Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
But no one messes with Madison.
No one but me.
Chapter Fourteen
Madi
Billy White is an asshole. I keep walking, pretending like his glare doesn’t bother me. I need to focus on the job. I’m here to work, and nothing’s going to distract me–not my stupid high heels, which are killing me. I already have a blister, and I’ve been standing for all of ten minutes.
The Blackthroat Family Foundation Ball, or the BFFB, is held in a historic train station. The marble columns and soaring ceilings are decked in black, white, and silver decor. Once we pass the receiving line, we swan down a massive staircase towards the dining area and its sea of white dressed tables. Hundreds of silver gift bags are stacked at the registration station, which we completely bypassed.
This ball always had the Landhower kids buzzing. They’d brag about their parents' seating placements, as if the ability to shell out a hundred thousand dollars for a ticket is some sort of noteworthy honor. It’s the event of the year, perfect for those who want to display all their wealth and finery.
And then there’s me, in a designer gown and heels that cost almost as much as my annual salary. That my boss paid for.
My boss who refuses to admit he’s not treating me like a normal employee. He’s made it clear I’m not his date–that would be laughable. But the way he offered his arm and protected me from the paparazzi was not very boss-like.
I hold my head high and ignore Billy White, who’s looking down his nose like I’m a piece of cat shit that came in on someone’s shoe. He doesn’t like that Blackthroat brought me. I’m a fake–not a blueblood like the rest of the people here. He knows I don’t belong on someone like Blackthroat’s arm.
You and me both, prick.
Blackthroat’s hand rests lightly on my back, guiding me forward, but I don't make the mistake of looking up at him. That’s a sure fire way to break my focus. My Big Bad Boss looks like a billion bucks in his tuxedo. The man is gorgeous in a suit. In a tux–he’s lethal.
I keep my breathing steady and expression smooth until we reach the end of the receiving line. Ruby Blackthroat looks as stunning as she did as the cover model of Vogue. Her white and gold mermaid dress showcases her tall, willowy frame. She’s got the same dark hair and slashing eyebrows as Blackthroat. They’re obviously siblings.
“So glad you could come,” she croons to the guest before us, but when it’s our turn, she drops the hostess act and waves to an assistant who’s hovering nearby holding a set of index cards. “You’re giving the opening remarks, remember?” Ruby takes the cards and shoves them at her brother.
“I am?”
I get the feeling Blackthroat is screwing with her, but it’s hard to tell. I’m getting better at reading him, but he hides his thoughts and feelings so well.
“Brick!”
He takes the cards. “Why me? I’m the least personable member of this family.”
“Because I’m stuck in this line and–oh, would you just do it?” she snaps.
He cups her elbow. “I’m kidding,” he soothes. My heart does a weird flip-flop seeing the kinder gentler side of Blackthroat. “I’ve got it covered, don’t worry.”
She exhales, possibly for the first time since she greeted Blackthroat. “Good. Hi, Billy.” She leans forward and cheek-kisses Billy. “And you must be Madison. Love the dress.”
“It’s Madi,” I say, without much hope of her or anyone learning my preferred name, since Blackthroat refuses to call me by it. “Thank you for getting me in with your stylist.”
“My pleasure. Will you make sure my brother’s on stage when I need him to be?”
“Of course,” I assure her, even though my confidence level with making sure Blackthroat does anything someone else wants of him is about five percent.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here, Madi. Good thing I saved the plus one seat for you.” She smirks up at her brother.
Blackthroat remains blank-faced, refusing to give her the satisfaction of being right. I know that look well. It warms my heart to know Blackthroat turns it on his beloved sister as well as me.
“It worked out perfectly,” I say. “You knew before he did. You must be clairvoyant?”
Ruby looks delighted to have a partner in teasing her brother. “No, just persistent.”
Ruby’s husband, Eagleton, saunters up looking gorgeous in a tuxedo. He’s Moon Co.’s corporate counsel and one of Blackthroat’s inner circle. Ruby flicks a speck of non-existent dust from his lapel. “Darling, would you point Brick and his date to their table?”
“Okay, hon,” Eagleton says. Ruby greets another guest, turning from her husband’s lingering, appreciative gaze. She must be used to it. “This way,” he waves to us to follow.
Our table is front and center. Blackthroat’s place card has him on the side closest to the stage steps. I point this out to him, and he grunts.