He pulls himself back, a boyish smirk on his lips as he looks down at me. “Get yourself ready, your dress will be here soon.” He paces towards the door.
“What if I don’t like it?” I perch myself up on my elbows.
He gives me a slow and teasing glance. “Sylvie is my personal stylist. Trust me, she’ll do good.” He winks before walking out of the room.
Once he is gone, I flop down on the bed, but not for long as there is a soft knock at the door. Pushing up, I open it and see a stunning brunette holding a black dress bag up and shoes.
“Hi, I’m Sylvie.” Her smile is wide, and before I step aside, she walks into my room.
“Hi,” I mutter.
It feels slightly awkward as she looks at the pink one on the bed and then lays the new one next to it. She unzips the bag and pulls out the dress. It’s black, with a scooped neck and has cuffed straps that wrap around the upper arm. Soft rose detail is scattered over the body of the dress, and a tulle skirt sits above the knee. The shoes are black velvet, a chunky heel and wedge with a large bow.
“Wow.” I roll my lips. “It’s… beautiful,” I admit, and it’s the truth. It is.
“Really makes a statement, if I do say so myself.” She shimmies on the spot.
I nod.
“Okay, well that’s everything.” She moves towards me, kissing me on the cheek and seeing herself out.
Placing my hands on my hips, I look down at the dress and run my fingers over the soft tulle skirt. It’s so pretty. Sighing, I take myself into the bathroom and begin to get ready.
Finally, I am dressed. The dress fits like a glove, the shoes look amazing, and I feel every bit pretty. My hair is down, makeup done, and I am ready in record time.
Walking towards the door, I pull it open to see Royce standing there and hovering his hand in the air, clearly about to knock.
“Athena,” he breathes, his eyes dance over my body and I feel the way the heat rises through me. “You look… Wow.”
Dropping my eyes to the floor, I try to hide the blush that is creeping onto my cheeks. My hair hangs down, delicate gold jewellery finishing off my look. Finally allowing myself to lift my face, my eyes lock on him. I can’t read his expression; his gaze is pinned to me.
Grabbing my clutch of the side table, I step forward. “Ready?”
He nods, moving aside as I close the door behind myself.
Sittingin the back of a small-town car, we weave through the traffic and head towards the city. I watch as the lights whizz by before I turn to look at him.
“Stop staring at me.” I frown and he laughs softly.
“Can’t help it.” He sighs, resting his head on the headrest of the car.
“Sicko.” I smirk, as I peek through the middle of the car at the slowing traffic. “So, who’s the sponsor?” I ask, settling back.
“Zeus Energy,” he mutters, tapping his fingers against his thigh. “They’re our main sponsor. They wanted a dinner, whichnormally happens before the season starts. They threw this on us last minute. I’m unsure why.”
I watch him with intent and he seems nervous. “Could it be something bad?” I ask the weighing question.
“Who knows?” He lifts a shoulder. “Dad doesn’t seem to think so, but even if he was worried, he wouldn’t show it.”
I give a weak smile. “I am sure it’s nothing, just a dinner, that’s all,” I try and reassure him, my hand skating across the leather seat as my pinkie grazes his.
His eyes fall, lips tugging into a smile. “Yeah, you’re right.” He shifts in his seat.
I drag my hand back into my lap and for the rest of the car ride, we sit in silence.
We walkintoRendezvoushotel and Royce’s arm snakes around my back as he leads me towards the restaurant7 Paintingsthat is tucked inside. Flicking my gaze up, my breath catches.
“This looks fancy.” My voice is small as I stay close to him.
