Chapter 32

Nan’s POV

I had never been to a cocktail party.

It had been a week since my birthday dinner. Things were good, but a certain event had popped up. Lionel was obligated to attend a cocktail party a business associate was hosting.

He had pleaded with me. “Come on, Nan, I need a plus one. Don’t leave me to the grasping fingers of every single socialite.”

The image those words presented had made my jealousy rear. It was the only reason I had agreed. Plus a curiosity to see how the indecently wealthy networked gave me another incentive to go.

Another motivation was the dress he had convinced me to wear. It was gorgeous. Delicate ivy patterns embroidered into a forest green gown, slight beading that sparkled only under direct light. A gown fit for the runway.

I had tried to protest. “I don’t really need a dress like this. Its not like I’ll actually fit in with all those rich people, so why go through the effort.”

He had closed the distance then. He rested his hands on my shoulders and stared me firmly in the eyes. ‘The first time he’s touched me since that night,’ I thought breathlessly.

“Maybe they won’t accept you. But you can still rub it in their faces that you came arm in arm with me, when they didn’t. That you can look like you belong, if you wanted.”

I had no argument for that. Because I had been looked down on all my life for reasons out of my control. Just this once, it would be nice to be spiteful back. Lionel had known he had me there. He lifted the necklace from where it rested near the hollow of my throat. I shivered slightly.

“This dress will also give you a chance to showcase your beautiful necklace. Besides, I had a green tie and my grandfather’s cuff links that would pair well with that. Let’s match each other…and stop those naysayers from doubting you.”

I had never been to a cocktail party before…and had no idea what to expect. ‘I guess I’m about to find out,’ I think as Lionel and I arrive to the venue.

Everywhere I look are women draped in designer gowns, men in tailor made suits, ever flowing crystal glasses of alcohol. Even the venue is state-of-the-art, and high-tech. I am suddenly glad that Lionel has chosen my wardrobe.

The angle length, deep green gown makes me feel less out of place. If I was less apprehensive, I might have even appreciated the matching tie and cufflinks Lionel is wearing. As is, I can only give a halfhearted glance.

Lionel must see my apprehension. “Just stick by me. I’ll keep the vultures at bay.”

I weakly reply, “I thought it was my job to protect you away from the clutches of these lady vultures.” His tawny eyes peer at me affectionately.

He whispers, “Then we’ll protect each other.” I turn my head away, biting the inside of my cheek to stop from smiling.

We step through the doorway. The noise increases as we enter the main plaza. Several heads turn out way.

Lionel’s entire demeanor changes. His back straightens, shoulders back, head held high. I do not have the sense of a wolf, but I know his scent must be permeating the room from the way the heads of multiple people slightly bow.

Lionel strides confidently to the density of the crowd, hand firmly on my lower back. His expression is cold and arrogant. He is in his element.

‘He wears the alpha facade well,’ I note. Lionel greets everyone and they all flock to him. It feels like they are all competing to get a word in with him first.

‘I’ve never seen anything like this! For a bunch of wolves, they sure act like sheep!’ I observe.

Lionel is mostly silent. His stoic face meant to be a deterrent for the less bold. I stay silent too, fascinated.

Nearly an hour passes by like this. I take my cues from Lionel, knowing he will have by back at any social faux pas. Not many address me anyway.

But then Lionel comes across the business associate who invited him. “Lionel, it’s a pleasure to see you.” The man’s voice is deep, slow but cultured.

“Thompson, it’s a pleasure to see you too.” There is a sincere quality to Lionel’s statement. I am surprised.

“I hate to rush you straight away, but this really is pressing. Shall we adjourn to a more private room to discuss business?” The man, Thompson, gestures towards a quieter hallway.

Lionel hesitates, glancing at me. I smile warmly back at him. “You go ahead, I’ll wait here.”

Thompson chimes in. “Don’t worry, this won’t take too long. You’ll be back to you’re charming date in no time.”

Lionel’s expression is displeased, but he nods. “Just try to stick to the walls. If anybody tries anything, let me know when I return.”

‘Like hell I will,’ I think. Unless physically attacked, I could handle some snobs. “Sure.”

And then he and Thompson are gone, along with what I assume are a few other businessmen. I stand there for a moment, just thinking. As soon as he is gone, the hair on the back of my neck prickles.

‘I’m being watched,’ I realize. ‘And more than a few looks are unfriendly.’

For all that they acted like sheep earlier, I am now all too aware that I am in a room full of vicious wolves. Of predators. And there I am standing all myself in the middle of the room, like a stupid lamb.

So, I quickly slink off to the nearest wall. Putting my back against it. No one approaches me, or acknowledges me otherwise.

Time goes by agonizingly slowly. I am mind numbingly bored at the pretentious conversations around me and the condescending sneers. In that period I have time to reflect on my experiences.

‘I should have stayed home,’ I sigh. In all honesty, I do not enjoy the snobbish atmosphere and obnoxious show of wealth. No matter how I am dressed, I will never truly fit into this world of glam and vapidity.

And for all that Lionel played the room well, I do not like seeing that arrogant side of him again. It reminds me too much of all the pain I went through when I see that attitude. I much prefer us being at home with the girls.

The night gets even worse when I make unexpected eye contact with someone I know. To my horror, there is David. My ex-boyfriend.

‘What is he doing here?’ My mind screams. I see the moment he recognizes me. His eyes lock in, scrutinizing.

Out of all the place, how could I have run into him here? To my knowledge, David was not poor. But he certainly had not been rich enough to attend this kind of party either.

Dread turns my blood to ice as he starts to walk towards me! ‘Oh no, no, no, no,’ I think. ‘I’m not doing this.’

My fight or flight instinct kicks in. Disregarding Lionel’s request, I move quickly threw the crowding to dodge him. Unfortunately, that does not work.

‘Lionel would stop him, he would be a great barrier between us.’ I swerve the other way, trying to make a beeline for the direction I saw Lionel go earlier.

My mistake is that I take a side hallway, assuming it will be quicker, and David won’t notice. I am wrong. David catches up.

There is an absence of noise compared to before. The hallways is not empty, but there are not many people. I am also by the corner.

I will not be getting away without making a scene. I really do not want that to be necessary. But the David I knew had a sharp tongue and nasty temper.

I do not speak. I do not want to talk to him. So I try and edge past him.

He steps in the way. David does not touch me, but his intention is clear.

He stares at me. Watery blue eyes looking me up and down. It feels like bugs crawling on my skin.

He opens his mouth to speak….