Page 194 of Heartless Sinner

A shiver ran down my spine. He carefully pulled the tiara from the box. His steady breath brushed my cheek as he nestled it in my curls, adjusting my strands until he was happy with the result.

For a moment, it felt like we were the only ones in the room.

Just us. Like the old Brooks and Daphne.

I smiled against his lips when he kissed me.

Adelina finally cleared her throat behind us. “Okay, I gave you guys your romantic moment. You can thank me for that later with a new bag, big brother.” She motioned toward the door.

Adelina looked just as gorgeous in her deep sapphire gown. The off-the-shoulder straps draped over her arms and framed her collarbone. The gown hugged her silhouette before pooling at her feet.

I gulped down my nerves and looked at Brooks. “Are we really doing this?”

He gave me a reassuring smile. “We’re really doing this.”

My hand was sweaty when he took it and guided us out of the room. Adelina stayed close behind us. I wanted to turn back and flee when we reached the heavy doors of the East Room.

He interlaced our fingers as we entered and whispered, “This isn’t about you. They’re staring because they can see my bruises.”

I laughed, burying my face against his chest. “Yes, I’m sure that’s exactly why.”

As expected, all conversation died. Everyone turned toward us. People froze, drinks halfway to their lips, waiting for our next move.

What did they think we’d do? Give a damn speech?

Brooks’s hand stayed in mine, and I pressed tight against his side as we walked deeper into the room.

A rush of memories flooded me.

Nothing had changed in this room since the last dinner, except that now the feelings I had for Brooks were even stronger.

Brooks watched me, an undeniable softness in his eyes.

Another Son falling for his Fawn.

So far, so good.

The night was going surprisingly smoothly.

No one said a word about my father. No one was mean.

At least not to my face. I still saw the side-eyes and glares from people projecting their hatred for my father on me. I didn’t miss the whispers or how, at every given second, at least a few pairs of eyes were on me.

Brooks stayed by my side nearly all night. The few times someone whisked him away, Adelina was there to keep me company. I knew they’d planned it that way.

After a few glasses of champagne, I started to relax as the night wore on.

Brooks’s mom even stopped by to hug me and say hello. President Byron didn’t look my way once. I was perfectly fine with that.

Before dinner was served, I excused myself to go to the restroom.

Adelina was busy mingling, so Brooks walked me there and said he’d wait for me outside the door.

I stepped out, and Brooks was gone. Someone must’ve pulled him away while I was using the restroom.

Closing my eyes, I drew in a calm breath and prepared myself to search for Adelina.

When I opened them, I froze.