She turned and gasped softly. The man standing besides her was tall. She was five eight, but he was at least three inches taller. He had broad shoulders and a muscular physique that gave him a strong, powerful look. His face was handsome with dark brooding eyes, and a strong chiseled jaw. He stared at her with those eyes and she felt as if he could see through her clothes.
"You look surprised?" He continued, "Don't you see everyone staring at you? You are probably the most beautiful woman in this room?"
"Thank you." Jenny stammered feeling embarrassed.
"You are a plus one? Or here on your own?"
"I am here on my own." She said wishing he would leave. He was making her uncomfortable and that was a new feeling for her, no one had ever made her uncomfortable.
"On your own? Are you one of his women?" The handsome stranger asked pointing to Adam Krasniqi.
"What? No! Never!" Jenny said angry that he should think such a thing.
"Sorry. I asked because I notice you keep glancing at him." The stranger said.
Oops! I am making it obvious, she thought, I have to be careful.
"I am just curious about him because he is the host." She explained.
"He is?" The stranger asked curiously.
"Yes. That is Adam Krasniqi. He is hosting the event, isn't he? And I was hoping to talk to him."
"Really?"
"Yes. I have some business ideas I know will interest him." She said thinking on her feet. "Do you have any idea how I can get past the bodyguards?"
The stranger smiled. "Are you an investor Miss.....?" His voice trailed off.
"Black. Ivy Black. And no I am not. I am a freelance antiquities consultant."
"Your name is as exotic as you are." He smiled. He took her hand in his and kissed it. It felt like someone had sent a bolt of electricity up her arm.
Pull yourself together Jenny! She told herself. Yes he is handsome, but that doesn't mean you should make a fool of yourself.
"Why not tell me the idea and I will find a way to get it to Mr. Krasniqi." He said.
His tone was smooth and commanding. She could tell he was a man used to being obeyed.
"This painting," Jenny said pointing to the one she was looking at, "It's one of the first paintings by Albanian's most famous painter. I am thinking it shouldn't be auctioned off like the rest. Iinstead let Mr. Krasniqi donate the proceeds to something charitable. It will win him support from the public and make him popular, which would be good for his business. Business' love doing business with popular people."
"How do you know the painting isn't a fake?" He asked sounding skeptical.
Smiling, Jenny told him why.
"How do you know so much about Albanian art and history?" He asked impressed.
"I have Albanian heritage." She said proudly.
As she had been talking she kept glancing at Adam. He was still laughing with his girlfriends, one was even sitting on his lap now. She also noticed a tall, bald man dressed in black leather, staring intently at her. She became anxious. Was he an innocent admirer or had she been made?
"You idea is really good. I will let Adam know. I am sure he will carry them out." The stranger said.
"You know him well?" Jenny asked trying to hide her interest.
"I do. You seem interested."
"I am just curious because he seems so mysterious."
"Dance with me and I will answer all your questions." He smiled.
Normally she would have said no, but there was something about this man that made it hard for her to refuse. She took his hand and he led her to the dance floor.
Their eyes were on each other as they moved around the dance floor. Jenny had a million questions she wanted to ask, but his masculine cologne and intense stare made her forgot about Adam. She was more interested in this handsome stranger she was dancing with.
"You are Albanian?" She asked softly.
"Yes. I was born and raised in the States but I go to Albania often. I've been there for about six months overseeing my business."
"What business is that?"
"Importing and exporting stuff."
"Do you work with Adam? I hear he is an importer too?" She asked remembering the business at hand.
"Yes. I do."
"What is he like?" She asked carefully.
He smiled slightly. "He is a good business man and very loyal to his family."
"I have heard he may be involved in criminal activity." She said carefully.
"Malicious rumors." He said dismissively.
"Is it true he is looking for a bride."
He laughed. "Maybe. He isn't married, are you?" He asked sounding slightly worried.
"No. I don't see a wedding ring, so I'm guessing you aren't either."
"I am not." He pulled her closer as the music got softer then buried his face in her hair. "You really are beautiful." He whispered.
His voice in her ear, and the closeness of their bodies made it impossible for her to say anything. She gasped softly as his mouth moved from her hair to her face.
"Are you okay?" He asked. His mouth was inches away from hers.
She didn't answer, she just stared at him as if he was hypnotizing her. Her mouth began to move closer to his, then they hear clapping and he pulled away.
The music had stopped and the M.C was talking.
"How about we have a drink tomorrow? 7pm at the Plum bar?" He said. "We can talk about art and you can learn more about Adam Krasniqi."
"Of course." She said struggling to breathe.
He kissed her hand again and moved away, an enigmatic smile on his face.
What is wrong with me? Jenny thought, angry with herself. I am here on a mission. So why am I am letting some strange man distract me? Jenny Mills would never have been this reckless. The sooner I stop being Ivy Black the better.
She glanced again at Adam. He was with only one girl now and there was no guard around him. She decided to take the risk and walk up to him.
Then she heard the MC say, "Ladies and gentlemen, our host, Adam Krasniqi would like to say a few words. Please a round of applause for him."
Damn there goes my chance! She thought. Then she froze in shock as the handsome stranger walked to the podium!