His eyes held a questioning look. I whispered lowly, “Play along, please.” I didn’t give him a chance to react as I reached up and pecked his lips. I could see the surprise written across his face almost instantly when I pulled away, so I found myself whispering in a small voice. “Sorry, I have an ex watching.”
His eyes moved over my shoulder for a split second, and as if seeing who I’m referring to, he met my gaze, his lips curling into a ghost smile. “Well, in that case, that’s too small.” I quirked a brow in question, but I felt his hand wrap around my waist and with one tug, he pulls me towards him.
Before I could comprehend what’s going on, I felt his warm lips on mine, capturing me for a deep kiss that left my inside in jumbles. My feet curled as I remained frozen for a while. But, with his lips moving against mine, I slowly recovered and wrapped an arm around his neck, kissing him back.
I have no doubt how long it lasted, but at one point, he pulled back, not without a gentle graze of my bottom lip with his teeth. I was breathless, and so was he but he offered me a lopsided grin that had my stomach in knots.
Fuck, for a second, I was in a haze, too caught up in trying to recover from what just happened. However, one thing did well to snap me from whatever I was stuck in. An announcement I had been waiting for.
“Tonight with us, we have a very important guest making a public appearance for the first time. The heir to trillionaire and aristocrat, Duke of Westminster, Edward Montague; his daughter and heiress, Lady Isabella Vivien Montague.”
Then, the spotlight was set on me, for the grand appearance I was preparing for. Only, I’m now in the arms of a man I have no idea who he is, with a million eyes set on us.
Shit, this isn’t what I prepared for. What I didn’t know though, was that my old plan was about to become bigger, and even better. Because regardless of the situation I found myself in, when I sneaked a glance at the Donnelly family and saw the looks on their faces, I was hella satisfied.
Karma is a bitch, and I’m about to serve it hot.
“Enchanted to meet you”.
Christian Kingston.
I saw her the minute she stepped in. She radiated this aura that was impossible to draw attention to her, making heads turn and it certainly did-countless heads turned in her direction, mesmerized by this unfamiliar woman that holds influence no doubt.
It was the light whispers of people that had me turning around, wanting to see who could be reason for the hushed murmurs and the captivating aura that almost everyone present at the Ballroom had to turn their heads to get a glance at her. I honestly had no expectation when I turned around, reason being, there’s not a single soul present that entices me, nor will have me moved.
Not in terms of riches, and definitely not in terms of looks when it comes to women. I’ve seen more than one can expect, and I wasn’t swayed by any, I wasn’t about to be by one.
However, I was gravely mistaken, because I was enchanted by the very first glance. I couldn’t recognize her face, I’m certain I’ve never seen her before else I can’t forget a face like that.
She exudes an elegance unrivaled in her oxblood gown, a rich hue that complements her grace that shown without much effort. It features a low neckline, allowing a subtle glance at her collarbone. It didn’t expose much, rather, it bordered on the line between seducing and modest. A look that will leave one yearning for more. The fabric drapes, accentuating her silhouette with a refined and tasteful design.
Her hair, elegantly left down, forms beautiful curls that frame her face with a touch of natural allure. Each curl seemed as though it was effortlessly placed, embodying a sense of refinement and poise. A pair of stunning earrings glint subtly-diamond, pure diamond. A slender bracelet adorns her wrist, matching the earrings.
She descends the stairs elegantly, as if her steps were calculated. One step after the other, her leg exposed through the slit on the right side, giving a glimpse of the heels that marry style with comfort-designers no doubt as well. I recognize them almost instantly, having bought a similar pair for a special someone.
And her face, God she’s beautiful. She didn’t hold up a smile, rather, her expression was passive but she pulled it off effortlessly-the matching matte oxblood lipstick added this powerful aura to her that screamed not to be messed with. And her expressionless eyes showed she doesn’t give a fuck what anyone thinks. I wonder who she is.
“Sir, your mother has left another message.” Carter, my assistant’s voice came, putting an end to the small trance I found myself lost in.
I blinked, shifting my attention away from the stranger and focused it on him, my brows drawn in. “What is it this time?” When my mother leaves a message, there’s a throng of things it could possibly be about. However, there’s something she’s been persistent on for a while that makes me certain this time around, it’s about that same thing.
“The daughter of Karl and Rose has returned from her business trip to the UK, and your mother has set up a chance for you two to speak during the ball.” He turned around, his gaze falling on someone in the distance-a young lady speaking to two familiar faces, Karl Rutherford and Rose Rutherford, the hosts of the ball and two good friends of my parents.
They have quite the influence alright, easily standing as one of the top five families in America. Karl is an old businessman and his wife, Rose, was an actress. Still is, but only for the biggest of projects with the highest budgets. I grew up to my mother watching her shows and obsessing over it.
They have two children as far as I’m concerned, the eldest, Alan, is a popular musician-one of the top in the entertainment industry no doubt having followed his mother’s footsteps. He’s on a tour at the moment if I’m not mistaken. And the second child, the daughter, followed in her father’s steps-destined for greatness in the business world, so people claimed.
Apparently, she dominates business better than most men, and if what I heard about her is right, she does. I have never met her though, nor have I bothered to know what she looks like. However, when I followed Carter’s line of sight, my eyes fell on a woman I’m certain no doubt is the infamous Rutherford daughter. Zara.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.