[Music: Anymore By Cheyanne, Rumelis]
The limo pulled up at the entrance, and Zade got out first. Lowering his gaze, he stuck his hand out for me, and I placed mine against his.
An immense warmth rushed through my body, putting me in a more difficult position than I already am.
Instinctively, I tightened my hand around his and stepped out swiftly, my gown flowing out with ease. The rapid flashes almost blinded me, but a shadow blocked them.
That shadow belonged to Zade, who had stood in front of me to shield them away.
I never pictured him as my knight in shiny armour, but I have to admit, it does suit him. After all the fairy tales I read growing up, they all described the handsome knight with blond hair and green eyes.
At least in my fairy tale.
I felt my cheeks ache, only then realizing I’d been smiling the entire time... even before I stepped out of the car. I couldn’t resist anyway.
Gently, he tucked the loose strand of hair behind my ear, but he didn’t stop there. He delicately brushed my hair over my shoulder as though tidying it, eyes tracing for anything out of place like I was the perfect doll in his arms.
Suddenly, I could discern the immense adoration in his gaze hidden behind those hollow eyes.
"Too bad," he murmured in a way only I could hear, voice deep and low. "You don’t look thoroughly fucked anymore."
Warmth rushed through my cheeks. Thankfully, I’d taken a moment to touch up my lipstick and fix my hair, making sure I looked at least presentable.
But something told me Zade wanted otherwise, because in the last few minutes I spent tidying up, he kept glaring like I’d committed a crime.
This darn snake.
"We wouldn’t want that in the headlines," I said, hoping I could convince this brute in front of me, who appeared as though he wanted to take me against this car, for everyone to see.
I’m gonna ignore the rush of excitement that raced through me at that thought.
"Your words, not mine," I added, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip, and that mere action compelled his eyes.
"Then let’s give them something else to obsess over," He said, amused.
I giggled. "I have heard that be—"
He kissed me, and I don’t mean just a brush on the lips; this man basically devoured them like he was starved. So fucking starved I could feel his desire coursing through me, mingling with mine.
Oh god, not in front of everyone! Despite this, I moaned softly as he deepened the connection of our mouths, roaming in ecstasy.
I heard the flickers came faster and I knew we were already giving them a show.
Not exactly what I had in mind for an entrance.
His hand slipped to the small of my back, pulling me closer, our mouths racing toward that split second of wonder.
Then I heard nothing. Not the flicker of flashes or the voices of the press trying to grab our attention. We were alone, lost in our world, and I didn’t want it to end.
So I took my time to savor the moment, tracing my hand to the back of his neck and playing with his hair.
When Zade pulled his lips away, the world came rushing back in a hurry, and I remembered to breathe.
"Mm, I didn’t ruin your lipstick this time."
In response to that, I rubbed my lips together, and Zade stood by my side, leading me through the red carpet with his hand at the small of my back.
The press had their fill of pictures, speaking to us, but Zade and I continued our stroll until we reached the entrance of the building.
This building belonged to the academy, but I had never been here before, though I saw it on TV; personally reliving something like this was breathtaking.
At the first view of the grand ballroom, I was amazed.
Towering ceilings, plasterwork in ivory and gold, with enormous crystal chandeliers hung like glittering constellations, scattering warm light across the polished floor.
Round tables were draped in matching color and lined in perfect symmetry, holding candelabras with fine porcelains.
Numerous engagements were ongoing, and it made me realize how punctual we were.
"We’re late," I said, feeling eyes darting to us the moment we were seen.
"Worth it. I got to feel your pussy before spending my time through this... event."
"Zade!" I hissed.
He winked. Gosh! My cheeks are so red right now. This man has no fucking filter!
"Ana!"
I turned my head to Mrs. Valmont walking toward us. She looked stunning in her flowing blue gown, with wonderful patterns arranged in perfect symmetry.
"Mrs. Valmont." We embraced. "I’m sorry we’re late."
"Late? Nonsense! You came just in time. We are just starting." She shifted her eyes to Zade. "Mr. Salvero, we’re so honored you could make it."
"Anything for my wife."
"If you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow her for a few moments."
Zade pinned me with a dark gaze. "Depends. But I’m certain my wife has a reminder of me everywhere she goes."
Oh, crap!
Thankfully, Mrs. Valmont just smiled sweetly at us. She probably thought he was talking about a ring or something.
Zade leaned to my ear and whispered. "Watch out for a certain redhead."
"Redhead?" I whispered back.
Why is he whispering?
"Let’s say she’s married to a man whose favor I’m trying very hard to win. Unless we start throwing missiles at each other, of course."
Wait.
I fixed him with a questioning look. "Did you seriously bring your work to my Gala?"
God, I hope no one is gonna get killed!
He chuckled. "Relax, darling. You’re here to enjoy yourself, aren’t you? Then do just that. I’ll be here if you need me."
He picked a flute from the passing waitress and sipped from it as though to prove his point.
"It’s your night, darling. I wouldn’t want to get in the way. Don’t worry about me."
Huh.