She spotted her manager and the man that had somehow become his shadow in the crowd, as well as a few of the men she’d recognized as bodyguards at her club. She knew they were leopards. Joshua Tregre and Elijah Lospostos, two men she knew Drake or Remy had assigned to watch over her. As if that wasn’t enough, she spotted two of Remy’s brothers looking elegant in suits, pretending to drink as they mingled with the crowd. There was no pretense about eating, she noted with a small laugh.

Arnaud stood off to the side, a drink in hand, looking more elegant than usual in a black suit and white shirt. He turned as she walked in, lifting his drink in salute, and managing a smile as he came toward them.

He leaned in to brush a kiss against her cheek. “Thank God you’ve come, Bijou. You know how I despise small talk.” He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “You’ve saved me.” Once he had her securely anchored to his side, he smiled at Drake and Saria. “Thank you for bringing her. It was becoming a nightmare. I’m not good with people, just my art, and these shows can be excruciating.”

Drake nodded, frowning a little as Arnaud set down his drink and put his palm over Bijou’s hand. “I can understand. I’m not the best with people either. I like to stay in the background.”

Arnaud turned toward him as if for the first time, Drake had caught his interest. “You’re married to Bijou’s friend,” he said and held out his hand.

“Drake Donovan,” Drake greeted. “My wife, Saria.”

“I’m sorry, Arnaud. We’ve been friends for so long it didn’t occur to me that you wouldn’t know Drake and Saria,” Bijou said. “I think I’ve completely forgotten my manners.”

“You’re forgiven as long as you do all the talking tonight and make me look good,” Arnaud replied, once again covering his hand with hers. “I hope you both enjoy yourselves. We have to make the rounds.”

Arnaud didn’t wait for a reply, forgetting all about them as was his way. He walked Bijou over to his latest sculpture, a five-foot waterfall of color and texture that was breathtaking. “What do you think of this piece? They never come out the way I expect. As I’m working they take on a life of their own.”

The piece was titled “Giving Back.” The critics had given the sculpture rave reviews and several had attributed the piece to “what it feels like to fall in love.”