Wanted Hearts

4: Balls

"You look stunning". Lauren gleamed as she watched me walk down the stairs. This dress was made to stand out. I had learned from my father's assistant that he had requested this color. Made to stand out, something I had never been.

But then I knew it had nothing to do with my new mission, all it had to do was playing the part of the perfect family, of the perfect image.

"That color is made for you". Chip said, graciously as he opened the door for me to the car. I thanked him as I slid into the car, hoping he hadn't noticed the hint of worry I carried.

Lauren waved goodbye, saying a few words to Chip before getting in her own car. "What are you going to tell her?" Chip asked me, his own worry for his girlfriend stepping in more than the safety of his country.

"I don't know. A work trip? A strange mix of a vacation". I said as he nodded his head, I knew he hated keeping it a secret from her, and I hated it even more.

But something had to be dealt with tonight, involving Thornes, moreover I needed to figure out how exactly to deal with him.

"I don't trust him, Chip. I know you do, but he had no reason to break in tonight". I needed to know more about him, without asking Chip directly. Maybe Chip could feel me in on how his lack of family lent to a multitude of trust issues that now seemed to involve me.

"Look he's one of the best, he was an even better guy at training. I promise you, you'll be safe with him." Chip's words were indistinguishable, well I perfectly understood them. But for him to be worried about my safety at this moment. I was worried more about trusting him, working with him, and knowing him. He was a force, a scary one at best.

"I can handle myself, but I'm more worried about trusting him". I raised, as Chip rolled his eyes.

"He sticks to his word, one of the few men who do". Chip's words were stoneproof, he must stick to his words and his values. I knew to work together trust was a big factor, I just didn't know him. He was a mystery to me.

"I'll keep an eye on him for you". Chip said as we pulled up to the gate. He rolled down the window right after, as I quickly mangled my hair letting it loose.

"Thank you". I told him and he nodded his head.

"Tonight's going to be boring, you know that right?" I told Chip, wanting him to have some fun tonight and to not desperately watch me like a hawk. His face chipped up.

"No drinking on the job". He said, as the car came to a stop and he ran to the other side to open the door for me.

"I promise if you do, I won't tattle". I said, as he smirked and he held my hand as I stepped out of the vehicle.

"Your father requested you". Chip whispered to me leaning back as they introduced the pleasantries and I groaned. Chip's job was to lead me there, and be snotty for the rest of the night. I used to enjoy these functions, I used to believe my father was showing me off, but now I see through it all. I see through him, and I've never liked what I saw.

"Be careful". Chip warned me, as the greeters opened the door for me, and my eyes gazed around at the glittering ballroom. Flutes of champagne filled the air, and the smell of elegant perfume filled the clinging scent that lingered. Dresses hugged women, as suits shaped men, carrying drinks and both egregiously chatting up their new business partners.

"Scarlett, dear". My father's hand wrapped around my waist as he stopped me in my tracks. And I looked over at his sour face, his eyes telling me to smile. I hadn't been to one of these functions in a while, but he seemed to not remember my exemplary manners. My smile was my best feature, some would say.