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Blake and I arrived at the exhibition just as the evening was settling in, the city lights casting a warm glow over the upscale venue. The red carpet, lined with well-dressed attendees, seemed to shimmer under the soft lighting. The energy was electric, a mix of crowd mingling with the thrill of anticipation.
Blake looked stunning in the dress, though she was trying to keep her focus sharp, despite her evident discomfort. I could sense her tension, but tonight was not the night for distractions. We had a mission, and it involved mingling with the elite.
As we walked in, I spotted Mercer across the room, engaged in conversation with a couple of socialites. His presence was commanding, and I could see why he was considered a significant player in these circles.
“Damien!” Mercer’s voice boomed as we approached. His smile was all warmth and familiarity, but there was an edge to his gaze that suggested he knew more about us than he let on.
“Mercer,” I said with a nod, offering him a handshake. “Good to see you.”
Mercer’s handshake was firm, and his eyes flickered with something akin to recognition. “It’s been a while. How’s everything on your end?”
Blake shot me a curious glance, clearly picking up on the unspoken history between Mercer and me. “You two know each other?”
I could sense Mercer hesitating, his eyes darting to me before he replied smoothly, “Oh, Damien and I go way back. He’s been working under me as an agent for a while now.”
Blake’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “Working under you? I thought you were more of a… high-profile businessman.”
Mercer’s smile didn’t waver. “Let’s just say I wear many hats. And Damien is excellent at what he does.”
I sensed an opportunity to shift the conversation away from any potentially awkward topics. “So, Mercer, how’s the exhibition going? I hear you’ve outdone yourself this time.”
Mercer’s face lit up as he began to extol the virtues of the event, As he went to entertain more guest, I decided to have some fun with my date. “Blake, you might want to take notes. Mercer’s been known to turn even the most mundane event into a spectacle.”
Blake shot me a sideways glance, her irritation barely concealed. “Oh, really? And what would you know about that?”
“I know that if anyone can make me look like a schlub, it’s Mercer here,” I replied, a playful grin on my face.
Blake rolled her eyes, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. “Well, I’m glad someone’s having fun.”
Before I could say more, a man approached Blake. He was impeccably dressed, but his eyes were less than respectful. “Excuse me, miss,” he said with a smooth, practiced charm. “You look absolutely ravishing tonight. Mind if I buy you a drink?”
Blake’s smile was polite but guarded. “Thank you, but I’m here with someone.”
The man’s eyes lingered on her a moment too long, and he leaned in slightly. “Come on, don’t be shy. I’m sure we’d have a great time.” His hand reaching for her waist
I kept a close watch, my patience wearing thin. Blake’s discomfort was clear, and her patience was rapidly depleting.
When Blake finally told him to fuck off, his demeanor shifted. “Look, sweetheart, if you’re going to act like a whore, don’t expect me to be nice about it.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I’d barely registered the man’s insult before I was moving. My fist connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor. The commotion drew immediate attention, and the security team was quick to intervene.
Mercer was at my side in an instant, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. “Damien! What’s going on?”
The security guards were already restraining the man, and Mercer gave them a nod, signaling them to handle it. I grabbed Blake’s arm, pulling her away from the scene.
Nobody touches my jewel except me
“Let’s get out of here,” I said, my voice low and intense. Blake’s eyes were wide, a mix of shock and relief as she followed me toward the exit.
As we made our way out, I could feel Mercer’s gaze on my back. When we reached the door, I glanced over my shoulder to find Mercer watching us with a bemused smile.
“Damien,” he called out, his tone lighter but with an edge of something unreadable. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again. We have much more to discuss.”
I nodded tersely, feeling the weight of the evening’s events settling in. As we stepped out into the cool night air, I could feel Blake’s gaze on me, her expression a mixture of relief and lingering irritation.
“Are you okay?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral as we walked toward the car.
Blake looked at me, her eyes softening. “I think I’ll be okay. Thanks for the intervention back there.”
I gave her a half-smile, feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration. “Just doing my job. Let’s get out of here before anything else goes sideways.”I said instead of running back there and cut their hands before they even have the chance to blink their eyes
As we drove away from the exhibition, the night seemed a little less daunting, though the promise of more challenges ahead lingered in the air. The evening had been chaotic, but if anything, it reaffirmed one thing: our partnership, as unconventional as it was, was going to be tested in ways we hadn’t fully anticipated.
