19. And I Thought Charity Galas Were Supposed to Be Fun

"There are rules for tonight," Jace spoke up, not dropping his intense gaze from mine. He placed a single calloused hand on the top of my thigh and the warmth of it caused chills to snake down my spine. My face, which was still warm from his previous words, brightened further.

With my teeth sinking into my bottom lip, I forced myself to level my gaze on him. He seemed to understand why I was narrowing my eyes at him so forcefully and he spoke up before I could.

"I know you don't like rules." He sighed, shaking his head with a small grin beginning to form on his lips. His smile was doing funny things to my stomach and I quickly looked away from it, my heart pounding. "Especially my rules, but these are important."

"They always are." I sighed, slumping slightly in my seat. "You can tell me them, but it doesn't necessarily mean I'll follow them." I mumbled out, flicking my eyes briefly to meet his. I arched a defiant brow at the man and he sighed at the challenging stare.

"I'm not surprised." Jace's lips shifted into a smirk, before he rolled his eyes.

I shuffled in my seat, gripping the leather beneath my palms tightly. Shooting a dark glance in his direction, I pursed my lips. "Well, get on with it. The faster I hear your ridiculous set of rules, then the faster I can deny any of them."

A flash of amusement lit his eyes before he carefully masked it, barely able to contain the upward curl of his lips. "Savannah, this is a serious."

"Yes, sir." I quickly saluted the man seated by me, rolling my shoulders back.

"Kitten," He sighed, pressing the pads of his fingers to his temples. He cleared his throat, pressing his lips together in a thin line. "You need to listen."

I didn't speak, staring at him silently as I waited for him to continue. The playful expression that had been present on his face seemed to diminish with the sigh that he released. His large hand squeezed my knee tightly, as his eyes watched me carefully. "I don't want to scare you, but there are going to be a lot of bad men here."

I barely contained the shiver that wanted to run through my body. My wide eyes were glued to his as my mouth fell open. I hadn't been prepared for that. "Huh?"

"It's okay." Any amusement that had previously lingered was had been replaced with worry as he studied me. He ran a hand roughly through his hair. "I won't let anything happen to you. But, that's why the first rule is you have to stay by my side the whole night. I'll have specific men watching just you, but you'll be the safest where I can easily reach you."

I gulped, my teeth sinking into my lip briefly. "That doesn't make me feel any better."

"I know," He grimly replied, one of his hands reaching up to drag a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "At times I feel sorry for dragging you into this mess. But, then there are times where I don't."

I don't think I could have spoken in that moment, so I kept my lips slammed shut, my gaze straying to the floor of the vehicle.

Jace chuckled lowly into my ear, the sound sexy and terrifying all at once. "And I think you feel the same way."

He leaned back slightly and I continued to sit rigidly, his words ringing through my ears.

"If we do manage to get separated, don't trust anybody." Jace's stormy eyes narrowed slightly. "Anyone can be a threat. Don't listen, follow, or allow anyone to deceive you."

Swallowing thickly and seeing me nod once, he continued. "If something does happen and we're together, listen to me." His hand moved to grip my chip, gently pulling my face up so his gaze was boring into mine. "I'm serious. If something happens, which it very well can, don't be stubborn and don't be stupid. Listen to me and I'll protect you."

I swallowed thickly, feeling my knees weaken. The intensity of his stare was enough to make my head suddenly feel light and I found it difficult to drag my eyes away from his. I forced a nod, wishing he would allow me to drag myself away a couple inches from his demanding form.

Jace's stare ran over my face. "Don't answer anyone's questions - actually, don't talk at all. I'll do the talking, okay?"

"Excuse me?" I protested lowly, dropping my gaze from his stony one. "That's ridiculous."

"People dig for information." His icy eyes darkened a shade. "People can use information for blackmail and for attacks. You can easily slip up and cause trouble. You don't want that, do you, Kitten?"

"No," I whispered, feeling the blood drain from my face. I wrapped my arms around my torso, not liking the ideas he had just planted in my head.

Jace sighed, his face moulding into something akin to frustration as he squeezed the bridge of his nose between the tips of his rough fingertips. "You can talk to Brooke, Ashley, Cameron, and Riley. Just be careful what you say." He stressed, shutting his eyes. "Brooke has the same rules. As for Ashley, she knows what she's doing."

I nodded slowly, resisting the urge to frown. I cleared my throat, glancing down as I smoothed my hands over my dress, "What happens after the Gala?"

"Immediately after we leave the Gala, we're heading towards the airport. I'm having the maids at the penthouse pack all your things and Callum will bring it to the jet. You can sleep on the plane."

"Okay," I mumbled, wincing slightly as the awkward silence filled the vehicle once more.

"We're here." Jace murmured, sliding his hand down my arm until he secured his large hand with mine. "Don't worry, Doll. I'll keep you safe."

I barely had time to nod and prepare myself for what was about to come, before the limo was slowing down.

The sprawling estate that the charity event was being held at was gigantic. The mansion was on property that spread for acres and acres, most of which was gardens and well-maintained land. I watched with wide eyes as we pulled past the structure, my eyes flickering to the line of limos people were exiting from, to the rows and rows of photographers snapping pictures of those who exited the vehicles.

"Why are there all those photographers?" I panicked, my eyes flickering past the rows of flashing cameras, suddenly overwhelmed with the intensity of everything.

Jace chuckled, rolling his eyes. "We're not getting out of the limo here, so calm down. They wouldn't recognize me anyways. The only people who can are the ones inside and they understand not to spread rumors about my reputation." A glimmer of an unknown emotion had entered his eyes and I resisted the urge to gulp loudly. "There are many well-known people here tonight though, hence why it's highly documented."

"What kinds of people are coming tonight?" My eyes moved past the clumps of cameras to the people walking the short carpet to the door.

The limo turned around the house, blocking the scene from my sight.

Jace lifted his shoulders before he allowed them to drop. "People who know about the other side of my business, but also people who don't. People with wealth and power attend these events, Savannah. You need to be aware that there are a lot of dangerous people here tonight."

"People who want to hurt you?" I questioned quietly, my eyes dropping to our connected hands.

"Yes," Jace snorted, a short and bitter chuckle exiting his lips. "There are many who want to kill me because of the power I hold. They also know better than to try that at an event like this. It's highly publicized and I have a massive amount of security monitoring the building. I have security men in disguise scattered at every table and I have men monitoring who enters and exits the building."

"How don't the press know you?" Not able to understand, I pressed my free hand to my forehead. "With such a large business and a famous family name, I can't understand how they don't."

"'There are no cameras allowed into the event. I lead a very private lifestyle. People also know not to cross me." Jace smirked, the corners of his lips twisting upwards in an unpleasant fashion. "I don't have the best reputation."

"That isn't a good thing." I pulled away from him slightly, not liking the reminder of his what he does. His grip tightened on my hand, locking it in place when I attempted to pull away.

"It is. People know not to try things with me." His lips pressed into a thin line as blackness swirled in his eyes. "It takes years to gain that kind of respect."

"Stop it," I murmured, blinking back tears at his words. "Stop. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

The drive to the back entrance of the building was in silence.

_______________________________________________

"Welcome, Mr.Kingston." A voice greeted, filled with nerves and fear.

I tilted my head to scrutinize the man who had spoken. It was clear that he was nervous as he held a door open for Jace and I. Jace barely acknowledged him and I was quick to mumble my thanks, shoving an elbow to Jace's ribs, which didn't seem to cause him any discomfort.

"What was that for?" He growled out, his voice gruff as he ushered me towards the ballroom the charity dinner was being held in.

"Be polite," I forcefully replied, shooting him a glare. He only rolled his eyes at my words.

I wasn't prepared for the amount of attention that was immediately drawn to Jace as he passed my the clumps of people walking past up. People immediately parted around him as we passed and they looked at him with expressions filled with awe to hesitancy. Most nodded his way in greeting, though he didn't bother acknowledging it.

"You get a lot of attention." I muttered under my breath, hoping that my cheeks wouldn't go up in flames.

"Many know of me, it's complicated." He shrugged, pressing his hand flat against my lower back. "Just ignore them."

The dramatic doors leading to the ballroom were rushed open as we approached them and we were ushered inside.

I was quickly distracted by the interior of the room. The first thing that caught my eye were the chandeliers. Large, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, dozens of them centered over the tables in a magnificent display of beauty. The tables, large and round, had vases of white flowers centered on the white tablecloths that donned them. Candles were scattered decoratively across the tops of them, giving the room a romantic and calm glow. Dark floors contrasted greatly with the decorations. Long and flowing white curtains hung down from the wall of doors near the back of the room. A fancy bar was pushed towards the far side of the room, where people mingled at.

Jace seemed to notice my shock and he chuckled lowly into my ear. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes," I replied truthfully, letting him lead me past the rows of tables.

"Mr.Kingston? Your table is this way." A lady in a black gown politely nodded at the both us, as she approached. "As requested, the most private table. The other guests who are attending with you shall be shown and seated as well." She professionally informed us, gesturing towards a table in the back, on the opposite side of the room from the bar.

Jace nodded, and after receiving another elbow to the ribs, was quick to thank the lady as well.

He guided me to one of the chairs, pulling out the seat and helping me into it before he settled himself into the chair next to me, as I mumbled my thanks.

"Riley and Brooke should be here soon, as Ashley and Cameron." He informed me and I jerked my head up and down, a blush staining my cheeks as my gaze flickered to the empty seats surrounding us. This felt too much like a date and I pressed my clammy hands together underneath the tabletop.

"Why the private table?" I questioned curiously, my eyes meeting his gorgeous ones.

He pursed his lips. "It's safer. We're in a corner so we can see everything that's going on and any possible threats, plus I have men placed in the surrounding tables. Not as many people have view of us and we can easily exit if needed. Plus, our conversation isn't as likely to be heard."

"Oh," I felt stupid for asking such a question and I flushed slightly.

He chuckled, settling his hand on mine. "You're not adjusted to all of this. Ask all the questions you want."

Sinking my teeth into my lip, I nodded slowly.

Jace let out a loud groan, his hand reaching over to pull my bottom lip out from between my teeth. He ran a thumb over my bottom lip, before letting his hand fall. "Don't do that."

I watched him in surprise, before my shock turned to confusion. "Why not?"

"You're tempting me." He growled underneath his breath, shoving a hand through his hair.

My eyes widened and I fruitlessly attempted to hold off the blush that wanted to spread across my cheeks.

"What is this event for?" I blurted out, running a hand over the top of my head.

"It's to raise money for sick children and research." Jace explained, his eyes flickering around the room. "My mother was big on charity and always took me to these things growing up."

I nodded, wishing that my heart wouldn't melt at the passionate expression positioned on his face.

To distract myself, I scanned the crowd of mingling people. Most of the women were in ostentatious dresses and I couldn't help but feel a little bit plain compared to some of them. Smoothing the skirt of my dress, I tilted my head towards Jace. "So, who are the bad people?"

"Huh?" He looked confused as he arched an eyebrow at me.

"Who are the bad guys you said would be here?" I scanned the room, noticing that no one especially stood out.

Jace rolled his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why am I not surprised you're asking me that?"

I jabbed a finger at his bicep, inwardly sighing at the wonderful feel of it beneath my fingertip. "You said I could ask questions and it's a good question to ask. Shouldn't I know anyways?"

"No," He shook his head and I could see a flash of amusement linger in his eyes. "Because then you'll focus on them. I don't want you worried. Relax,"

"That's not fair." I complained, the corners of my lips folding into a frown. "How is that fair? I just want to know."

"Not happening, Kitten. Drop it."

Pouting, I grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter who passed by. Jace watched me wearily as I took a sip. "I'm not sure if I should allow you to drink after your last incident with champagne." He noted, one side of his mouth quirking upwards.

"You can't 'allow' me to do anything." I muttered, placing the glass in front of me, my eyes still on his lips. "I can do what I choose."

"I'm a police officer."

"A fake one." I shot back.

"Are you jealous of my police-chief status?"

"You haven't gone into work in forever. Slacking on the job, Officer?"

"Oh, look! The children are bickering again!"

Jace shot an approaching Cameron a dry look, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. "Why do I regret inviting you suddenly?"

"Because I steal Savannah's attention away from you every time? Savannah, you just look ravishing."

I barely was able to control my blush when Ashley slapped his arm. "Stop trying to start an argument."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Just sit down." Ashley sighed, dropping herself into one of the chairs. "My God, the car ride over here was a horror."

"Please," Cameron scoffed, seating himself next to her. "I've never had a ride like that in my life." He wiggled his eyebrows and Jace sent him a disgusted glare.

"In your dreams," Ashley rolled her eyes, snagging my glass and downing my drink in one go. "Thank you. I really needed that."

"I know what else you need." Cameron loudly spoke, his eyes dropping to the table. "These tables are huge. Think about all the possibilities, Babe. We could just slip under and go for round two and I doubt anyone would notice-"

Ashley slapped a hand over his mouth before he could finish what he was saying. "If you don't be quiet, I'll get you kicked out."

"You couldn't," Cameron rolled his eyes.

"You look like a pervert, so I have no doubt she could." I interrupted, widening my eyes at him innocently before smirking.

"What?" Cameron cried in mock-horror, turning to the blonde next to him. "Do I really?"

"Sorry, we're late." Riley spoke, interrupting the boy as he pulled Brooke's chair away from the table. "What did we miss?"

"We were just discussing the perverted look that Cameron always seems to have on his face." I spoke up, nodding at Brooke who grinned.

"I can see it." Brooke pursed her lips, tilting her head at Cameron's face.

"And I thought we were all friends." Cameron pouted, moving to stand up. "Maybe I should ditch this crowd and find people who actually appreciate me."

"The only people who would appreciate you are the hookers on the corner." Ashley snapped back, pressing the pads of her fingers against her temples. "Maybe you'll have some luck there."

"Someone's feisty tonight." He taunted the blonde, turning to me. "Wouldn't you agree, Savannah? Someone needs to buy this lady a drink. And I'm volunteering." He nudged her arm and she was quick to swat at the offending limb.

"I'll pass."

"You're missing out then."

"Cameron," Jace's voice held a warning, though I could even see the distant amusement he was hiding on his face.

"Sheesh, everyone's so serious. Look at this place! Let loose!" He clapped his hands together enthusiastically. "Brooke! You look like the type to let loose!"

"Should I be offended?" Brooke dryly question, arching a perfectly-plucked brow at the boy. "Because it sounds like I should be."

"And I thought you were the cool one." Cameron sniffed in her direction. "Savannah, where do you pick your friends?" Cameron smacked a hand to his forehead.

"I think someone's had a little bit too much to drink." Brooke muttered under her breath.

Riley chuckled, squeezing her side. "More like it's just his personality."

"Quite right, Buddy!" Cameron leaned over to tap Riley on the shoulder. "Unfortunately I'm completely sober. That'll change soon though. I saw this brunette chick on the way in and she was fine." He let out a low whistle under his breath.

"Ugh," My face molded into a disgusted expression.

"No worries, Savannah. You're my first choice. What do you say?" Cameron wiggled his brows at me.

"She says no." Jace snapped. "Go away."

"I second that!" Ashley raised her hand, looking excited at the prospect of that idea.