Page 55 of The Heart You Kept

“It’s a charity auction.” I shrug. “Everyone is a winner this way.”

“Auction number twenty-five,” the auctioneer calls as the next item comes up. “We have a diamond pendant.”

My eyes roam across the room to land on Alora; she tips her head back and drains her glass of champagne, she’s clearly rattled and I roll my lips to hide my smile.

I hope that helps her cause.

One of the good things, no…the best thing about having money is being able to help people. Donating this prize will make a difference and hopefully bring some much-needed media attention to the Royal Scholarship Scheme.

I take another sip of my scotch and I feel a tap on my shoulder. I glance up to see Pascal leaning down to speak into my ear. “A word outside,” he whispers.

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and unable to help it, a broad smile covers my face. “What do you want?”

“Now,” he growls before walking off through the crowd and disappearing out of the ballroom.

I chuckle and finish my drink; this will be fun.

Stupid prick.

“I’m going to the bathroom.” I excuse myself, stand and begin to walk toward the exit, my two security guards begin to follow me and I subtly shake my head. “No,” I mouth. “Stay here.”

They exchange looks and then make their way back to take position by the wall.

Walking into the reception hall, I see Pascal pacing, he looks like he’s about to have a heart attack.

“What are you doing, you fucking idiot?” I whisper.

A couple walk out of the ballroom and he points to the stairs. “Up here.”

“What?” I frown.

“Come up here where we can talk in private,” he snaps.

My eyes hold his and I know this visit up the stairs isn’t going to be half as enchanting as my last one was. He stomps up the stairs and walks down the hall to the exact library, and I smirk and follow him in.

He turns on me like the devil himself. “How fucking dare you!”

“What are you talking about, you imbecile?”

“I see what you’re doing.”

“And what is that?” I sigh as I lean my behind against the desk and cross my feet in front of me.

“If you think that Alora’s respect can be bought you’ve got a rude shock coming.”

I roll my lips as my eyes hold his.

“I’ve seen you, watching her all fucking night, and then you make this ridiculous bid on her stupid internship.”

“Stupid?” I raise an eyebrow. “Nice.”

He’s rattled.

“You know what I fucking mean,” he stammers. “Alora is with me. Alora is in love with me.”

I smirk at his delusion, that’s why she was kissing me in this very room two hours ago.

“Stay away from her, do you hear me?” he growls.