Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 37

As evening fell, the harbor was bathed in spun gold. The sun dipped toward the horizon, its fading light washing the port in warm hues and setting the clouds ablaze in brilliant crimson.

At exactly six o'clock, the massive ship blew its horn and undocked.

The gala was hosted on the top deck, seamlessly extending outside where guests could watch the coastline fade away. Though dinner hadn't formally begun, the hall was already packed.

Nursing a glass of champagne, Audrina stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the dark waters.

Willow slumped over, looking totally miserable. "I'm doomed! Once this trip is over, there's no escaping the nightmare of blind dates!"

She gestured vaguely at the crowd. "Look at them. It's a room full of absolute duds—"

Her complaint died abruptly in her throat.

Audrina followed her gaze.

Sebastian was just walking through the main entrance.

He wore an impeccably tailored charcoal suit over a crisp white shirt, his tie knotted with brutal precision.

The light from the crystal chandeliers washed over him, highlighting the sharp, commanding lines of his broad shoulders.

His long, powerful strides carried him effortlessly into the room.

Perhaps it was the freezing indifference in his eyes, or simply his overwhelming aura, but the crowd instinctively parted to let him through.

Audrina's gaze lingered on him a fraction of a second longer than intended.

The infuriating man.

He really was devastatingly handsome.

Willow sucked in a sharp breath beside her ear. "Holy shit."

She immediately came to a conclusion. "Is he just bad on camera? Because he looked incredibly hot on TV, but he is absurdly gorgeous in person!"

A second later, Willow completely wiped the awe from her face and looked away.

"What's wrong?" Audrina cast her a sideways glance.

"Nothing," she said, staring straight ahead. "I just heard the guy's basically made of ice. I don't want frostbite. Oh, right, I watched that interview. Drina, how did you survive the absolute zero temperatures?"

Audrina couldn't help the smirk that tugged at her lips.

Ice?

He was nothing but searing heat every time he had his hands on her...

The ballerinas, led by Vera, rose on their toes, their delicate silhouettes twirling beautifully to the melody.

Zachary really had zero shame—sneaking a hookup right before the grand event.

He slid an arm around her waist. "All sorted. Let's head over there—"

"I should go check on Waldo," she interjected with a smile, smoothly stepping out of his embrace.

Reaching out, she casually adjusted his collar for him. "It's a big night. Take it easy on the drinks. I'll be right back."

"Alright."

He watched her walk away, only pulling his eyes off her when she vanished into the crowd.

As soon as he turned around, he found Sebastian approaching with a glass in hand.

"Sebastian," he greeted with a polite grin. "Things were a bit hectic earlier. I didn't get a chance to say hello."

Sebastian stopped in front of him, his dark eyes instantly locking onto the exposed skin of Zachary's neck.

When Audrina had "adjusted" his collar, she had deliberately folded it back, putting the vibrant red mark on full display.

Was that from her, or from Vera?