Chapter 48 For Us
Chapter 48 For Us
Max
My gaze roved appreciatively over Aellorah's petite frame, already imagining her standing in the gala; all eyes fixed on her.
"God, Blackwood, you really know how to make a statement," I murmured, grinning at her in the mirror. "The red one was nice, but this one... it hugs your figure like a second skin." My hands slid down to grasp her hips, pulling her close. "Imagine walking into that ballroom, heads turning, whispers spreading, all because of the way your dress showcases your beauty," I mused, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck. "And picture me at your side, watching you like a predator eyeing its next meal," I teased, my voice a husky whisper as she leaned back against my chest.
The blue velvet material clung to every curve, the sweetheart neckline accentuating her chest, and the ruffled slit in the side climbed all the way to the top of her thigh, revealing almost enough skin to be considered inappropriate for such an event.
A chuckle rumbled in my chest as I leaned in and brushed my lips against her ear, the action making her shiver. "Trust me, Princess--when we arrive hand in hand, no one will doubt for a second who holds the power in this relationship."
Aellorah gave a derisive snort as she met my gaze in the mirror. "You better mean me," she replied with a teasing grin.
"Oh, absolutely, my love," I purred back, running my fingers through the soft waves of golden hair that framed her face. "Should I rephrase?" I asked, nuzzling her cheek. "Everyone will know exactly who is going to be making you scream out in ecstasy tonight."
The smile remained on her face, but she blushed, her cheeks turning that pink color I loved to see. "Fair enough," she relented.
Aellorah
"You two lovebirds ready?" Hayden asked, peaking into the room.
"Ready to make this a night Harrow Wood never forgets," Max replied smoothly, easing his heated body away from mine.
"Yeah, maybe it will make the papers; piss Aellorah's dad off," Hayden said with a wide grin. "Speaking of family, any word from your mom, little mouse?"
"Not yet," I replied. "She texted me earlier and sent me some code, but it was really cryptic. I'll work on it later; it's just been a busy evening." Hayden nodded.
"Once we have access to his financial records, emails, texts..." Max added, "The whole nine yards; we'll be sitting pretty." He reached for my phone on the dresser, angling it to catch our reflections and snapping a photo that made me smile.
"Remember, guys," Max added as Killian and Jax appeared in the doorway, "This goes beyond revenge. This is about securing Aellorah's future--and ours. With Blackwood on his knees, we ensure she never has to deal with her family's manipulations or abuse ever again."
His emerald eyes gleamed with determination as he addressed the boys. "We expose him for the cowardly, entitled prick he is, and Aellorah will be free of his influence."
"I'm already free," I interjected, looking up at him. "I just need a little help to keep him from interfering in my life."
"You're right, baby," Max replied with a tender smile. "You've already made all the right choices. Tonight, and the next few days, are about hitting your father where it hurts. It's about helping everyone trapped in a world controlled by men like your father."
"Exactly," I agreed. "This isn't just about me. It's about every little girl who has ever been abused by a family member. Every person who has had to follow orders against their will because someone more powerful than them gave the order... For guys like Kevin, who have been hurt by my family for simply being kind to me."
"Kevin? He's the one--"
"The car crash," I confirmed with a small nod.
“For Kevin,” Max added with a smile, giving my hand a light squeeze. “And for us. So we can live without the fear of your father trying to come between us.”
“For us,” I agreed firmly, meeting his gaze. “Umm, we’re not taking the bike, right?” I asked suddenly. Max let out a bark of laughter, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Of course not, baby. I wouldn’t dream of ruining your dress. We’ll take my car tonight and pick yours up tomorrow. Sound good?”
“Sounds great.”
The drive was tense, but over almost too quickly for my liking. The entire time, I fidgeted with my hands in my lap. We arrived at the Crowne Hotel, and I watched as the valet staff helped people from the car in front of us. I’d been to events like this before with my family, but attending with Max as an official couple had my nerves on edge.
Max didn’t let the valet open my door. Instead, he hurried around the car and offered me his hand. His fingers encased mine with a firm kind of possessiveness as he led me toward the grand entrance of the hotel.
His stride was smooth and confident; mine was shaky and anxious. “Easy, Blackwood,” he whispered, trying to ease my tension. “We’re among friends here,” he assured me, nodding toward the sleek black car Hayden was climbing out of.
We stepped into the lavish lobby, where the hum of conversation and soft music filled the air.
“Look around,” Max urged in a low whisper, tilting his head toward the glittering crowd milling about the lobby. “See all the faces full of envy and admiration? This is our moment, Aellorah—ours alone.”
He was right. Gazes swept over us, paused, stared. As we movedacross the lobby, Max remained at my side, his hand on the small of my back. “Just remember, Princess. None of the eyes on us actually matter. You belong with me, and I’ll never let anyone come between us.”
“Everyone is staring at us…” I whispered back, trying to keep my breathing steady as I clutched his arm, my nails digging into his sleeve.
His muscles flexed beneath my touch as he reached for my hand, grounding me. “That’s right, baby,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble full of confidence. “They’re all wondering how a stunning, perfect woman like you ended up engaged to a rough-around-the-edges guy like me.” A wicked grin spread across his face as he leaned closer. “And trust me, baby—their curiosity will only grow as the night wears on.”