In The Midst of Trouble

Chapter 11

I was seated by my vanity dresser, clipping in diamond studs from Tiffany & Co that I’d purchased for the benefit. Jack walked out of the closet, dressed in black pants, shiny black Italian shoes, a white shirt, and a royal blue velvet jacket which matched my blue gown with a sweetheart neckline, a bodycon skirt with a high slit on the side. He seemed to be struggling with his bow tie, so after finishing up with my look, I walked over to help him with it.

“Still cannot tie one of these?” I teased him as I deftly made the knots.

He chuckled and slid his hands onto my waist. “In a situation where I have to do it in order to save my life, I’d probably die in two seconds,” he replied jokingly, and I laughed. Once done, I adjusted it and then smoothed his lapels over.

I smiled at him, putting my hands on his shoulders. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m here to help you out with such tasks. Where would you be without me?”

He gave my hips and squeezed and leaned down to kiss my jawline. “The answer is nowhere. It really is a real shame that I’m not the only one who will be seeing you in this outfit. How do you always manage to look so sexy in everything and nothing as well,” he asked in genuine intrigue, lips brushing against my neck.

I bit my lip to suppress a moan and used all my strength to push him back. “Jack, not now. We need to go or else we will be late,” I reprimanded him and walked over to grab by Lana Marks gold clutch that matched my gold Tom Ford padlock heels. He groaned in protest, but I gave him a sharp look.

He sighed. “I guess you’re right,” he glanced at his Audemars Piguet watch. “I guess you’re right. We’re the hosts so we technically can’t be late for the event,” he reasoned, taking his wallet out of his bedside drawer along with his cellphone. After that, he offered his hand and I gladly accepted it, letting him lead me downstairs to the garage, where a blue Bugatti was waiting for us. It still surprised me how he had a matching car for his suits when the occasion was special.

Thankfully, we arrived at the venue just as people were starting to arrive. As soon as Jack helped me out of the car, we were bombarded by paparazzi, something I hadn’t been expecting. I had no idea they’d show up and they were asking all kinds of intrusive questions. The flashing of the cameras made me feel uneasy, but Jack steadied me by placing his palm on the small of my back, leading me on as the bodyguards shielded us from the madness. Just this once, I was glad that Jack always travelled with an entourage. We made it inside safely and I felt like I could breathe again.

“What the hell was that about? Where did they come from?” I asked frantically, feeling my pulse return to normal. The guards I’d hired for the benefit were stationed at the door. I’d posted them to make sure that only invited guests would gain access. We didn’t need any party crashers today.

“Word must have gotten out to the press about the benefit so of course they’d want to have coverage. I can’t f—king stand the unnecessary attention,” he spewed angrily and for a second, I thought he was going to have one of his infamous fits.

I cupped his cheek. “Hey, it’s okay. They’re only outside, there’s no way they will enter. Nobody uninvited it getting in here. I made sure to make sure security was tight, plus your own personal guards. We’re good. Let’s go, people must already be expecting you,” I said soothingly before taking his hand and leading from the entrance hall to the banquet hall.

There were already loads of people and everything that I’d planned was in place. The orchestra, the decorations, the table setting, the dancefloor, the waiters with champagne trays…everything to the last detail was in order. Hell, it was perfect if I do say so myself.