10. Saoirse

10

SAOIRSE

T he gala is held in The Met and, just like I had expected, it's absolutely stunning.

" Wait , you never told me what charity the event is supporting."

" Starlight Foundation . They focus on cancer research."

" Look at what the cat dragged in," a man says, slapping Xavier on the shoulder, interrupting us. I recognize him as the guy from the club when we first met, and one glance at his face indicates he remembers me too. " No fuckin' way. What is she doing here?"

" She is standing right here," I respond. The nerve . I don't want to be spoken about like I'm not right in front of him. It's happened far too often in my life. Men take my job as an excuse to treat me like I'm not worthy of their respect.

" Right , sorry." He corrects himself. " What are you doing here?"

" I invited her, and I would think wisely about the next words you say."

His friend winks at me. " I meant no offense. I was just surprised. I'm Kellen , by the way."

" Nyx ."

" So , Nyx , what are you doing hanging out with this loser on a Friday night?"

" Okay , that's enough of you," Xavier sighs. " Can't you be normal for five minutes."

" Normal is overrated. Don't you think, Nyx ?"

I can't help but laugh. " I agree."

" You see; the lady agrees with me!"

" Don't encourage him." Xavier runs his hand across his face. " Do you want a drink?"

" Yes , please. Red wine?"

" Coming right up, hurricane."

" Hurricane ? Oh , we have got some catching up to do." Kellen's eyes are alight with mischief.

They walk toward the bar, and I take the opportunity to quickly check my phone.

There's only one message.

Gage: We got the money.

I tuck it back into my purse. Xavier had let me know he sent the money while we were getting ready, but I hadn't checked to confirm.

I look over to where he and Kellen stand. It's hard to tell exactly what kind of conversation they're having since Kellen appears to be laughing while Xavier's face betrays no emotion other than mild annoyance with his friend.

When they return, they both have smiles on their faces. Xavier hands me my glass of wine.

" Thanks ," I say as I take a sip, letting the alcohol soothe me. I've never actually been to an event like this. Most of the men we target bring their wives to these sorts of things, not their mistresses.

Maybe that's part of the reason I've been feeling an odd sense of guilt over hustling Xavier . Usually , I'm content knowing that these guys aren't shit, but the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that he's not like the rest. He's kind, and a little cocky, but he has a good heart.

Ultimately , that changes nothing.

I take in my luxe surroundings, then focus on the stage where a short, balding man taps the microphone. " Ladies and Gentleman , I want to thank you all for attending tonight's event. We have raised over three million dollars for the Starlight Foundation , a cause that is near and dear to so many of us." The man drones on, and I watch the audience listen to his speech intently, laughing and clapping at the appropriate intervals.

I only zone back in when he finishes his speech. " And now, I would like to introduce our next speaker. Most of you know him as the CEO of A - One Media and the chair of the Starlight Foundation , Xavier Atwood ."

My eyes go wide when a spotlight hits the man standing next to me.

" Well , that's my cue," he says quietly to me as he smiles at the audience.

I'm too stunned to speak. This wasn't some boring charity gala that he would be attending. This is his event.

Xavier strides onto the stage, all confidence and charisma. " Hello , everyone! Just as Bill said, thank you all so much for being here today. The Starlight Foundation is one that I care about deeply, and hearing about the support you have all shown is nothing short of amazing. These funds will make all the difference in the lives of so many as we press forward with finding a cure…"

" I take it you didn't know?" Kellen comes to my side, still watching his friend speak.

" That this was his fundraiser? No , not at all."

" Surprise ," he laughs. " It's been a ‘passion' project of sorts for him. Something to occupy his time outside of the typical office work."

" That's really…" I struggle to find the words. " Sweet ."

" Yeah , the man is a six foot two Care Bear ."

I laugh. " I'm sure he would appreciate that comparison."

" We've been friends long enough that I no longer have to worry about what he appreciates."

" How did you two meet?" I ask him.

" Long story, but let's just say I wouldn't be where I am in life without him."

" Sounds like Xavier is a busy man. Saving you, running the company, and a foundation."

" Sounds like you've been keeping him busier."

I damn near spit out my wine. " What did he tell you?"

" What do you think he told me?" He raises an eyebrow, his lips pulling up into a boyish grin.

I laugh. " I don't think he told you shit."

He tips his own glass of whisky in my direction. " You're smart. Xave isn't one to kiss and tell. But I know my friend, and that is a man who got laid for the first time in a while."

My interest is peaked. I glance up to the stage where Xavier is beginning to wrap up his speech. " How long is long?"

" Oh , no. You're not getting any of those details out of me. It's bro code."

" Give me a break."

" Why does he need to give you a break, exactly?" I hadn't noticed Xavier walking off the stage, but suddenly, he's in front of us, looking more handsome than ever.

A rush of arousal dampens my thong, and I force myself to pull it together. I've never had a low sex drive, but damn it, Xavier has me wanting to fuck twenty-four seven.

" I think someone's calling me," Kellen says.

" Nobody said your name," Xavier counters.

" Sorry , got to go." In mere seconds, Kellen is across the room speaking to someone else.

" Whatever he said, he's full of shit," Xavier says, laying his palm on the small of my back and pulling me closer to him. I breathe in his warm scent.

" What if he told me all the good things about you? Would he still be full of shit?" I can't help the giggle that slips out. Fuck , this wine is potent. I'm not a lightweight, but I can already feel it going to my head, making me feel light and loose.

" If that's the case, he's nothing but an honest man."

Another laugh slips out before I remember what he had just been doing. " This is your event."

" Did I not mention that?" His tone is coy.

" Not at all."

" It must have slipped my mind while my head was between your legs."

I look away from him, feeling my cheeks grow warm as I sip the last of the wine.

" Can I get you another glass?"

I shake my head. " One more drink and you'll be able to take advantage of me."

" There goes my master plan." He smiles, but his eyes are on my lips. I don't know what makes me do it, but I tilt my head up and he meets me halfway, kissing me in front of everyone. " All I've been able to think about since we walked in here is when I can rip you out of that dress."

" Didn't you already do that once today?" My skin flames, thinking about what came after that.

I've never met a man that was so damn good with his mouth.

" I don't care if I did it seventeen times today. I'll do it again." His deep voice reverberates through my body.

" I'm going to run out of clothes." My words come out breathy. There's no denying how turned on I am.

" I'll buy you a new wardrobe."

" That doesn't seem very practical."

" I don't really give a fuck. I've got a couple of people to say hi to and then we're leaving."

" You can't ditch your own party before it's over."

" It's up to you where it happens, but when the clock strikes eleven, I will be fucking you. If you want it to be here, that's fine. I just figured you might like to go back to my place."

My jaw drops. After this afternoon, I don't doubt for a second that he would pull me into a hidden corner and fuck me senseless.

A steady pulse builds between my legs.

" You know, I think I will get another drink," I say, changing my mind. I probably shouldn't, but having a drink to sip on right now would be nice, and I can't possibly be hornier than I currently am. I'm sure he can see how badly I want him written across my face.

" I'll get it for you."

" No , it's okay. You mingle."

He nods, and then walks in the opposite direction. I press my palm to my forehead, willing myself to breathe normally. What is wrong with you? It's not like you've been starved for sex your whole life .

But that only makes me think about Kellen's earlier words. How long has it been for Xavier ? He had briefly mentioned his divorce, but there's no way a man like him has been celibate.

I get another glass of wine, sit at our table, and people watch. Seeing how rich people interact with one another is like viewing Animal Planet . It's similar to the average person, but different at the same time. I'm eating the hors d'oeuvres the servers keep passing around, sipping on my drink, when Xavier's voice appears from behind me.

" Thirty minutes."

" What ?"

I look up at him, and his gaze is dark. I glance at the clock. How the hell is it already ten-thirty? Where did the time go?

" Thirty minutes until I'm buried inside of that sweet pussy of yours."

Dear God . My entire body burns with need, but I do my best to play it cool. " Seems like you're shit out of luck. There's no way we can make it back to your place in that time."

" That's too bad."

" It really is," I say with a sigh.

" No . You misunderstand me. That's too bad for you . I imagine a bed would be much more comfortable."

" Than ?" I look at him, eyes wide.

He shrugs, but there's something mischievous in his gaze. " You pick the spot. At eleven, I'll find you."