He slowly released me to the sound of applause. I turned to see Leo and Gabe clapping enthusiastically. Bastian flushed slightly, but not near as much as I did. I turned bright red all the way down to my toes. Bastian on the other hand, seemed to swell with pride.
“You are wonderful, you know that right?” I said quietly as we stepped from the landing. He smiled wide. “Why didn't you tell me what this was all for?”
“And risk not seeing the expression on your face right now?” he asked, raising his eyebrows and grinning.
“You're wonderful,” I repeated, meaning it completely.
“Save me a dance?” he asked, as someone came up to his elbow, anxious to speak with him about his donation. I nodded and his eyes sparkled. I couldn't wait for my dance. He kissed my cheek one last time before turning to talk with his guests.
A camera phone light flashed in my face as the crowd dispersed. Standing at the base and taking a selfie with me and Bastian in the background was Chad and his friends. I nearly threw my champagne glass at him, but that would have been a waste of good champagne.
“I'll send this little gem of a picture to Ava,” I heard Chad inform his friends. Diamond-necklace woman was gone. “Show her just what that billionaire thinks of her. Minute she's off the island, he's got some hussy model hanging all over him. Ava will come crawling back to me with her father's business tucked between her legs.”
The two men with him in matching cheap suits laughed. Bastian turned from the man he had been talking with to see my face crumple. I finally understood what Chad had seen in me. He had seen my father's business. That's why he had kept trying to win me back. He hadn't loved me at all.
Bastian's eyes darkened and lightning flashed through them. Chad had told him we were engaged. Chad was a dead man.
Bastian caught Chad's shoulder and spun him around, pinning him to the staircase railing with Bastian's fist wrapped around Chad's bargain-bin tie. With the two of them together, Bastian dominated Chad physically. I had never thought of Chad as small, but he had nothing compared to Bastian.
“Mr. B... B... Belrose,” Chad stammered, his face draining of color. He had definitely not been expecting Bastian to have overheard his comment. Several guests were turning to look at what the commotion was and I could see Elijah coming out of the shadows. “I didn't mean any insult to you sir... I...”
“But you did mean offense to her?” Bastian growled, tightening his grip. The scar on his cheek had gone white with rage. I hope he had control of his temper, but part of me hoped that he would just deck Chad. Maybe even break his nose. “You lied to me.”
Chad's eyes were getting bigger by the second and flashing around the room to search for help. His two friends had instantly abandoned him. Diamond-necklace was long gone. Chad's eyes met mine, first asking for assistance and then slowly filling with recognition.
“Ava?” Chad squeaked, looking me up and down in shock. I guessed he couldn't believe that I could look like this.
“Hi, Chad.” My stomach was in knots, but for the first time, I wasn't going to back down. I didn't need Chad. I didn't need him or what he thought of me. I had myself. And now I had Bastian. I took a bold step forward. “Crawling back with my father's business between my legs, huh? I am so glad I dumped your ass when I did, you two-timing cheater. I actually pity you.”
Bastian released Chad's jacket, smoothing it out and giving him a snide smile. Much of the crowd was staring and listening to every word. Bastian didn't need to hit Chad. I had just hit Chad in the worst possible way. His pride.
Bastian wrapped his arm around me, clearly signifying that I was with him. That I was good enough for him. I was good enough for a billionaire. It made me hold my head up high. And everyone now knew it.
Chad stupidly opened his mouth, thinking he would say something clever, but Bastian saw it coming. He lunged, just moving his massive shoulders forward and not even moving his feet, but enough to give the threat of attack. Chad yelped and cowered against the banister while the crowd laughed.
“Shall we, Ava, my love?” Bastian asked loudly, holding out his arm for me to take. “I'd like to introduce you to Jack Saunders and his wife. I saw them in the drawing room and I know they'd love to meet you.”
“That sounds wonderful, dear,” I cooed, knowing that Chad would be crying at this missed opportunity. Not only was I dating a billionaire, but he was introducing me to his billionaire friends. How was that for not good enough?
My skirts swooshed against the marble tiles as Bastian led me out of the room. I walked like a princess, finally letting myself feel like one. Bastian treated me like a princess because I deserved to be treated like one.
“The lunge wasn't too much, was it?” Bastian asked as we rounded the corner into what I thought was the drawing room.
“Not at all,” I told him, kissing his cheek. He must have shaved right before the party as he still smelled of his aftershave cream. “I thought it was perfect.”
Bastian smoothed the stray strand of hair away from my face. His eyes were soft and full of love just for me. Everyone else in the room melted away. “You're perfect,” he whispered. “I'm so glad your here.”
“Me too.” I beamed up at him. He smiled back and kissed me, soft and sweet, but full of promise. For a moment I wondered if one of the upstairs rooms were empty...
“Bastian!” A masculine voice called out and Bastian released me from his kiss. “Great party.”
Bastian looked over at the voice and smiled before turning back to me. “Now, I'd like you to come meet Jack and Emma.”
“For real?” I asked. I had been sure the offer had been just meant as one more parting blow to Chad. “I get to meet Jack and Emma Saunders?”
“Yes,” Bastian answered. He shook his head like I was asking if we were having wine later. He had every intention of introducing me to his billionaire friends.
“Just one more question,” I said, pulling on his sleeve. Bastian stopped and waited. “How late is this party supposed to go tonight?”
He grinned, joy bubbling in his eyes. “Until after sunrise, my love.”
Epilogue
It's dark outside. The stars twinkle and the gray promise of dawn has started. The sun will rise in exactly 9 minutes. I know this because I have had the hour and minute circled on my calendar for the past six months.
“Your mother would be so proud of you,” Dad whispers. He's said it at least fifty times already today, and a thousand more yesterday, but I still smile. I wish she could have been here for this. There is an ache in my heart for her, but I know that she's here in spirit. She wouldn't have missed today for the world.