The driver is already waiting, and while he loads our luggage, Colin tells me he'll be right back. Less than ten minutes later, he returns, carrying a discreet shopping bag. Without a word, he slips it into his carry-on just as the car pulls away.
He keeps his distance the entire ride, silent, his expression unreadable.
At the hotel, we head to our separate rooms, agreeing to meet later in the lobby before the event.
I spend the entire afternoon preparing. A massage, hair, makeup. I want to look my best. I want to look my bestfor him.
When I finally turn toward the mirror, I catch my own reflection and smile, already anticipating Colin’s reaction. I tuck my phone into my clutch and leave the room, step into the elevator, and go down.
He’s already in the lobby, scrolling through his phone. But the moment the elevator doors open, he looks up—and the phone is forgotten.
I’m wearing a royal blue satin gown. The beaded bodice fits close, catching the light, while the skirt falls fluidly, parting at a daring slit that reveals my left leg as I walk. My hair is swept to one side in soft waves, held in place by platinum combs shaped like delicate crystal vines. High heels finish the look.
Colin’s eyes travel with intent from the daring slit of the gown up to the neckline, lingering just long enough before they flick upward to meet mine.
I let him take it all in. Then I walk toward him, unhurried, giving him every chance to drink me in.
"You..." he starts, his voice rougher than usual, caught off guard. "You look... stunning."
I smile, unabashed. “Is this a dress you’d like to see me in?”
He studies me again, silent. He doesn't need to speak, his eyes say it all.
He gestures toward the door. I fall into step beside him, shivering slightly when his hand brushes the small of my back. Only for him to pull it away an instant later, as though he remembered he shouldn't.
I don't dwell on it. I'm here with him. That's all that matters.
The venue is only fifteen minutes away. We arrive before I’m ready. And when Colin stops short of the red carpet, I have to remind myself again of what matters most.
"You go ahead," he says quietly. Then he steps alone onto the flashing strip of lights, photographers calling his name, his tall frame filling out the tux perfectly.
I watch from the sidelines, breath caught in my throat. His presence commands the space effortlessly, his composure unshakable.
Inside, he's immediately surrounded. To those who notice me, he introduces me as his assistant. To anyone asking about his wife, he explains with calm detachment—she stayed in New York with their daughter, who was unwell, and he'll be returning to them soon.
So that's why he brought me.
It should sting. But it doesn't. Not enough to matter.
The night passes in a blur of handshakes and business conversations. Colin hands me a glass of white wine, quietly reminding me not to drink too much. He doesn’t indulge either, nursing a single glass of whiskey for most of the evening.
I keep mostly to myself, exchanging polite words with a few other assistants and the more approachable wives. The rest, all judging eyes and vicious tongues, barely register.
Then Colin is called to the stage, as Montgomery Clifford is announced as the winner ofTransaction of the Year.
And I'm spellbound.
The room listens, silent and reverent. He's magnetic… confidence wrapped in tailored black and power in every word. The women watching him with hunger don't faze me. I know where he'll be tonight.
With me.
Later, once he finally shakes off the last of the sycophants, he comes straight to me. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes flick briefly to the empty space around us.
In a low voice meant only for me, he says, "We leave in half an hour. Wait for me in your room. And take that dress off first... unless you want a repeat of the last one."
My pulse leaps, dizzying. Half an hour. I count the minutes, my mind spinning with every possibility.
Chapter 12
