Masquerade by Anne Shade

Author:Anne Shade [Shade, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635558326
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-01-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Despite what was to come once the party ended, Celine played her role well. She stayed close to Philly, smiling, charming, and being the entertaining hostess, her mother raised her to be. Ten years of living a life of deception with Paul had taught her well. The difference was that at the end of the night she and Philly wouldn’t be retiring to their own beds. She was going to have to share a bed, and more, with Philly. As much as her heart and mind wanted to run in the other direction, her body ached from all the teasing caresses Philly had been feeding her growing passion throughout the night. Even having her heart break at seeing Dinah work the rooms with the other dancers to entertain Philly’s guests didn’t stop her body from missing the warmth of Philly’s hand at the small of her back when she removed it to greet someone or to get them drinks. She and Dinah were only able to engage in brief glances at each other before Philly whisked her away in the other direction. Even in those brief moments, she could see the pain in Dinah’s eyes.

Fortunately, Olivia stayed by her side the entire time, which annoyed Philly a few times when she tried leading Celine to a dark alcove for more than a discreet touch here and there, but as helpful as it was, the night had to come to an end at some point. It was half past midnight and the party was still going full swing when Philly announced that she was retiring for the evening but everyone was welcome to stay as long as they liked or until the cops came to shut them down. Either way, her staff would take good care of them. Celine turned a panic-stricken gaze to Olivia.

“Antonia, I would like to have Celine walk me out, if you don’t mind,” Olivia said pleasantly.

Philly, in the middle of giving her staff instructions, nodded and released Celine’s hand. Celine and Olivia went to the foyer together. Neither missed how closely they were watched by Big T standing at the door.

Olivia faced her and grasped her hands. “Do not allow yourself to feel guilty about tonight, do you understand me? I spoke with Dinah and she’s fine. Don’t worry about her, just get through tonight. Tomorrow we will figure out what to do next,” she said in French in case anyone overheard them.

Celine pulled Olivia into a fierce hug. “Merci, Tante.”

“Thank you for coming, Madam Rousseau.” Philly walked into the foyer and placed her hand possessively onto Celine’s back.

With a pleasant look on her face, Olivia offered Philly a hand. Philly took it and winced as Olivia tightened her grip. “If you lay one hand on my niece other than with affection, you will regret it.” Her pleasant demeanor never wavered, but the threat in her gaze was obvious.

“I’m not into abusing women, Olivia. My girls are all treated well.”

Olivia released Philly’s hand and accepted her wrap from the coat check girl.

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