Chapter 47

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Jace couldn't find his words as he placed the glass on the counter and walked to her, his gaze locked with hers.
"What's wrong is I'm going to spend all night warding off men," he said, "You look absolutely gorgeous."

He reached up and brushed her hair over her shoulder letting his hand wander down her back and finally settle it on the small of her waist.
"I'm already having a hard trying to keep my hands to myself."

Ariana felt the heat from his hand on her back travel up her spine and she clenched her jaw trying not to react to it. His fingers dug a little deeper into her back making her even more aware of his hand on her.

"When I pictured you all dressed up in my head you looked perfect. But now that you're standing here, I just..." He sighed, "...my thoughts pale in comparison."

Ariana couldn't understand her feelings. The way Jace looked at her was hypnotising, it almost made her light-headed. She placed her hand on his chest and smiled.
"We're going to be late."

Ariana pushed him away lightly and Jace smiled knowing she still wasn't used to getting compliments from him. He took her hand in his and walked to the door letting Ariana walk beside him as she glanced at the hands.

"You're going to have to start getting used to receiving compliments."

"I see no reason why."

"Because you'll be getting a helluva lot of them from me."

Jace set the security alarm before they walked out and towards the limo.

"Evening sir. Ma'am." Marvis held the door open as they approached,

"Marvis, it's Ari," Ariana frowned, "How many times do you want us to go over that?"

Marvis smiled,
"You're Mrs. Black now."

"I'm still Ari."

"I've got it Marvis." Jace got the door and Marvis went around to the driver's seat while Ariana glanced at Jace.

"Darlin'." Jace smiled before she got in.

He got in after her before Marvis headed out of the compound.

Ariana looked out of the window on the way to the venue and sighed, Jace looked at her.

"Are you okay?"

Ariana turned to look at him and nodded,
"Yea. Just...be careful tonight, there are people still after you."

"I know, and I'll be fine," He took her hand and smiled, "I've got you."

She glanced down at her hand in his, on his leg. Jace reached out with his other hand and put it on her chin to lift her gaze to his.

"And you've got me."

Ariana's heart jumped in her chest at the thought of Jace getting hurt because of her.
"Promise me you won't do anything crazy."

Jace knew what she was asking and he nodded,
"I promise." He promised because protecting her wasn't termed crazy in his books.

When they arrived at the venue, Marvis pulled up at the perfect spot and went around to open the door. Jace stepped out and held out his hand for Ari. She looked at him before she placed her hand in his and stepped out of the car. Marvis shut the door and drove off and Jace placed Ariana's hand in the crook of his arm. The flashes were already going off before they walked hand in hand towards the entrance. The shouts from the paparazzi got louder when they walked down the carpet.

Jace stopped when they reached half of the way down the carpet, he bent to whisper in Ariana's ear when she looked up at him.
"One picture. Charlotte would go nuts if she doesn't see a good picture on the morning paper."

He pulled back just in time to see her nod and they turned to the flashing lights and smiled. Ariana's trying really hard to keep the fakest smile on her lips for a few moments before Jace turned and they headed inside.

They walked into the large ballroom with chandeliers hanging from the centre of ever square feet of the room. Jace felt Ariana stiffen beside him.

"Are you alright?" He looked at her.

"There are so many people."

"It's the party of the season."

"Bridget said the same thing," She smiled, "And who would dare miss the Black's party?"

Jace smiled at her sarcastic rhetorical question before they walked further into the room as Ariana started to not just see but feel gazes on them as they walked deeper into the crowd. There was a large bar at left side where most people were gathered. Waiters and waitresses moved around with trays of champagne filled glasses.

They had to stop a few times to greet a few people and Jace felt Ariana stiffen up even more at every encounter, every conversation, so when he saw anyone approaching him, he just gave them a curt nod and kept walking.

"Jace."

Jace stopped and turned to see Mr. Philips, his dad's old friend, the company's old and important client.

"Mr. Philips, it's good having you here tonight to celebrate with us." They shook hands,

"It's due time." His wife on his arm smiled,

"Good having you here too, Mrs. Philips." Jace leaned in and air-kissed her on both cheeks,

"Won't miss my boy's big celebration," She smiled, "Congratulations on the deal."

"Thank you," He glanced at Ariana, "This is Ariana, my wife."

"I'll be damned," Mr. Philips shifted his gaze to Ariana with a huge smile on his face, "Never thought I'd live to see this day."

Ariana smiled at the couple.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Philips."

"Nice to meet you too dear." Mrs. Philips said,

"Your father would be proud." Mr. Phillips said to Jace,

"Thank you," Jace gave a curt nod, "Please, enjoy the party."

"We sure will." He said and they moved on.

"They seem sweet."

"They are." Jace smiled at her still in awe of how beautiful she looked.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you would please gather in the hall, we'll begin the program shortly." A woman's voice came through the built-in speakers.

Everyone began to head towards the large double doors on the opposite side of the ballroom. Everyone so gracefully and unhurriedly headed to the hall which was dimly lit with yellow chandelier lights instead of white like the one in the ballroom. Round tables were arranged perfectly around the large room. The tables had number cards on them and there were stewards directing the guests to their tables.

"Charlotte did an amazing job." Ariana said,

"She did."

Ariana went where Jace led and soon they were headed up front and centre.

A woman came on stage, mic in hand.
"Please kindly find your seats."

They reached table four which was in the middle table in front.

"Here," Jace pulled out a chair for her.

"Thank you." Ariana sat down and Jace took the seat on her right.

Ariana glanced at the stage to see the live band were getting settled as well.

"Well, hello?"

Jace and Ariana turned to find Charlotte and Ariana got up when Jace did.

"Charlotte, you look lovely." Jace hugged her,

"Thank you. How are you?"

"Good. You?"

"Great now that I've seen you." Her gaze shifted to Ariana who stood behind him.

"Charlotte, this is Ariana."

"It's so nice to finally meet you." Ariana reached out her hand,

"Nice to meet you too." Charlotte said, hesitant about shaking her hand but did anyway. "You're that girl I saw on T.V. with Jace."

"Charlotte," Jace called warningly,

"I wouldn't know."

"You got the paparazzi away from him."

"Oh, that would be me then." Ariana smiled,

"So, why are you here?"

"Charlotte!" Jace scolded quietly to avoid making a scene.

Ariana just smiled and said nothing. She wasn't going to get into it with Jace's step-mum in public.

"Let's have our seats." Jace held back everything he wanted to say and decided to save it for later,

"Of course." Charlotte smiled and took the seat on the other side of Jace.

Jace helped Ariana back into her seat before he sat back down glaring at Charlotte once more before he shifted his attention back to the stage when the speaker welcomed everyone.

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