Page 23 of Without Warning
The driver opens my door and offers his hand to help me out.Flashbulbs explode around me.My pulse races, and sweat coats my palms as I step onto the carpet.
Someone yells my name, and I turn in their direction.Confused, I just stare at them.How do strangers know my name?
“Smile, little girl.I got you,” a soft, deep voice says from behind me, and I do as instructed.
Dare wraps a hand around my waist and holds me against his side.He gives me the strength I need.I’m so glad I don’t have to do this alone.
By the time we make it inside the venue, I’m a little calmer.
“Thank you.”I turn, finally looking at him once we’re alone in the elevator.
Dare is in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and a stark white dress shirt.He looks sexy as hell and reminds me of James Bond.
“Holy shit.”
“What, baby?”He smiles, and I realize I said that out loud.
“You look like James Bond.Well, better than him.Very nice.”I try to play it off, but his smile widens.
“Only for you, baby.”He holds my hand and slowly spins me, his gaze fixed on me.“You’re breathtaking.I knew that dress was perfect for you.”He brushes his fingers over my braid.“I love this look too.”
“Why did you buy this and send the women to my condo?”
“I told you I’d take care of everything.”
“But I owe you so much, even tonight’s ticket.”
He shakes his head.
“You don’t owe me anything except a dance and to be a charming date.”
“Okay.”
I tug my red-stained bottom lip between my teeth and bite down.Dare gently presses against my chin.
“No one bites those lips except me.”His voice is deep and husky.
My panties dampen at the image of him doing just that.I’m left speechless as my belly free falls into my high heels.
He leads us out of the elevator and into the grand entrance of the ballroom.Dare checks us in, and we make our way inside.
“Stay right here.I’ll be right back.”Dare walks off, leaving me off to the side of the ballroom.
I watch him walk to the bar and order a drink.He keeps his gaze on me, his eyes never wavering as he waits.His face changes, clouding over with an emotion I can’t decipher, until I hear the voice.
“You look beautiful, Daphne.I see you and Mr.Boseman are getting along.Can I give you some advice?”Lyla says as she stops next to me.
“Of course.”
I like this woman.Not only because she’s a good boss, but because she seems to be a decent person.
“Please be careful.He’s a known player, and I don’t want to see you crushed when he moves on.”
She keeps her back to Dare, who is now approaching us.
“I’m trying, but he says he’s changed.”
“A tiger doesn’t change his stripes,” she says before turning around.“Mr.Boseman, welcome.”Lyla walks away, and my jealousy flares.
