to think I would ever be welcome by the people in Cade’s world in any way.

Those women were the epitome of nasty, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have a point. I didn’t fit in. I never would. And to pretend otherwise was insane.

I took a deep breath, tore off a piece of toilet paper, and wiped my eyes. When I exited the stall, I headed for the sink and glanced at the mirror. My reflection wasn’t fit for anyone to see. And I sure didn’t want anyone to find out they’d gotten the best of me. The damage was irreparable. I prayed no one was in the hall, eased the door open, and stepped out with a sigh of relief, my body turning to head in the other direction, away from the party.

I took two or three turns, my steps getting faster as I looked for a way out. When I finally saw an exit sign and pushed into a stairwell, I breathed a sigh of relief. Now I just needed to get out of the building, find Arthur, and figure out what to do about Cade.

As luck would have it, the stairwell emptied into the parking garage. A valet stood several yards away and approached me. “Can I help you, ma’am?” He didn’t comment on the state of my face.

“I’m looking for Cade Alexander’s driver. Would you possibly know where I might find him?”

“Of course, ma’am. Just a moment.” He turned and walked back to his podium, made a quick call, and then nodded my direction. “Right this way.”

I followed him, hoping the walk wasn’t far. My legs threatened to collapse.

We rounded a corner in the garage, and I saw Arthur coming toward me. His face was scrunched in concern. “Ms. Kensington,” he began as the valet left me in his care. “Is everything okay? I would have come to the front. What are you doing out here?” He glanced past me, probably looking for Cade.

And then the tears fell. Like a hose that had been bent under the accumulating pressure of the faucet for too long, my face opened up, and I couldn’t hold back another second.

Arthur took my arm and led me to the car. He opened the door and ushered me inside. Surprisingly, he climbed in after me and reached for a box of tissues. He handed them to me and waited a beat before speaking. “Where’s Cade?”

“Still inside.” I shook my head. “He doesn’t know I left.”

Arthur’s face was covered with concern. “I need to let him know you’re out here, ma’am.”

I met his gaze. I hadn’t really paid close attention to him before. He wasn’t as old as I’d assumed. Maybe fifty. He was handsome. Not gorgeous like Cade, but attractive in his own way. His hair was cut short and groomed perfectly, a tinge of gray starting to bleed into the edges. He didn’t reach for his phone yet, even though he’d made it clear it needed to be done.

“I know. Just give me a second.” I reached for another tissue and wiped my swollen eyes. I set my head back on the headrest. “I’m such an idiot.”

Arthur took a breath, hesitated, and then spoke his mind. “I’m no expert, but I’ve worked for Mr. Alexander for many years. I can only imagine the caliber of the patrons inside that party.”

He hit the nail on the head.

“Yeah.”

“This had nothing to do with Cade.”

I shook my head, tears falling again. Nothing and everything. I couldn’t do this. I didn’t fit in his world.

“Ms. Kensington?”

I opened my eyes and met his gaze.

“Cade’s a good man. The best. He doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit. You need to talk to him and let him handle this. Trust me.”

I nodded.

Arthur didn’t say another word. He exited the limo and shut me into the cocoon of the interior.

It took less than five minutes for the door to whip open again and Cade to fold himself inside. “Jesus, baby. What happened?”

I cried again. When would these tears let up?

He let me sob, not caring that I got his suit jacket wet, or his shirt, or his tie. And that made me cry harder. I grabbed his lapels and held on while the river flowed.

Finally I sat up straighter, and Cade handed me a pile of tissues. I chuckled half-heartedly as I wiped my face. “I’m such an idiot.”

“You aren’t.” He squared my shoulders to face him.

I realized the car was moving and lifted my face. The glass partition between the seats had also been raised. Arthur was giving us privacy. “You don’t have to leave just because I did. Go back inside.”

He furrowed his brow. “What kind of asshole do you think I am?”

I smiled. “The rich kind,” I joked.