Chapter 26
The sun was slowly setting when Zoe arrived at the banquet venue. The Adler Planetarium, with its modern shape overlooking Lake Michigan and the amazing skyline of Chicago as a backdrop, it was easy to see why Archer had selected the place. The host had left early to check the final preparations and Gabrielle had arranged for her to be dropped off by one of the private chauffeurs hired by Purgatory for the night. Kai and Lance would be there as close security and Gabrielle was nearby, coordinating the rest of the team as well as the video and audio.
As her car arrived in a well-synchronized ballet by the entrance, Zoe felt like a fish out of water. When she started to get ready, Gabrielle brought her a dress that Archer had chosen for the occasion. Scared of the fit for her curvy figure, Zoe was once again stunned by how it fit her body. The midnight blue dress flowed in asymmetrical waves over her legs, with a daring slit revealing her thigh when she walked. The ruched neckline bared her left shoulder. A faint dusting of crystals swirled from under her cleavage and faded into the bottom hem. Gabrielle helped her curl and gather her hair into a messy bun, fitting it with crystal-star pins. Long swirls of delicate stars adorned her ears.
Even if the woman who was fast becoming a friend declared she looked stunning, it was awkward for Zoe, who was more used to camouflage patterns and flack jackets than silk and diamonds. Holding her jeweled clutch like a lifeline, when the chauffeur opened the door, helping her out, she was welcomed with warm evening air over her skin. Everything seemed so bright, so vivid, and she wondered if her contact lenses did that trick.
Before she could decide where to go, she recognized Kai coming to her side, offering his arm. Graciously, she wrapped hers around it, grateful for a friendly face in an unknown crowd. Squeezing her hand, she lifted her gaze to him.
“May I tell you how beautiful you look tonight, Zoe.”
A quick look around, she saw models passing by. “Thank you for the compliment. I don’t think I will ever fit in with this kind of crowd.”
Slowly, the tall bodyguard steered her inside. “With your courage, your heart and aptitude to put yourself in danger, I have to say that you’re worth ten of those Barbie dolls around us. And if you have your superhero underwear on right now, you’re also the most unique of the bunch.”
Being his outrageous self, Kai made her laugh out loud as they entered, gazes turning in their direction. The main event was in the solarium and rooftop of the Planetarium. The place was bustling with the cream of Chicago society. Money flowed, and it was a way for Archer to get Blackwood Energies launched officially in the city.
Kai escorted her to the rooftop area, filled with people already. Waiters were gliding by, serving champagne. Later, they would start offering appetizers and finger food, the best the city had to offer, no doubt. The view was breathtaking as the sky now turned into the most wonderful burst of pinks.
“Zoe, listen well, you are never to be alone, do you hear me? Under no circumstances.” Kai’s voice was low and hard. There was no possibility of discussing it with him. She nodded, and he seemed only partly satisfied by the answer, but let it go. From what she could gather during the day, Zoe wondered if the number of bodyguards, official and in disguise, wouldn’t outnumber the number of guests.
For now, her cell phone was blessedly silent. The only reason it would ring was a call from Finch, or one from Beatrice telling her that Lucas was safe, sound and protected. For the time being, she was still one of Archer’s assistants, and had to act like it. And mingle. Bracing herself, Zoe turned and saw him. Archer. He was near the edge of the rooftop, Chicago at his back, appearing all mighty in his well-tailored tuxedo, and only looking at her. Letting go of Kai, she took one step, then another, and before she realized it her feet were moving toward him. It was magnetic, and in that very instant, she was alone with him. There was no longer any threat or danger, only him.
“Mr. Blackwood.”
The twinkle of the last rays of sunlight played over his face, turning his eyes into molten mercury.
“Miss Somersby, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. A vision bringing me to my knees.”
His voice was low and so warm. Although he kept his distance, his energy spoke volumes.
Ignoring her hormones, she turned. “It’s packed out, I think the launch of Blackwood Energies in Chicago is a success.”
Archer encompassed the crowd, rather detached. “We’ll see. Business is treacherous. Clean energies are a gamble here, but if we succeed, we will make a real difference.”
Zoe nodded and, as a waiter passed by, Archer grabbed two flutes of champagne, handing one to her.
“All you need to do is complete the sale, although I suspect it’s already done.”
A rare feat, her words seemed to surprise him. It was but for a second, and because Zoe knew his face a little better. To the outsider, he almost appeared indifferent while talking to her.
“Why would you say that?”
“Well, tell me why you didn’t organize a formal negotiation session with Al-Aamri? And you seemed a bit friendlier, less on guard. Am I wrong?”
Not a single word came from him, but there was no need to. A smile on her lips, she took another sip of champagne and turned to walk away as a man and his wife came to introduce themselves to Archer. Point made!
Her eyes scanned the crowd, and she spotted Anton Vasiliev with a stunning blonde. As Finch was nowhere to be found, she decided to greet him even if it brought mixed emotions inside her.
As soon as he saw her, the Russian’s face split into an immense grin. “Ah, this is the beautiful Miss Somersby.” He took her hand and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Such a pleasure to see you tonight.”
Zoe thought he would introduce her to his companion, but by the look of boredom on her inexpressible face, she suspected it wasn’t his wife. He may be afraid of Maria, but he was still taking chances. Ignoring the woman, he turned to Zoe.
“An amazing evening. Archer Blackwood knows how to throw a party with class. I think it’s his sophisticated British side, don’t you think?”
“I wouldn’t know. It’s my first event with Blackwood Corporation. It’s a little bit over the top.”
Vasiliev laughed. “You’ll get used to it. This is our world, after all.”
