Taken into Danger

Chapter 2 cont'd

“Let me escort you both to your seats. I am sure you are looking forward to the main event of the night.” Navia looked at the prince then.

“What main event?” Teija questioned excitedly oblivious to her companion’s foul mood as they were taken to a table nearby.

“Oh you haven’t heard.” Navia was surprised the prince had not told Teija about his contribution which only deepened her suspicion that this relationship was indeed an odd one.  “There’s going to be an auction tonight. Your lovely date was kind enough to donate some jewels for the event. Each attendee will get the opportunity to bid on one of the renowned Sarentine Jewels. I cannot thank you enough for agreeing to this Prince Adam.”

“There is no need Navia. You know that I would do anything to help a just cause.”

“Darling how good of you to do this!’’ she squealed kissing him on the cheek and then dragging an extremely long fingernail down the side of his face. “You are the most generous man I have ever met. I am so lucky,” she smirked at her good fortune. “I’ve never seen your jewels before but I can hardly wait. Who knows, if I play my cards right the very owner of the jewels may just end up buying one for his lovely girlfriend. My baby knows how much I love diamonds.” Teija puckered up her lips in an obvious attempt at persuasion.

Adam wished Teija would simply shut up. He was experiencing one of the most excruciating headaches caused no doubt by her irritating presence. Why hadn’t he realized long ago that her voice was as annoying as nails on a chalkboard? He was presently between two chains of thought- ending things between them right now or just simply ditching her until the ball was over, neither of which he hated to admit were quite feasible, considering how much of an utter drama queen Teija was. Besides he wanted nothing to ruin this night. It was important for the organization to raise a lot of money and he would see to it personally that Teija behaved herself.

“Ladies and Gentlemen please take your seats. Let me first acknowledge a great dignitary in our presence, His Highness Prince Adam of Camaris. It is indeed a pleasure to have you here tonight,” the Master of Ceremonies stated to raucous applause.

“That’s my cue to go. I need to make sure the models are ready. I hope you both have a wonderful evening.”

Adam forced a smile at Navia’s words. “Thank you Navia. I’m sure we will.”

“It is also important for me to note that we will shortly have the showcasing of the Sarentine Jewels which will be available via auction later tonight,” the Master of Ceremonies continued.

Adam watched as the entire room turned to face him. The oohs and aahs that followed were something he expected.  His date was certainly enjoying the attention that was being bestowed his way. She really was quite the attention whore, he thought to himself angrily as she rubbed her hand rather suggestively over his chest, no doubt staking her claim for all who could see. “If you continue Teija, you will not like what I do to you,” he growled in her ear with a dazzling smile intent on ensuring that none of the persons seated at their table were aware of his disgust. “Touch me again and I will physically throw you out of the event myself.”

“Why must you be so nasty Adam? I love you. You know that.”

“You love one thing and one thing only….my money and you have greedily enjoyed plenty of that haven’t you? You will behave appropriately or I will see to it that you lose much more than that pretty little sports car I bought you a month ago.” Turning away from her, he ignored the string of lewd words that spewed from her mouth. He was not moved however as he had learned over the years that class was something that could not be bought.  His only wish was that he had not been so caught up by her beauty in the beginning, for that had been his downfall.