Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #7)(33)

“Again with the protests. You should give him a chance.”

“No thanks.”

“Your loss,” Stella says with a shrug. “I think we’re done, Darcy.”

She turns me around, and I look in the mirror. My shoulder length hair is pulled back into a twist, with my bangs swept to one side, while my make-up is subtle and flawless. I had no doubts that I’d look good, but I didn’t expect to look so regal. I could almost pass for a princess. Almost.

“Thanks, Stella. I can’t believe I look this good.”

“My cousin might faint when he sees you.”

“I doubt that, Jen. He’s dated supermodels for years.”

“He didn’t date them. He shagged them. You’re the only one he’s ‘dated’ in years. And trust me, seeing you like this is going to fell him.”

“We’ll see.”

Walking down a hallway next to Stella and Jenysis is not for the weak. I may look great, but I’m no bombshell or regal beauty. Brayden’s face when he sees me is enough to banish those thoughts of insecurity from my mind for the rest of my life. His jaw literally drops as he looks me over from head to toe.

“You look…I mean…Darcy…wow.”

“That tux is working for you, too.” It really is. He looks like the future king.

“Are you ready, Brayden?” his mother asks, giving me a look of approval as she comes into view.

“Yes, mother. I’ll see you inside, Cat.”

I nod, and watch as they walk to the doors where they’ll be announced and walk in. Steven, Jen, and I will walk in a minute later. Protocol is everything tonight. I know that, and I’ll be doing my best to adhere to everything I’ve been taught. The afternoon was for fun, but the night is for show.

The three of us enter and join Brayden and his mother in the receiving line. Although I’m Brayden’s fiancé, I’m also lowest on the proverbial totem pole, so I’m at the end of the line. I don’t expect anyone to care about me, but I’m happily surprised by all of the people who offer their congratulations and wish me well.

The mentors and their families come through separately, because although it seems like everyone knows about the Society, in reality it’s only a very small percentage of the world’s population. It’s known that they’re friends, but not many people know just how deep that friendship runs. Or how powerful they are. I’m always glad to have them on my side, but I’m feeling even more grateful to have them in this room with me now, watching out for me when I need them most.

Once everyone has had their moment with the royal family, we take our seats for dinner. At least, for this, I’m allowed to sit next to Brayden. “How are you holding up?” he asks me.

“That wasn’t so bad,” I tell him a little relieved.

“Good. I’ll be with you for most of the rest of the night.”

“Most?”

“I have to dance with my mother, Jen, and at least a few of the guests.”

“Oh. I must’ve missed that.”

“You know you don’t have to worry, right? I mean none of them could beat me at Call of Duty.”

“Are you kidding? All of them could probably beat you.”

“Ouch.”

“I’ll kiss your bruised ego better later.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

I get to have the first dance with Brayden, but then he really is pulled away to dance with pretty much every other woman in attendance. I dance with quite a few of the men, and do a pretty good job, even though ballroom dancing wasn’t my best subject during Foundation training. I’m taking a break and heading for the bathroom when I hear raised angry voices. I recognize Jen’s right away, which makes me life my skirt and hurry down the hall.

“I don’t want to dance with you,” she says as I enter the small sitting room. I recognize the man with her, and my blood boils.

“If a woman says no, you should really listen.”

“Darcy,” he says with a sneer.

“Angelo. I’d say it’s a pleasure to see you, but we both know that would be a lie.”

“Stay out of my business for once.”

“No.”

“You two know each other?” Jen asks me.

“Unfortunately. Go back to the party. I’ll handle him.”

“You can’t ‘handle’ me. Haven’t you learned that by now?”

“Darcy?” Jen asks, looking unsure about leaving.

“It’s fine. Go.”

Once she’s gone, I face off with the man who I’ve been outsmarting for the past ten years. “What are you doing here?”

“Wondering what the thief is doing here, back at the scene of her biggest crime.”

“I’m marrying Brayden.”

“That’s never going to happen, so try again.”

“Still trying to figure out my next move, huh? How’s that worked out for you in the past?”

“You bitch,” he says, moving towards me.

“Not yet, Angelo. We still need her.”

I turn to glare at Derrick. “You might as well kill me now. I’ll never give you the jewels.”