Chapter 08

—Killian—

I spent the short limousine ride chatting with Brooke. It turns out she’s the daughter of one of the politicians from Long Island. Great, just what I need, more media scrutiny. Adriana sure knows how to pick them.

We arrive at the ball, red carpet swarming with paparazzi. We follow the crowd, hoping to avoid the craziness. Unfortunately, I’m not so lucky.

“Mr. Kelly, over here,” one of the paparazzi yells.

I take my cue, posing, then the media frenzy follows. The bulbs keep flashing, blinding my normally perfect vision.

"Killian, who are you wearing?”

“Are you and Brooke Henley an item?”

“Is it true the Kelly Group is in a bidding war to buy—?” Adriana shakes her head with annoyance and impatiently drags me into the building.

I scan the room, bored with the conversation between Brooke and her mother about dresses and designers. Across the ballroom, I notice a young guy checking me out, making it bla