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“I didn’t come here to discuss business, especially not Ivy’s business.” His firm, ice-cold stare commanded the conversation. “So if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to get a drink.” He took my hand in his. “When I return, I trust we’ll have a better topic for our dinner discussion.”

Whoa! Domineering Santa is sexy. Wait until I tell Jay.

Before Angelica had time to protest, Huxley ushered me away from the table.

“We can go if you want,” he said.

“Go? Why would we go?” I glanced at the bar. “We just got here. I thought we were getting a drink.”

“Your uncles?” He shook his head. “They’re rude and dismissive of you. I don’t want you subjected to that.”

“That isn’t anything new.” I didn’t like the way my family treated me, but I wasn’t a confrontational person. I stayed away from them.

“I don’t like it.”

“Then you probably won’t like how dinner goes.” I sighed. “I appreciate your concern, but I don’t want them to ruin this evening for us. You promised me one night, remember? You can’t go back on your proposition.”

“I never go back on an offer.” He brushed his fingers along my throat. “Especially not when there is so much for me to gain.”

Tonight wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated after seeing my uncles. Huxley kept the conversation moving. He stayed in control and wouldn’t allow anyone to steer the discussion in the direction of the resort community. And by anyone, I meant Angelica.

Just before dinner was served, she and Huxley disappeared into the lobby for a quick conversation. When they returned her mood had changed and she was less challenging.

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that one.

The rough start with my uncles toned down once we returned to the table. I worried when my aunts weren’t with them that they wouldn’t behave, but Huxley’s presence kept them in line.

I had never seen them bow to anyone, but they must have really wanted a piece of the action with this new community Huxley envisioned. Enough that they backed off of me and even managed to bring up stories of my childhood as if we were still one big, happy family.

I wanted to vomit.

As the night wound down, I went into the bathroom to check my hair and makeup. Touching up my lipstick wasn’t something I tended to remember, but Jay’s nagging voice whispered in my ear to make sure I looked hot. How had he managed to summon me when he wasn’t even here?

Telepathy, I guess.

Pursing my lips together, I made sure the bright red lipstick distributed evenly. This wasn’t a shade I would normally go with, but it complimented the dress so well.

This dress. I stepped back and admired myself in the full-length mirror. I didn’t have a full-sized mirror at my house, so this was the first time I got a glimpse of myself. I almost didn’t recognize the girl staring back. She appeared happy, confident, and content.

Those weren’t words I used to describe myself, but they suited me in this moment. I ran my fingers along the stunning diamonds strewn across my neck. The necklace was probably worth more than my old, beat-up car.

Why had Huxley given me these things? As much as I liked his company, I had to keep my wits about me. The dress, the shoes, the necklace, and this fancy dinner were nothing to him. Not even that two-million-dollar offer would hit him financially. He wanted something from me. If I lost myself in his charisma, I would end up paying the price.

One that I couldn’t afford.

“That’s a gorgeous necklace.” Angelica appeared behind me. How long had she been in here with me? “It pairs quite well with that Versace.”

“Versace?” I turned to face her. “The dress?”

“Yes, the dress that Huxley managed to get his hands on before several celebrities did this week.” She waved her hand over me. “There’s some huge party next weekend, and everyone who is anyone is waiting for the collection that dress is in to drop. Vogue gave a sneak peek last month. Everyone is talking about it.”

“I can see why.”

“You don’t have any idea, do you?”

“I don’t really follow fashion.” I reached for the back of my neck but quickly dropped my arm to my side. Don’t allow her to cause an anxiety attack. I can manage that all by myself. “Are you enjoying the evening?”

“I’d be enjoying it better if I was wearing that dress.”