“The Carlisle family puts this event together every year. It’s a benefit to raise funds so they can commission public artwork throughout the city by local artists.”
People are already arriving when we get there. Men and women are dressed in their Gala best, climbing the stairs for what promises to be one of the finest evenings of the year. Kalli’s arm hooks on my elbow as I help her up the stairs. I shouldn’t have to make Wynter jealous to want me, and maybe I’m selfish because I don’t care. So I’ll do whatever it takes.
The Great Hall is impressive, outfitted no doubt in the best Carlisle money can buy. Three massive domes, eight dramatic arches, and marble mosaic flooring. Iconic for this building. This majestic entry has stood guard for more than a century now. The room is coated in purple lighting like someone took a bite out of the purple people eater.
Tables with four seats are lined up around the outside of the room. My eyes trail over every corner, no doubt looking for the woman I can’t get off my mind.
I smile and wave at several people I know. My father’s probably here somewhere, so I’ll need to keep up appearances and speak to him. No doubt I’ll be chastised for not keeping in touch or wanting to continue the family business.
A shimmery silver kaleidoscope grabs my attention and my eyes follow the light to the stairs behind the Great Hall. A vision. Wynter looks hot as fuck as she glides down the stairs like the queen she is. New York’s royalty at its finest. If only she had a glass slipper to leave behind, then I could be her prince charming.
A low-cut silver blue dress shows off more of her assets than I’ve ever seen and my jaw drops. If it weren’t attached, I’d be picking it up off the floor. I stand, feet planted to the floor in awe of the beauty that besieges me.
She’s normally my ice queen, but tonight she looks like a hellhound sent directly from the devil, ready to bring all my demons to the forefront. Watching her walk down those stairs makes me feel like the Beast watching Belle walk down those stairs. Bright red hair, scarlet red lips, a dress that shows the path from her collarbone to her belly button, a leg slit that shows just enough to tease. Something wicked created by the devil himself.
Showtime.
Nodding my head to where she’s walking down the stairs, I speak to Kalli. “There she is.”
“Wait, your mystery lady is Wynter Carlisle? I didn’t think she liked anyone. You’re sure this will work? They call her the Ice Queen, New York’s royalty… for… a... reason. ”
“Yep, that’s her. And we’ve been a lot closer than you think. You still want to help me?”
“Hell yeah, let’s get you your girl.” I lift my arm, bringing it over her shoulder, my hand barely grazes her chest.
Wynter’s eyes find mine, widening in shock before she catches herself; her eyes pinging between Kalli and I. Obviously, she wasn’t expecting me to bring a date. I search the immediate area to see if she’s with someone but come up short.
Her composure goes back to the blank facade. She wants to play this charade, we can. I’ve seen behind the mask. If I have to give up my soul for her and act like the cocky bastard for a night, so be it. So long as it’s my arm she’s leaving on at the end of the night.