Suddenly the thought of having sex with a stranger wasn’t quite as daunting anymore. She’d do him anytime. God, she sounded like a hussy in her own mind. What had happened to the reserved and cautious woman she normally was? Had she turned into Holly already?

Sabrina was still absorbed in her thoughts when he returned from the bedroom, now wearing a matching jacket, making him look like he’d just stepped out of a fashion photo shoot. Why was a mortal allowed to look this good? Were the Gods messing with her?

“I’ll fill you in on the way.” Daniel took her arm and led her to the door. The feel of his hand on her naked skin sent warm tingles rippling through her body.

“Where are we going?”

“To a reception at the Fairmont.”

As they made their way to the Fairmont Hotel, the famous hotel that had survived the 1906 earthquake, and which was located just across the street from the Mark Hopkins, he gave her more information.

“You’ll be accompanying me to an important business reception. I’ll introduce you as my girlfriend.” He glanced at her and smiled. Walking next to him, she could smell his masculine scent. It was intoxicating.

“Will people believe that? Surely, they know whether or not you have a girlfriend.” Her question about a potential girlfriend had nothing to do with the fact that she was skeptical about his plan. She was curious about the answer, which it seemed he didn’t want to give.

“Don’t worry. Nobody knows anything about my private life. They're all business acquaintances. So, here’s your job for tonight: stay by my side, flirt with me, and if we do get separated and you see me talking to any woman under forty, rescue me.”

“Rescue you?” Sabrina gave him a surprised look from the side. God, his profile was stunning.

Daniel laughed softly. “Yes, and that’s your most important job for tonight. I don’t want any of these eligible single women digging their claws into me thinking they can … Well, anyway, if any of them come too close, you need to jump in and assert your claim on me. Make sure they know you mean business.”

Sabrina laughed. “Any preference on how I should assert my claim?” She had a few ideas herself but didn’t want to be presumptuous.

The look Daniel gave her was searing hot, unless she’d completely lost her mind and projected onto him what she wanted to see. “An intimate touch always works wonders, trust me. And any appropriate terms of endearment will be appreciated too.”

“I’m sure I can come up with something.”

His eyes locked with hers. “I’m positive you can.”

At the door to the hall where the reception was being held at, they stopped. “I should hold your hand when we go in there.”

She swallowed hard. “Of course.”

When he took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, a bolt of lightning shot through her body. She was surprised at herself. Never had a simple touch by a man had such a profound effect on her.

The hall was busy. Sabrina estimated that over a hundred well-dressed people were in attendance. Waiters circulated with platters of canapés and trays of champagne. While there were certainly many women in attendance, there was an overwhelming number of men dressed in dark suits, some looking more bored than others. Lawyers, for sure. She recognized the type.

Daniel pulled her with him as they made their way through the crowd to the back of the room. He gave off an air of confidence and determination, as if this were his backyard.

“Ah, there you are. We were wondering when you’d show.” A distinguished gentleman in his late fifties stopped them.

“Martin. Nice to see you again.” Daniel stretched out his hand and shook Martin’s.

“May I introduce my wife? Nancy, this is Daniel Sinclair, the man who’s buying us out.”

The petite woman on Martin’s arm smiled broadly and shook Daniel’s outstretched hand. “Such a pleasure to finally meet you,” she chirped while she glanced at Sabrina.

“Likewise. I suppose you’ll see much more of Martin once this deal is finalized.”

Nancy nudged her husband in the ribs and rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me. He’s going to drive me crazy spending so much time at home.”

Her husband returned a loving smile. “She’s just joking. In reality, she can’t wait to have me spend more time with her. But enough about us.” Martin’s eyes rested on Sabrina. “Daniel, would you introduce us to your companion?”

“My apologies. Martin, Nancy, this is Holly, my fiancée.”