The Bound Bride by Anne Lawrence Read Free Book Online Page A

party?
    Cassandra could think of nothing else.

 
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    The lobby of the Met was cavernous. Space reaching into infinity and every inch a staircase. Cassandra feared discovery in her borrowed bridesmaid’s gown. She had no business among the well-to-do. Someone would find her out in an instant and point her back towards her hole before she had the chance to defend herself. She was nearly rushing back to the chill of the night when Oliver pressed her closer.
    “Easy,” he said. “You’re with me.”
    That was all she needed to hear.
    He moved her through the crowd of the supremely well-dressed and shook hands, slapped backs with a sure smile. Cassandra could feel the eyes on her. She blushed as ladies bowed their heads and gentlemen scanned her entire frame. Under normal circumstances, normal meaning some absurd contrivance where she found herself just below the world’s greatest soprano, Cassandra would be too excited to do anything but giggle in the face of the fortune tossed her way. She imagined Iris at her side as they played like real ladies and giggled at the Botox in their midst before settling in for the show. But she was withhim. Cassandra was purchased arm candy. He required her sweet and silent as he showed his face to the crowd.
    Or did he?
    They were cornered by a short man. The lady on his arm towered over all of them.
    “Oliver!” the short man started. “So goodto see you. Been meaning to ask you about the Prince account. Any ideas?”
    Cassandra was focused on the little man’s wide eyes. She waited for Oliver’s voice to fill the silence, but she heard nothing. She turned her head to him saw him staring straight ahead. But his focus seemed everywhere else. Cassandra gently nudged him to answer the question. Oliver started at her touch and met her with a slight glare. Cassandra nodded at the one with the questions. When Oliver remained lost in her eyes, Cassandra sighed and turned to the little man.
    “ Everything he touchesis solid.”
    Even out of place, Cassandra could talk the talk. She twisted her eyes to the little man, and Oliver finally nodded. The little man seemed appeased, and she gripped his am tighter.
    Maybe she could help him.
    Cassandra saw the lady seeing Oliver. Her desires were plain. At a second’snotice she would undoubtedly ditch her smaller companion for the prize at Cassandra’s side.
    Not so fast.
    “So nice to see you again,” the lady purred. She moved forward and lightly kissed Oliver’s cheek. Cassandra could feel him tense at the touch, and she stepped in between the lady and her intended target.
    “ Isn’t he?” Cassandra knowingly asked. “I love to see him.”
    She was drafted for the task at hand. Interlopers were not welcome.
    “And who are you ?” the tall lady asked.
    She was found out. There was no stopping it. Cassandra felt cheap under her gaze, but she resolved to not stay in that state.
    “I’m an opera lover,” Cassandra said. “How did you get here?”
    The tall lady was too stunned to respond. Good. Cassandra had thrown her off her choreographed game. Cassandra had images of her leaving her little man, night after night, for someone else’s bed in the hope of snaring Oliver. But it wasn’t his style. Oliver wanted to know what he was getting. He’d pay to make sure. That was Cassandra’s role for the evening. And she’d play it for all it was worth.
    Cassandra glanced over her shoulder. Oliver’s attention had drifted from the uninvited guests and was completely on her . She liked his eyes there, and she wanted to seal the deal.
    “ Excuse me?” the tall lady asked.
    Cassandra wrapped her arm around Oliver’s waist.
    “So sorry! We have to dash. The show’s starting.”
    She could feel him tighten against her touch, and she led Oliver from the pair with a light giggle. Oliver stayed stiff under her arm until they reached the top of the staircase. The tall lady was already departing from the reach of the