Page 24 of Ruined By a Devil

Every eye is on us the moment we walk into the room.

Not that it surprises me. People have been salivating for a glimpse of the unexpected couple since the engagement was announced. The Kavanagh strategist and the Moretti princess, arm in arm, playing the picture-perfect couple for everyone to see. And I’m sure they have many questions they’re dying to ask, but no one dares to actually do it.

I keep one hand wrapped around Jade’s waist as we move through the room, my palm resting against the curve of her hip. She looks fucking beautiful tonight, and judging by the number of men whose eyes keep drifting toward her, I’m not the only one who noticed.

The pink dress was a good choice. If she had worn the dress she initially chose, I’m not sure this night would end well.

“Everyone is staring,” Jade murmurs beside me, her smile remaining perfectly in place. “I mean, I kinda expected it, but it feels a little uncomfortable.”

“They’re just curious,” I reply, keeping my voice low.

“About whether we’re faking it?”

“About whether this arrangement is going to hold.”

She glances up at me, her eyes challenging me as she asks. “And is it?”

“Unless you’re planning on running away,” I give her a small smile, my grip on her tightening, a good reminder that there is no going back now. She’s mine.

Her lips curve into a small smile. “I’m not running.”

“Good.”

Before I can say anything else, a middle-aged man steps in front of us, cutting our path. He’s holding a tumbler of scotch and I recognize him immediately, but I have no interest in remembering his name.

“So it’s true,” The man says, his eyes switching between us with unrefined curiosity. “The Kavanaghs and the Morettis are actually uniting. I must admit, Malachi, no one saw this coming.”

“You weren’t meant to,” I answer.

The man lets out a dry laugh, searching my face for a crack before realizing he won't find one. He mutters a brief congratulation and retreats into the crowd.

“That was weird,” Jade’s voice is barely a whisper, making sure no one overhears us.

“Yeah,” I agree. “Brace yourself, I’m sure this will not be the only strange encounter we have with the guests tonight.”

“I hate that Papà is making us do this,” she sighs, grabbing a glass of champagne as a waiter passes next to us. “Thank you,” Jade says to the waiter, who nods politely before walking away.

“I know, but it’s important for everyone to believe it,” I continue scanning the room, analyzing every person that’s attending. Even though Mr. Moretti shared the guest list with me previously for approval, I don’t want to leave anything to chance.

“Aren’t your brothers supposed to come?” Jade asks.

“Yes,” I reply. “Zeke and Riley are running late, but the others should arrive soon.”

I don’t tell her that Zeke is taking care of the mess that Nolan made at the port. When he found out about the engagement, Nolan sent his men to try to forcefully take over some of our business deals with the Mexicans. It resulted in our partners starting to question whether or not we’re good allies for them, and Zeke had to take over. Right now, he’s probably still in meeting with the cartel boss.

“Oh, there’s Mamma,” Jude notices and I follow her gaze to the woman standing next to the bar with a champagne glass in her hand and enthusiastically talking to someone. “And my cousin, Julia. I see she’s borrowed one of my dresses.”

“Does she do that often?” I don’t like the idea of someone using Jade’s things.

“Yeah,” Jade shrugs. “I don’t care really. As long as she doesn’t try taking my man.”

I look down at her and the moment the realization hits her, she looks away, her cheeks slightly blushing. I smirk, leaning down as I whisper in her ear. “She’s not my type.”

“Malachi.”

My jaw tightens at the familiar voice saying my name. When I turn around, I see Nolan standing in front of me, holding a drink. Of course, Jade’s father invited him to keep the situation civil, and I didn’t disagree with the decision. A part of me was also looking forward to rubbing my engagement in his face.

His eyes settle on Jade first, then on the hand around her waist and something flickers in his expression, his jaw tightening.