Everything He Risks (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #4)(8)
Author: Thalia Frost

Flashbulbs popped all around us as Rock took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

I forced tears from my eyes and plastered on a small smile.

My game face is on.

“Miss Pate! Why are you here tonight? Are you a new employee of Regal Enterprises?” Paparazzi lunged at us.

Rock held my arm tightly in his and pushed through the crowd. “No comment.”

We made it to the door of the restaurant after what seemed like ages.

“We have our own room in the Alle Maddona. Best restaurant in Venice.” Rock smiled, but I could see that he was tense.

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I’ve been better. My shoulder aches, and I think I could sleep for a week, but when I look at you, I don’t want to.” He winked, and I went hot all over.

“Mr. Weldon!” A boisterous host approached us, wearing a tuxedo.

“Hello, Bernardo. This is Ms. Pate.”

I smiled and nodded.

“Let me show you to your table. A few of your guests have already arrived.”

I noticed we had the large room and that a few guests were being ushered into a smaller one. George lurked behind us as we sat down.

“George is like a shadow.” I suppressed a laugh.

“He is, and that’s a good thing.”

“If he keeps you safe, it is.” I rolled my eyes.

Distinguished strangers filtered in, though I recognized a few faces from the board meeting. Walter Marsh wore a glum expression. John Weldon sat at our cozy round table across from me and winked. Two strangers filled the other two chairs.

I looked away. The room buzzed for another moment, and I counted nearly a hundred people.

Rock has friends everywhere and probably just as many enemies.

Then Rock stood up, and my pulse quickened as I got a whiff of his cologne. The scent reminded me of sex—with him.

“Thank you for being here tonight. It means a lot to me that you came on such short notice.”

Murmurs and puzzled smiles met his statement.

Some people don’t seem happy about this. I wonder if they know what’s coming next. I shifted in my seat, my cheeks hurting from smiling.

“Enjoy your dinner. Order what you will. It’s on me. I have an announcement to make before dessert, so hold tight till then.”

Polite laughter trickled through the crowd, and my skin prickled with embarrassment.

“What would you like to eat?” Rock whispered in my ear after he sat down.

“Pasta. Anything. My stomach is heaving with nerves.”

“Well, try to keep it settled till the big news comes out.” Rock grimaced.

“I can hardly wait to hear the announcement. Big news for the company you’ve been keeping from us, Rock?” John’s voice was a modulated purr as he studied me, malice in his gaze.

“Hardly.”

“I’m on pins and needles,” Walter Marsh said and sniffed.

With friends like these…

Rock ordered fish and pasta and fresh vegetables for me, and I pushed down what food I could as the waiters plied me with wine.

“So, how are you liking the fair city of Venice?” John asked, gulping his wine.

“It’s gorgeous.”

“It surely is. I don’t mind taking business trips here.” He gave Rock a look, and Rock shifted beside me.

He’s taunting him.

Anger rose inside me, but I didn’t know what to say. I bit my lip, hoping it wouldn’t bleed.

“When are you heading back to California?” Walter asked, a querulous note in his voice.

“You’ll learn that soon enough.” Rock smiled. “I think it’s time for my announcement.” He rose and pinged his wine glass lightly with a fork. “Your attention please.”

The room hushed in seconds.

I drew in a breath and gazed at the wall. I couldn’t believe what was happening.

“I’m glad you joined me tonight.” Rock stopped and turned to me. He took my hand in the lightest of grips and pulled me up from the chair.

My heart thundered in my ears. I thought for a moment I might pass out as everything went blurry.

“Hang in there,” Rock whispered.

I steadied myself with a gulp of air.

Never letting go of my hand, Rock knelt down.

I couldn’t help the gasp that escaped my lips as I watched one of the world’s wealthiest and sexiest men, the CEO of Regal Enterprises, kneel in front of me.

Murmurs rose in the room. I couldn’t look at the sea of faces. John cleared his throat and laughed softly.

I hated John Weldon in that moment.

He knows. He knows it’s all a sham. A flare of anger washed over me at him and at the situation Rock was putting me in.

Doesn’t he know I’m in love with him?

“I’m betting everything on you, Lacey.” Rock whispered the words, so softly that I knew no one else heard.

He cleared his throat. “Lacey Pate, will you marry me?”

“Yes, I will…with all my heart,” I said, my voice loud and strong. It hid everything I was really feeling inside.

I should win an Oscar for this.

“You heard the lady. Let’s retire to the hotel for dessert and dancing till dawn.” Rock kissed my hand and stood, taking me into his arms in the sort of hug we’d already shared many times before.

I could almost believe he meant it.

Silence reigned for a beat. Then everyone in the room broke into applause.

“Cheers, cousin.” John held up his glass, and Rock clinked it as did I, a fake smile on my face.  Walter Marsh kept his dour expression and only nodded.

As we left the room, Nadia Nargent walked in front of us, shapely ass swaying.

I hadn’t realized the lovely stewardess and Rock’s ex was still in town. Why I should care, I wasn’t sure. He was marrying me, after all.

I guffawed aloud.

“What is it?” Rock led me toward a huge ballroom.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Good. Are you all right? I really need this to go over, Lacey.” Rock’s brow furrowed, and my heart sank further.

This wasn’t the same man who had had his tongue in my ass just hours before.

“I’m fine.”

“Good. I need to speak with a few people before the party really starts. Mingle. Don’t say too much. Smile and have fun, and see what you can find out. If anyone acts strange, let me know.” Rock squeezed my arm as we entered the room. There was a look in his eyes I’d seen before.

It’s the thrill of the kill. In some sick way, this is fun for him—it’s just another challenge.

Before I could move, a group of men came over and introduced themselves. They were old friends of Rock’s in Venice. Out of the corner of my eye, a flash of color caught my attention.

Nadia had her hand on Rock’s shoulder, and he had his head thrown back laughing at something she’d said. Music started playing—Sinatra and a love song which was fitting for the night and for Venice. Nadia said something to Rock, and he took her into his arms.