Free MasterofSilk by Gia Dawn Page A

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interruption from his bevy of admirers Isabella began to worry in earnest—especially
when she saw him reach for a second glass of champagne. Alcohol lowered blood
sugar and, especially if he hadn’t eaten, could pose a potentially dangerous
situation. With a frown she put her own dinner aside, stood and made him a
plate of food before carrying it over to where he was regaling the crowd with
another of his marvelous stories.
    “And then the djinn led the maiden by the hand—oh, good
evening, Isabella!” he said with a smile that took her breath away. “I did not
see you come in. You all know Dr. Isabella Seda.” He placed his hand at the
small of her back. “My most excellent physician.”
    She smiled and shook hands with several people, sticking
close to Zayne’s side, even as someone else moved in to capture his attention.
He was obviously having a marvelous time and by the checks she saw handed to
him on numerous occasions was doing an excellent job in garnering donations for
his cause.
    And while she didn’t want to be the pooper to his party
Isabella shook her head at the server who came to offer him another glass of
champagne, shoving the plate of food into his hands instead.
    “When did you eat?” she demanded, turning her head to
whisper in his ear.
    “Not too long ago,” he replied, snaking his arm around her
waist to pull her closer. “A late lunch. Do not worry.” He finally paid
attention to the plate in his hands. “This smells excellent. I will just go
stick my finger first.”
    Before she could utter a word in protest he handed her back
the food and made his way toward the bathroom but was stopped several times by
those eager to offer their congratulations or press another check into his
hand.
    Damn the man.
    Still, he finally managed to get to his destination and she
took a deep breath of relief when she saw him crossing the room toward her a
few moments later.
    “Eat.” She handed him the plate again. “Now.”
    “Of course, of course.” He took a few bites of roast beef
and steamed broccoli then followed them up with a couple of the cocktail shrimp
before he was waylaid again by another of his admirers.
    And while Isabella wanted to remain and make certain he
finished the entire plate of food a quick look at the clock told her it was
time to get ready for her performance. She slipped away while Zayne was
explaining to a potential donor his plans for the Saladar Center and why he had
decided to build in Charleston.
    It took very little time to grab her costume and enter via a
back exit, where she had been given a private room to change in. In less than
fifteen minutes Isabella had transformed herself into Silk, ready to give the
performance of her life.
    The bandleader saw her when she came up behind the stage.
With a nod he finished the song they were playing and stepped up to the
microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, please turn your attention to the stage and
give a great big round of applause for Silk!”
    As the beat picked up tempo she whirled into the spotlight,
hips bumping in perfect time to the rhythm, shoulders shimmying in invitation.
    The crowd clapped and roared their approval as she made her
way across the stage, letting the song settle into her soul. She loved to
dance, had loved it since she was a child. Isabella was swept away by the music
as it seeped into her muscles, forging a bond that took away all her self-doubt
and insecurities as she melded with the beat.
    She was beautiful. She was mysterious. She was the most
desirable woman in the world…and Zayne Saladar had better understand what he
would soon be missing.
    She looked for him as she swirled to the other side of the
stage, catching his eye as he smiled and made his way toward her, his hand
still holding the mostly full plate. The bastard hadn’t eaten anything at all,
she realized as she saw him stumble, try to take another step then fall to his
knees on the floor.
    Isabella sprinted, reaching him as he