The Rebel's Return--A different worlds romance by Nadine Gonzalez

Author:Nadine Gonzalez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-11-16T16:02:41+00:00

* * *

They arrived late anyway. The cocktail hour was over, and the guests were seated for dinner. Tables were set up in the grand ballroom. Every table had a blooming red centerpiece in keeping with the night’s theme, but wisely, no one had erected a champagne tower. Rafael paused at the entrance to tug at the cuffs of his shirt and adjust the links, readying himself for battle. In the past, his instinct and concern had always been to protect himself. Tonight, he had the added responsibility of protecting Eve. He’d led her to the lion’s den. He would not allow anyone to tear her apart.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded. “Uh-huh.”

He saw the fear in her eyes. “Just remember the golden rule—small talk only. Keep the chitchat brief and brisk.”

“Got it.”

“You look sweet enough to suck on in that dress.”

She startled, eyes dancing. “Way to keep it brief and brisk, Mr. Arias Wentworth.”

“I want you to know that’s all I’ll be thinking about all night. Got that?”

“Got it.”

“Don’t worry about them.” He nodded toward the packed dining room. “Worry about me.”

She very discreetly stroked his arm. “I’m a multitasker. I can do both.”

Rafael pushed out a laugh. As it turned out, he could multitask, too. He checked out the dining room and clocked Tobias at the head table along with Cammie and Drake. In his classic black tuxedo, Tobias looked good but he was not the formidable man who had terrorized his youth. And yet Rafael felt pressure build inside him. It never failed. One look from his father could undo all his plans, leave him doubting his worth. Each time they met, Rafael had to mentally reset the clock. He was not a lost teenager. He was independent, successful, no longer cowering under his father’s shadow or struggling to get out from under his thumb.

Eve stepped closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Are you ready?” she asked.

He glanced at her and fell headfirst into the depths of her brown eyes. A ribbon of heat wrapped around his heart. I’ll make you feel a little less lonely in this town. He had not taken that promise seriously. After all, how could she? Feeling alone, apart, unwelcomed was part and parcel of his identity. He would not relinquish it. It had made him the man he was today. But Eve’s hand on his shoulder made him want to reconsider.

“You two make an adorable couple!” a woman exclaimed. Before Rafael could do anything about it, P&J had accosted them.

“Is this date night?” Jennifer Carlton asked.

“No,” Rafael said flatly. “This is a work event.”

Jennifer winked. “I gotcha.”

Paul Carlton voiced other concerns. “Have you heard from the Richardsons? My sources say they’re ready to make a move. Now if you need a broker, I’m standing at the ready.”

“I appreciate it,” Rafael said.

“We’re late as usual,” Jennifer said. “Enjoy your night, you two!”

Rafael waved them off, but Eve stood petrified. He reached for her hand. “What’s the matter?”

“They think we’re a couple,” she said.

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