Chapter 46

Chapter Forty-Six

Paul burst out from the supply closet, and Cien trailed behind him, her footsteps uneven and hurried. As she emerged into the hallway, her eyes quickly scanned the area, landing on Len, who was standing just a few feet away. His brow lifted in a silent question as his gaze shifted from the closet to where Paul was retreating.

“It’s not what you think,” she said quickly, trying to explain before he could jump to conclusions.

Len didn’t respond. Instead, he pivoted sharply on his heel and strode toward the private box without a word. Leo opened the door for Cien, silently ushering her inside. The booth was empty when she entered, and a wave of relief washed over her. Large gatherings and endless socializing were never her scene. She set her belongings down on one of the vacant chairs and moved toward the railing, peering out over the lively crowd below.

Voices buzzed with excitement, and to her right, she spotted the group she had just been mingling with. The horses were being led out onto the field, carefully transferred to the track ponies. As they were loaded into the starting gates, the crowd began to settle into their seats, anticipation thick in the air.

The race was mere minutes away from starting, yet she remained alone. Her mind wandered to Matteo—what could he possibly be doing? Why had he invited her if he had no intention of spending time with her? Was her presence here purely professional? But if that were the case, why wasn’t she surrounded by the contacts she could leverage? As her thoughts spiraled, a sudden warmth brushed along her back, causing her to freeze. Two hands closed around the railing beside hers, and the familiar scent of tobacco and honey filled her senses, instantly soothing her tension.

The horses burst from the gate.