Page 37 of The Auction Block

I let out a genuine laugh. His eyes widen, his smile finally reaching his eyes. He removes his arm from around me, sliding his hand into mine, our fingers lacing together.

Just breathe, Lily, you'll be fine.

"I'd like to introduce you to some people. Think you can manage being lady-like for an hour?" He raises an eyebrow.

I shake my head at his audacity, a slight smile playing at my lips. "Of course, Mr. Mason."

"Blake," he snaps, and my eyes widen.

"Blake," I whisper.

I feel strange saying his first name. He's a mission, one I can't let become something more, but my world goes into chaos around him. I keep losing my train of thought, and feeling almost . . . shy, in a way. It's fucking annoying to say the least.

He leads me to a small crowd of people standing near the makeshift stage and stops in front of a beautiful, older couple, a tight smile directed at them.

"Carmen," he says leaning down to plant a kiss on her cheek. "Dad." He shakes the man's hand.

"Hey sweetie, isn't this a wonderful event? You must be so excited." She glances at me, her eyes widening.

"May I introduce my date? Lily, this is my father and stepmother. Carmen and Dr. James Mason."

James sticks his hand out, and reluctantly I shake it, willing my hand not to tremble. I repeat the same with Carmen.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I say in a low voice.

"Lily, how did you and Blake meet?" Carmen tilts her head to the side.

It's a good thing I'm quick witted and intelligent, and did my research on Blake before tonight.

"I work at the halfway house Blake runs," I say, squeezing his hand.

He stares at me, a shocked expression on his face. Thankfully, he recovers himself before his parents notice.

"Oh, are you an advocate of his campaign?"

"Yes, ma'am. Twenty-seven million slaves within the human trafficking trade is heart wrenching. Blake's effort to help them and bring the slave traders down is awe-inspiring. I couldn't imagine working for a better cause."

"Lily's very knowledgeable when it comes to the inner workings of human trafficking. Her efforts are helping us locate more auctions than we ever might have without her," Blake says, gazing at me . . . a hint of . . . something in his eyes.

"What area do you practice in, Dr. Mason?" I try to be polite, though I know all this information already.

"Psychiatry. I'm a leading therapist at Sheppard Pratt."

"What about you, Mrs. Mason?"

She moves next to me, slipping her arm around mine. "I'm a judge at the Circuit Court in Towson."

Blake squeezes my other hand. We move to the closest table and she lets go of me, walking to sit opposite us. I sigh in relief.

Blake releases me, and pulls a chair out for me to sit in.

"Are you okay?" he whispers, leaning toward me as he sits down. I nod. "If you need a breather at any point, let me know."

"Okay. Thank you, Blake."

He smiles, his eyes sad as he gazes at me. "You're welcome, Lily, and thank you for coming tonight. You look sensational, completely breathtaking."

Blake Mason has got game, that's for damn sure.I blush, looking down at my hands.