Page 88 of Protected
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“We’ll talk later. Just get your ass in the car and behave.”
She breathed a sigh of relief as she ended the call. She had gotten away with her brief escape, for now. She would figure out how to tell him about it later.
When the event was over a half hour later, Darci and Jim rode with security back to the office where she spent the rest of the day in a pleasant mood. A little adventure was all she needed, even if she was potentially facing Peter’s wrath, and probably Bradley’s too.
• • •
At five o’clock, Bradley left his office. He wasn’t done working by any means, but tonight, the senator and some of the other members of his staff were attending a benefit as part of a 'clean up the senator’s fuck-up' effort. Darci was coming with him. Knowing she would have face time with his boss made him nervous, but he was looking forward to showing her off as his girl. It wasn’t possible to know how Atleigh would react to him dating someone from the ACSL, but he couldn’t worry about that now. It was time to put on a tux and enjoy an evening with Darci.
He knew she was disappointed about missing an important event today because of security concerns. His threat to show up at her office this morning hadn’t been an idle one, but he understood her frustration. So tonight, it was important to him to show her an extra enjoyable time.
They only had a little time to get ready and head to the venue. It was a black-tie affair as were most of the evening fund raisers he attended. The daytime ones tended to be a little more dressed down, but at night the who’s who of D.C. put on their finest and partied until late, even in the middle of the work week, all in the name of raising money for a politician or a cause.
An hour and a half later they were in the back of a town car. He thought Darci looked exceptionally beautiful tonight in her sexy gray cocktail dress. Her hair was pulled back, but a few curls still framed her pretty face. He liked that she didn’t wear a lot of make-up. She didn’t need it. Her skin was flawless, and her eyes popped without the help of heavy eye makeup.
Currently, he was resisting the urge to make out with her like a teenager in the backseat. Instead, he held her hand and caressed it gently with his thumb. She seemed in better spirits than she had been this morning. “Thanks for coming with me tonight, baby. And for getting my people tickets.”
Leaning up, she kissed him on the cheek. “You’re welcome.”
They spent the rest of the ride in silence. Once inside the venue, they left their coats at coat check and began mingling. Darci immediately spotted people she needed to say hello to and excused herself from his side. There were always a few people at these events that you were obligated to shake hands with, but sometimes that was easier with a drink, so Bradley headed to the bar after he watched Darci walk away. He didn’t feel so bad about letting her roam freely here.
Along with their own security detail, there were dozens of other bodyguards floating throughout the crowd and perimeter, because in D.C. nearly everyone needed security. It was a grim thought, because it mostly meant that they had all pissed someone off at one point or another. But tonight, it gave them the ability to relax. He found a spot near the bar and watched her flit about the room. She was a natural in a crowd. Watching her was fun. The first hour or so of the party would be mingling and cocktails followed by dinner. After dinner, a DJ would turn it into a dance party.
He took a drink from the bar and mingled. He was never a natural the way Darci seemed to be, but over the years he had gotten better at hiding it. His own staff was arriving, so he said hello and instructed them to mingle and make friends. The senator would come closer to dinner.
He finished up a conversation and looked around the room for his girl. When he spotted her, he couldn’t help but smile. She was standing near the entrance talking animatedly with another woman he didn’t recognize. After approaching, he placed his hand gently on her arm to let her know he was there and stood back to let her finish her conversation.
While she was still talking, Bradley scanned the entrance for people he knew. He was still waiting for Adara to arrive.
Just then he spotted her in a flattering red dress. He grinned when he saw who was on her arm. The tall detective looked a bit uncomfortable in a suit, but he was smiling fondly at Adara, and she looked happy. He greeted them.
“Detective, a pleasant surprise seeing you here.” He shook the other man’s hand firmly and turned to Adara and winked at her.
“Hope you don’t mind me bringing a date, boss. These things are no fun solo.”
“Of course, Adara. I’m just glad you could make it.”
At that moment Darci came rushing up to them. “Michael. What the fuck are you doing here?” Bradley cringed.
“Darci, is that any way to greet someone in a place like this?” he asked. His reprimand made her frown.
“Sorry, Michael. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
He laughed. “It was kind of last minute. Do you know my date?” he asked, motioning to Adara.
Darci smiled. “We’ve spoken a time or two. It’s lovely to see you outside the office, Miss Kent.” Bradley was glad she wasn’t letting their past differences show.
The assistant smiled. “Please call me Adara. I hope you don’t mind that I’m using your good friend as arm candy.”
Darci giggled and leaned in to whisper. “I’ve used him for arm candy a time or two, so I understand.”
Michael cleared his throat. “I’m standing right here, ladies.”
Darci grinned and kissed his cheek. “And you look mighty fine doing it. Have fun tonight you two.” The couple went to mingle with some of Adara’s friends. Darci turned to someone trying to say hello to her and Bradley watched, amused at the way she bounced from person to person. A moment later he saw Jim Perkins heading their way.
“Mr. Givens. Nice to see you here tonight.” Bradley shook Jim’s outstretched hand as Darci turned her attention to them. “Hi, Darci. Thanks for showing up at the luncheon after all today. It was a tremendous help,” Jim said. Bradley turned and glared at Darci but didn’t say anything.
