I blink as I lift my head, the rush dying away and the need retreating to the darkness deep inside my soul.
“We’re here,” he informs me.
I nod and climb out of the limousine. Cameras start flashing as my eyes scour the crowds, and once I’m sure it’s safe, I hold my hand out to my grandmother and help her out of the vehicle.
She has a graceful smile on her face as I lead her up the red carpet. Every muscle in my body is braced for an attack, and I don’t let my guard down for a split second.
Once I’m inside the hall, I spend the next hour greeting people who are of no importance to me.
My gaze goes from one socialite to the next, all dressed in the latest fashion. Their heads are held high, the power of wealth wrapped around them like a cloak. Their laughter fake, and their smiles are perfected to lure in those wealthier than them.
They’re all here to find a suitable husband in a crowd of old bastards who will be willing to leave their riches to a young bride.
Lara would never fit in here. She’d probably have an anxiety attack before the champagne is served.
I let out a bored sigh and check the time on my wristwatch.
Another two hours to go. God help me.
“Mr. Demir,” a voice purrs behind me. Emre turns around, a smile instantly forming on his lips.
“I’m Madeleine Clark,” I hear her introduce herself to Emre.
“Emre Demir,” my cousin replies, the low sound of his voice telling me he doesn’t intend on going home with us tonight.
The corner of my mouth lifts, and I shake my head lightly.
My grandmother tightens her hold on my arm and leans into me while gesturing at a couple in front of us.
“I hear the Thornes are having marital problems. They’re only together because they don’t want to split their wealth.”
I couldn’t give two shits.
“Hmm,” I answer to show I’m listening.
A woman comes around the side of my grandmother, holding her hand out. “I’m Madeleine Clark.”
Jesus.
“Mrs. Demir,” Babaanne replies cooly.
Madeleine's eyes land on me. She doesn’t even bother hiding the interest sparkling in her green eyes that are no match against Lara’s striking blues.
When I don’t bother returning her greeting, she brushes it off with a flip of her hair. “I hear you own most of the clubs in Seattle?” She steps closer to me and dares to place her hand on my other arm. Smiling up at me, she leans in, batting fake eyelashes at such a speed she might take flight at any moment.
She’s blatantly flirting with total disregard for my grandmother.
Fucking ridiculous.
My gaze flicks to Emre, and I tip my head at the annoying woman. My cousin steps forward, and taking her by the arm, he leads her away from us.
Shock flashes over her features as she gapes at me. Then, her face tightens with indignation because I didn’t bother acknowledging her existence.
Babaanne lets out a sigh, tugging on my arm. “Let’s place our donation so we can leave before the rest of the vultures descend on you.” As we walk toward a table, she mutters, “I can’t take you anywhere.”
Chapter 25
Lara
Just because I can, I go sit outside by the swimming pool when Nisa turns in for the night.
Pulling up my leggings to beneath my knees, I carefully dip my legs into the cool water and wiggle my toes.
This is nice.
I glance over at the flowers, illuminated by the garden lights, thinking how mystical everything looks at night.
Once again, my chest fills with gratitude, my lips curving up at how happy I feel.
I wish my mom could’ve experienced this before she died.
You were right, Mom. Fairytales do come true.
I glance up at the dark window of Gabriel’s bedroom, thinking how handsome he looked in the tuxedo. He’s pure power and testosterone.
My heart flutters, and I quickly dip my chin to hide the shy smile.
I don’t know what to do with the emotions and attraction he makes me feel, and I can’t talk to Nisa about it.
I love the way his face transforms whenever he smiles. It always makes my stomach flip-flop.
Mostly, I love how his eyes fill with satisfaction whenever I do something that pleases him.
God, I hope I never disappoint him.
“Want some company?” Gabriel suddenly asks.
My head snaps up, and I watch as he walks closer. He’s still wearing his suit pants and dress shirt, but he’s removed the jacket.
My lips instantly curve up, and I nod.
He rolls up his pants, and sitting down next to me, he dips his legs into the water. His arm presses against mine, then he glances down at me. “How was your evening?”
“I got to make a batch of Turkish delight,” I tell him, glad to have finally gotten it right.
Looking into his gold eyes, my heart starts to beat faster.