Nothing Left to Lose (Guarded Hearts 1)

Anna tightened her already vice-like grip on my hand. I smiled, silently wondering if she thought I was going to run away and leave her here. The first reporter, a woman in her early thirties I would guess, grinned excitedly as she looked Anna over quickly, clearly debating on her one question so that she didn’t waste it.

“Miss Spencer, who designed the dress? It’s beautiful.”

I laughed. Of all the things she could ask, and she asks about the dress. Typical woman! Anna smiled and looked down at herself. “I know, it’s incredible. It’s by an English designer called Mary Shaun; I think she’s going to be the next big thing. I love her designs,” she answered easily, as if she was expecting this to be like torture or something. I was half a step behind her.

Reginald pointed to the next reporter who was obviously more prepared than the first and wasn’t as concerned about fashion. “Miss Spencer, what do you think of your father being elected?”

She beamed a killer smile. “It’s great. He’s worked extremely hard and his policies are worth supporting. I’m immensely proud of him.”

“Miss Spencer, who’s your date tonight?” the next reporter asked.

My back stiffened because I wasn’t expecting to be mentioned at all. I was a nobody. Anna laughed and tugged on my hand so that I had to take a half step forward to be at her side.

“This is my boyfriend, Ashton Taylor,” Anna answered, smiling up at me. I couldn’t help but smile back. I was so proud to have those words come out of her mouth, even if they weren’t strictly true. My boyfriend, Ashton. I loved that.

“How long have you two been together?” the next reporter asked quickly, using up their question.

“A year and three months,” Anna lied quickly. That was how long we had told people at college that we were together, so we needed to keep up the pretence for them.

“Miss Spencer, will you be working for your father’s administration?” the next one asked.

She shook her head in response. “No, I’m actually in college at the moment.”

My stomach clenched, and I squeezed her hand warningly, praying for her not to elaborate. While we’d discussed possible scenarios about what would happen once people knew who she was, I’d already instructed her not to give away any details of her life. Thankfully, she didn’t elaborate though, so I breathed a sigh of relief. We were on the last reporter now, and then I could get her inside and stop being so damn worried about her safety. We both looked at the last reporter expectantly.

The lady smiled. “Mr Taylor, what’s it like dating the future President’s daughter?”

Anna laughed, and I smiled at her nervously. I had no idea why this woman would waste her question on me. Not having practiced anything for myself, I decided to answer her question with the truth. “Well, to be honest, it was a little intimidating being taken home to meet the parents,” I joked. Anna laughed, as did half of the reporters who were still filming and taping us. “Honestly though, it’s been the best time of my life. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” I said honestly. I bent my head and kissed her on the forehead.

Anna’s eyes shone with happiness and joy as she smiled up at me, clearly impressed by my answer.

Reginald stepped forward once more. “Okay, that’s it folks. Only one question each. Miss Spencer and Mr Taylor would like to get inside and enjoy the celebrations.” He waved us towards the door so I pulled her inside quickly, happy that it was all over.

My body relaxed as we made it through the doors. From the corner of my eye, I saw Dean slip into the building behind us. He nodded at me discreetly, signalling that everything was satisfactory.

“That was insane,” I muttered, wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her body close to mine.

“I know, but it’s done now though,” she sighed deeply, looking relieved. She nodded towards the sign that was sitting in the foyer of the hotel, announcing the way to the private function in the ball room. “Think that’s us,” she muttered, slipping her hand into mine.

Formal didn’t quite cover the posh party that I was currently in the midst of. The dinner had been exquisite; on the small side though, so I was glad I’d eaten a sandwich beforehand. After dinner, there were a couple of speeches and people wishing Anna’s father happy birthday and offering stories of him when they first met or witty anecdotes on something he’d done or said at some point in their friendship. It was nice and intimate. Of course, because Anna was underage, and I was pretending to be, we had to toast with non-alcoholic champagne.

Finally the speeches finished, and a big band started to play. I smiled, wanting to escape the stuffy people that were seated on our table with us. “Want to dance?” I asked Anna.

She smiled happily and nodded. “Sure,” she replied, taking my hand. I stood up and proudly led her to the dance floor, pulling her as close as I could without being all over her.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” I whispered. I didn’t just mean how she looked tonight; I meant how she was conducting herself with grace and poise when she probably hated this whole thing and the attention that was being directed at her. I was immensely proud of her right now.

She smiled. “You’re not too bad yourself,” she teased, tightening her grip on my shoulder.

Dancing with Anna made me feel amazing, like I was the most important man in the world; she wouldn’t dance with anyone else like this and I loved that fact. I could see some of the guys in the room watching her like vultures. I smiled to myself smugly, setting my hand on the small of her back as we sashayed around the dance floor.