CHAPTER 1 7

Audrey's Pov

I disengaged my arm from Xander's and walked towards the door, just like I predicted Amelia was there arguing with our guards and my father looked exhausted in their midst.

“What is going on here?” I asked and they diverted their attention towards me, Amelia's jaw dropped while her mother scowled.

“Audrey my dear, you look lovely” My father complimented with a smile on his wrinkled face, I gestured for them to let him pass and was a bit annoyed with them for denying my father access to my own party.

“Care to explain why my father was outside?” I glare at the head of the security, “He was allowed in but those two with him didn't have an invite, they refused to let him in saying they were coming with him” He explained.

I guess my invite got lost in the mail or my assistant didn't care to send it to them, she dislikes Amelia and I understand she didn't want her at my party.

“Let them in, they are already creating a scene” I look back at our audience, Xander did a good job at ordering his staff to increase the volume of the music.

“So this is what you do with your spare time” Amelia huffed as she passed me while I completely ignored her jab I went to take my father's hand.

“Come with me, I have a lot to show you” I smiled at him and I noticed his hand was trembling slightly, “Are you alright Dad?” I asked and he nodded.

Xander approached us with his business associates and they greeted my father, he was one of the most influential men in this city so they bowed in respect.

“It's good to see you father-in-law.” Xander extended his hand for a handshake but instead, my father pulled him into a hug.

“Thank you for taking care of my daughter, she looks happier with you and she is glowing” He teased and I blushed as Xander chuckled at his comment.

“It's my responsibility to make her happy, I assure you that she is in safe hands,” Xander remarked with his hand on his chest, “Oh you don't need to convince me, seeing is believing and so far she looks healthy and beautiful, so I trust that it will remain that way,” My father said and I wished I could disappear.

Xander winked at me while I rolled my eyes, “Can I steal her away for a moment alone?” He asked and my father released his hand from mine and put my palm on Xander's earning a chuckle from the latter.

“Thank you, father” He bowed and Eric waved off beaming at him for referring to him as his father, I cleared my throat as he pulled me away from my father and he diverted his attention towards me.

“Got something you want to say to me, love?” He arched his brows, “No, just wondering how you are so good at acting” I replied and he chuckled.

“Who says I was acting, we are married and your father can also be my father, but unfortunately I don't like your stepmother so she doesn't count as family,” He said in a serious tone and I burst into laughter.

“You are so funny, has anyone ever told you that?”

“No, cause you are the only one I make jokes with the others are not that relevant enough” He replied and I believed him.

While he is playful and flirty with me, he is the complete opposite to other people.

He hardly smiles at them and he is always so cold and calculating, but with me he is different.

“I see Amelia made it,” He said with an unreadable expression on his face, “Yes, and she is here to watch us I think. She hasn't looked away from you since she got in” I frowned at this the need to stake a claim was overwhelming at the moment.

What the heck is wrong with me?

“We should join the dance” He suggested and I snapped out of my thoughts, taking his hand he led me to the dance floor.

I placed my hand on hand on his shoulder and he held my waist in a soft but firm grip, we slowed danced to the music and I avoided eye contact as much as possible.

I could feel his intense gaze on me but I decided to focus on my enemy's gaze, I smirked as Amelia frowned at me it was obvious that she was boiling with rage.

Her mother on the other hand was nowhere in sight, I gasped when Xander pulled me closer forcing me to look at him.

“Have I told you how stunning you look tonight?” He whispered and I scoffed trying to act like I wasn't affected by his touch.

“Yes, and you cleaned up nice too. Next time I will dress you up in a purple suit” I blurted out before I realized that came out wrong.

“I would love it if you dressed me up, I wouldn't mind you putting your hands on me even if I end up wearing a hideous suit” He quipped and I laughed.

“Sure, you would like that” I smiled at him and blinked when he leaned in closing the distance between us.

The music stopped suddenly and I took a step backward wondering what was going on, then Zachary walked in with a mic in his hands.

“That useless jerk” Xander seethed in anger while his brother smirked at us.

“Happy Birthday Audrey, can you guys believe that we used to be together until my brother stole her away from me. I'm pretty sure she was the one who jumped at him but I wouldn't blame her after all he is a Clarkson” He chuckled and my eyes widened as his voice echoed in the speakers.