Page 105 of Claimed By my Father's Enemies
I find the dining room where food is displayed on long tables. And at the far end of it, surveying everything, Elias. Arms crossed, bored look on his face.
Thank God, a familiar face, “Hi Elias.”
He turns when I say his name.
"Finally," he says, and pulls me in. "A familiar face."
I laugh at the coincidental thoughts. "Not a people person?"
"I much rather be in the kitchen." Then, theatrically, "But what can I say. People want to seetheElias Kassianis. I’m a rockstar"
I laugh. And looking around I ask, "Have you seen William or Carter?" And feeling a little self conscious I add, "I know they're probably with guests. I just wanted to say hi."
He looks at me, smiles and says, "Bar outside, I think."
I say goodbye and go in the direction of the exterior area.
Outside the night air is warm and the gardens are lit with small lights strung through the trees. This area has also been superbly decorated and the guests are happily exploring the gardens.
And then I see them and, like always, my heart speeds up.
The three of them are standing near the outdoor bar. They seem deep in conversation.
I take a moment to look at them from afar. They look like every woman’s fantasy. And they are mine.
I realize I found what I’ve been looking for. I don’t mean at this party. In life. I want them in my life.
I love them. Maybe it’s too soon to say it out loud to them. But, I do love them. I’ll keep it my secret for a while.
I make my way to them and say, "Fancy meeting you here." And I smile at them.
I don’t know what I was expecting in terms of their reaction, but it wasn’t this.
They look at me with a strange look and just stand there doing nothing. It’s not that I wanted a full on make out session. But we’ve been in public before altogether, and they weren’t shy about claiming me.
I start to get a bad feeling.
Adrian moves first.
He steps forward and pulls me into a hug. He holds it a beat past normal, and when he steps he keeps his hands in my arms.
"You look beautiful," he says. "That dress was made for you." The words are right. His voice is almost right. His eyes are watching my face with attention, like he is going to say something more.
Carter takes a step forward.
He puts his hand gently against my jaw and kisses my forehead.
He doesn't say anything.
William doesn’t move from where he is. He just asks: "Do you want something to drink?"
I hold up the flute. "I already have one."
"Right," he says.
Silence.
I’m starting to get really nervous about this situation so I break the silence, "The hotel looks amazing. Congratulations. It's a success."
