Chapter 7 - Unspoken Bonds
The remainder of the day was spent transforming Emma Brooks into the most formidable woman in Chicago high society.
A team of top stylists, tailors, and language coaches arrived at the estate under Martha’s strict supervision. But Emma didn't need coaching on etiquette; what she had was natural grace and a street-smart intuition that no finishing school could teach.
By evening, Emma stood before the full-length mirror in the master dressing suite.
She wore a breathtaking emerald-green silk gown with an asymmetrical neckline that draped elegantly over her shoulders, flowing down to the floor with a subtle slit. The diamond teardrop pendant sparkled at her collarbone. Her auburn hair was swept up in an intricate, modern chignon, accentuating the delicate line of her neck and her wide, expressive hazel eyes.
A soft tap sounded at the door.
Adrian stepped inside.
He was dressed in a custom midnight-blue tuxedo with satin lapels that broadened his powerful shoulders. When his eyes landed on Emma, he froze in his tracks.
For several long moments, the man who controlled half the state’s commerce stood completely motionless, his breath visibly catching in his chest.
Emma felt her cheeks warm under his intense scrutiny. She signed with a playful smile:
Do I pass inspection, Mr. Voss?
Adrian walked toward her slowly. He stopped inches away, his gray eyes shining with an emotion so raw and powerful it took Emma’s breath away.
He lifted his hands and signed with poetic precision:
You look like a queen who has come to claim her throne.
Emma’s heart fluttered wildly. Adrian reached out and adjusted the diamond pendant at her throat, his fingers lingering against her warm skin for a beat longer than necessary.
He then showed her a small gold signet ring on his pinky finger. Inside the ring was a hidden panic trigger connected directly to his tactical team.
He signed:
Tonight, Nolan’s primary co-conspirator, Councilman Thomas Sterling, will announce a city audit of our docks. Marco Moretti will be sitting at the head table. When Sterling steps to the podium, I will hand you a dossier. You will read the evidence aloud to the entire room.
I will be your voice, Emma signed.
May you like
And I will be your shield, Adrian replied.
He offered her his arm. Emma slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. As they walked down the grand marble staircase together toward the waiting armored limousine, Emma knew that the broke waitress who had stepped into a dark SUV twenty-four hours ago was gone forever.
