I didn’t have time to react though, because an announcement came, snapping me back to reality. It was like a button had been switched on, and suddenly, I was zoomed back to the present and not the trance we were both stuck in.
“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.”
I blinked once, then twice. My head turned to the side, suddenly aware of the hundreds of eyes on us thanks to the sudden spotlight casted on the two of us. I took in a sharp, unexpected breath, my eyes dilated. From the corner of my eyes, I could see a few flashes, and it doesn’t take a genius to know what’s to follow.
I wanted none of that.
But the fact that I was still in the arms of this stranger…wait, fuck how can I forgot? My eyes moved to where I left Mrs. Donnelly, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the shocked look on her face. She was accompanied by her son, his mistress or girlfriend, and family.
My lips slanted upwards instinctively, loving the expression on it.
“Lady Isabella please, if you may do us the honor of opening this fundraiser for us.” The man in charge of the microphone suddenly declared, as part of his earlier speech.
I forced myself to hold up the smile on my face, to mask the awkward situation I found myself in then hastily unwound my arms from around his neck, trying to take a step back-keyword, trying.
He didn’t let go.
I turned around to glare at him, though trying to not make it obvious since there’s plenty of eyes on us. Now due to the spotlight, I could see his face clearly. And damn is he handsome, but that was the last thing on my mind then.
He must’ve gotten the sign from my glare, and what did he do? He smiled, like a full blown smile and then leaned down to my ear, whispering so only I could hear. When his voice came, I could feel his warmth breath on my ear, his voice deep.
One of his hands that was wrapped around my waist found its way to the side of my neck, easily occupying half of it, his fingers on the base of my neck. “Is that the thank you I get, Isabella?” His voice, it was deeper than I imagined. It had my stomach fluttering.
But I have a feeling he made it so intentionally.
It’s weird how this stranger that I only shared a kiss with had this effect on me, and judging from the smug look he sported, I’m certain he knows. Sad to say, I wasn’t going let him have the upper hand, even though my racing heart wasn’t on the same side.
I blinked, getting a hang of my emotions and putting a lid on it. My lips curled upwards into a smile, though it was more like a smirk as I turned my head to look at him-we were close again, his face inches away from mine and so were his lips.
I flicked my eyes down to his lips, my smile widening as I met his gaze again. “Thank you. You aren’t so bad but…” I leaned down and pecked his lips again, but it only lasted a brief second before I pulled back again-this time around easily stepping out of his hold.
Now standing with inches’ distance between us, I jutted my chin up, keeping my expression in check-one befitting of the woman I came here as today. “…I hope we never cross paths again.”
He quirked a brow, his expression still amused. He straightened his spine, one of his hands tucked away in the pocket of his pants.
Flashing him one last smile, I turned around to the awaiting crowd then pushed my legs forward in the direction of the podium just as I was called upon. I had to pass by the Donnelly family on the way, whom I could feel their eyes on me as I strolled past them but I didn’t spare any of them a glance.
They aren’t worth it in the slightest.
Eyes followed my every movement, cameras flashing from all angles but I didn’t let any of it get to me. I kept my head up, my gaze set on the target, on what I was there for and I would be screwed if I let anything ruin it.
Not even an impromptu kiss with a stranger is going to faze me.
Upon reaching the podium, Karl Rutherford and his wife Rose Rutherford stood to welcome me with warm smiles on their faces. I widened mine, reaching out to shake the hands of Karl.
“Hello, Karl. It’s been a while.” I greeted an old family friend of mine. But really, Karl and Rose are on good terms with almost all the most influential families out there.
Karl’s fatherly smile was as soothing as it has always been. “You’ve grown into a lovely woman, Isabella.” He complimented, as we hadn’t seen in each other since I was a teenager if I’m not mistaken.
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.