"Come closer."
Like a moth to a flame, my body moved on its own accord. I blamed it on years of taking orders from him. But deep down, it was something unfamiliar I couldn’t explain. The command that layered in that deep, muscular voice was... inviting.
"You still haven’t told me how I look. Response matters," I found my voice.
The ends of his lips twitched. He rounded me until he was behind. Even in heels, this man still ate up the height unapologetically.
I tensed when I felt the back of his hand grazing my spine. "You look... ravishing."
I exhaled slowly, casting a look over my shoulder. "Good. I trust our lessons will work." I stepped away to face him. "We must be very convincing tonight."
"We’ll be."
"Which do you prefer tonight? A humble wife or an expensive one."
"Surprise me."
~☆~
I clenched my purse tightly when I saw bright lights, flashes, and a huge crowd waiting close to the red carpet.
Even when I worked for Ares, I never had to worry about the public. I was just the no-name secretary, but now things were different.
The car stopped, and I took deep breaths, mentally chanting my mantra. Ares was the first to come down and open the door for me.
I took his hand and stepped out, and the flashes went wild, almost blinding me. Reporters threw their questions, the crowd fought to come to us with their mics, but the security team held them back.
"Mr. King, over here!"
"She is the mystery woman?"
"Isn’t that your secretary?"
"How long have you two been together?"
"Is it true you’re married?"
"Mr. King!"
Ares’s hand was firm on my waist as we walked the red carpet. I kept my chin up and fixed my smile.
Finally, we were inside the building, and the sounds dimmed out when the doors slammed shut. Phew! That was intense.
It was a whole new view in here; these were events I had only seen broadcast on the news. Everything was shiny, classy, and well-put-together.
Soft music played in the background, and the distinct chatter of guests resounded in the ballroom. Waiters walked with a golden tray to serve champagne.
It was like an ongoing social network here; there were celebrities, too.
"You’re trembling," Ares whispered to my ear.
"Am I?"
I wasn’t cold, just nervous to the bone. Eyes flickered to us, and we became the center of attention. I expected more engagement from the others towards Ares, but knowing his personality, there was a slim chance that would happen.
"Good thing your reputation precedes you." I placed my hand on his chest and leaned close. "All they can do is stare."
I tensed when he palmed the small of my back and brought me closer, our faces inches apart.
"Perfect, isn’t it?"
Right, our act.
My lips brushed against his. "Our chemistry is working fine. This night will be a success, after all."
"King!" A man approached us, and I quickly retreated. "I’m so glad you could make it."
He stretched his hand out, but Ares didn’t shake it. To avoid embarrassment, he quickly deflected it to me, smiling widely until the age lines sprouted out.
"And you must be...?"
"Catherine. Catherine King."
"Noel Voss."
Voss? The owner of the Voss RealHouse Corp? He owns my former apartment!
We shook hands, but before I could take it back, he clenched tightly.
"I’m the host for this evening. It’s delightful to meet you."
I kept my smile. "Likewise."
Please let go of my hand.
"Such a beauty you are, I see why you can capture Mr. King’s heart... not many can boast about it. You’re the first woman he has brought out in public, imagine that. At first, I thought the rumors were made up. It’s nice to see it’s not for a change."
"We wanted to keep it private," I replied. "As you know, Ares likes to keep things... hidden."
"That’s understandable. I’m glad you could make it. Your beauty is outstanding." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. "You make this old man’s heart beat fast."
My body tightened when I felt his tongue. What the heck?
"Dear, we’re starting soon," A woman came to us, and I used that opportunity to yank my hand away.
"This is my wife, Lillian."
"Pleased to meet you."
She looked very... young.
"Mr. King is one of our biggest sponsors for this event."
"Oh..." She smirked, setting her eyes on Ares, eyeing him hungrily. "An honor to meet a King." She offered her hand.
I almost snorted when Ares didn’t move an inch.
"P-Please enjoy, the event is just about to start. Again, a pleasure, Mrs. King."
I didn’t miss the flirty undertone in his voice. Creepy.
"We should sit—" I froze when I caught Ares’ dark gaze following Mr. Voss.
"Ares?"
He didn’t respond.
"Ares."
His eyes met mine.
"I-I said we should sit."
We went to our table, and Ares pulled out the chair for me. I got comfortable as the program started.
The speeches took longer than expected, as Mr. Voss acknowledged all his guests.
I observed Ares again. He may appear his usual calm self, but I could tell there was a difference. He’s in a foul mood.
The way his eyes tracked Mr. Voss’s movement gave the illusion that he was focused, but something else lurked, something... dangerous.
I was snapped back to the event when a thunderous applause reverberated. Silly me, I must be overthinking.
The auctions begin, and so far, so good, everything went well.
I raised my bid paddle when needed, just to be included.
The auctions were finally over, and a live orchestra performed.
Right at the corner of my eyes, I caught a familiar person.
Dan? What’s he doing here?
He shook Mr. Voss’s hands, and they engaged in a talk.
I quickly moved my gaze away, feeling uncomfortable.
"I need to use the restroom," I mumbled as I pushed to my feet.
I was quick as I left the ballroom, but my legs didn’t carry me to the restroom. I found myself outside, on the balcony.
I rest my hands on the railing, trying to breathe. What’s wrong with me? Why was I reacting like this?
That Chapter is closed, Catherine. Yet, I couldn’t stop the thrashing of my heart and shaky hands.
"Catherine, is that you?"
I straightened my spine and turned.
"Wow...!" Dan’s brown eyes took me in. "You look beautiful."