Read Online The Catalyst of Corruption (The Final Formula Series, Book 4) by Becca Andre - Free Book Online

just as impressive. From its two-story entryway with the gilded columns supporting an open balcony, to the enormous auditorium that seated thousands, I fell in love with the majestic old building.
    â€œBeautiful,” I muttered, gazing up at the huge chandelier hanging from the domed ceiling of the auditorium. I stood with Era a short distance from the others in one of the boxes the Elements had reserved.
    â€œYeah, she is,” Era said.
    I glanced over, but she wasn’t studying the chandelier. Her gaze was focused on Elysia who stood talking with Cora and Donovan. Elysia wore a gold lamé gown that clung to every curve—and Elysia was in no way lacking in the curve department. Her golden hair had been pulled up in a seemingly haphazard manner around her face and left to cascade down her bare back.
    â€œShe certainly is,” I agreed.
    Era glanced over, one dark brow lifting over an amber eye. She had chosen to wear black this evening. The fitted gown gave her a mature, sophisticated air. And of course, Era was by no means unattractive, but I knew it was pointless to mention that.
    â€œWhat?” I asked.
    â€œA beautiful woman doesn’t make you a little envious?”
    â€œIf she was wearing jeans and tennis shoes, I’d be envious.”
    â€œAddie.” Era laughed. “I’m serious. What if a beautiful woman caught Rowan’s eye?”
    â€œThen I would have a problem with him, not her.”
    â€œIf she set out to capture him?”
    â€œIf he could be so easily captured, she could have him—and I would feel sorry for her.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œThe next pretty young thing to come along would take him from her.”
    Era frowned, her attention drifting to Elysia once more. “What you say is true, but I would still want to claw her eyes out.”
    A male throat cleared, and I looked up to see that Rowan had joined us. My heart rolled over in my chest at his unexpected appearance beside me. I meant what I had told Era, but it would hurt like hell if Rowan ever decided to cast me aside.
    â€œWhat are you two so serious about?” he asked.
    â€œElysia.”
    Rowan glanced at where she stood talking to Donovan before returning his attention to me. Unlike most of the other men in the immediate vicinity, he wasn’t staring at her. I chewed the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.
    â€œIs something the matter?” he asked.
    â€œAddie.” There was a warning note in Era’s voice. “This is girl talk.”
    â€œThen I won’t intrude,” Rowan said. His gaze moved back to Elysia. “I know she doesn’t own the name, but Elysia clearly favors her Nelson heritage. Xander’s sister, Clarissa, was extremely attractive as a younger woman.”
    Era pursed her lips and gave me a frown. I just shrugged.
    â€œDonovan and I have a bet going on how long James can hold out.”
    I bit back a laugh. “Rowan, that’s terrible.”
    â€œOf course, that was before we saw the dress.”
    As I watched, James walked over and said something to Elysia. She moved away with him. Donovan looked up at that moment and, catching Rowan’s eye, winked.
    I pressed my hand to my mouth to keep from giggling.
    â€œAddie’s right,” Era said. “You guys are terrible.”
    Rowan grinned, then abruptly leaned over and whispered in Era’s ear. She ducked her head, but I still caught the faint blush that bloomed in her cheeks. Rowan kissed her temple before straightening, then turned to me.
    â€œCome find me when the lights dim. If Donovan and James have any bets on me, I don’t want to disappoint them.”
    I tried not to smile. “You’re asking for it.”
    â€œYes, I am.” He held my gaze for one heart-stopping moment, then moved off to mingle with the others.
    I glanced over at Era and she gave me a smile. I wondered what Rowan had whispered to her.
    â€œProgram?”