CHAPTER 72
His hand on her thigh, his fingers gently caressed her supple skin through the slit. Amara sighed, feeling defeated as she gave him a pleading look. People were watching.
Kaelith leaned back on his chair, his lips curving in a teasing smirk as he let his hand trace the hem of her dress and squeeze her inner thigh.
He enjoyed watching her more than the anchor who was bluffing like a madman.
He nibbled on his lips as she lowered her head and clasped both of her hands on his wrist. Still, that couldn ’ t stop him.
Amara snapped her head at him, clear frustration and desire in her eyes as she glared at him.
“Please.”
“What are you pleading for here exactly, little flower? Please put your hands between my legs and see how wet I am? Or, please let’s go back to the hotel and fuck me?”
Amara blushed shaking her head and was glad they were sitting alone, without any table around them, secluded by the large glass panels giving them the view of the outdoor gardens and the pool.
"It's... embarrassing," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, feeling her heartbeat accelerating with each passing second. Her fingers twisted nervously in the fabric of her dress as she avoided his gaze, unable to shake the warmth spreading across her cheeks.
He watched her closely, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The way her cheeks flushed under his scrutiny only fueled his amusement, and he found himself captivated by the delicate dance of emotions playing across her features.
He leaned in slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he savoured her flustered reaction.
“That’s the second time you ’ re using the same words, baby doll, we both know what happened last time. ” His tongue leapt against the rim of her ear as she flinched. His hand between her legs tapped her pussy.
"Kaelith," she whined, shaking her head and squeezing her legs together, feeling the tension building between them.
He chuckled softly, his lips grazing her neck as he leaned in closer.
"Amara," he mimicked her tone playfully, his breath warm against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
"You're... teasing me," she murmured, her frustration evident in the slight tremor of her voice. It was exasperating how effortlessly he could toy with her, with no hint of shame.
Kaelith smirked, his gaze dark and smoldering as he locked eyes with her.
"Oh, I dare not." he replied, his tone dripping with amusement and a hint of mischief, fully aware of the effect he had on her.
"People will think you're a pervert," she protested, her gaze pleading as she looked at him, hoping he would relent.
Kaelith grinned mischievously, withdrawing his hand but maintaining eye contact. He then provocatively put his finger into his mouth, a bold move that made Amara's cheeks burn even hotter. Shameless man.
"I am," he admitted unabashedly, his grin widening as he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Well, for you, I can't keep my hands off of you when you look like a fucking goddess sitting right next to me."
"But you didn't compliment me," she mumbled, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment.
"Do moons and stars need to be reminded of their beauty?"
The way he had with his words. She was about to say something when a waiter approached them.
“Sir?” he bowed slightly as Kaelith sipped on his wine.
“What?” Amara was startled at how cold his voice became.
The waiter swallowed nervously.
“Orion Rogers is here,” Kaelith smirked and finished the wine in one go before placing the glass on the table.
"I'll be there," Kaelith assured, waving the waiter off with a casual flick of his hand. Amara watched him with a puzzled expression as he pushed his chair back and began to stand up.
"W-where are you going?" she asked nervously, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Kaelith gently cupped her face, his touch reassuring as he placed a small kiss on the corner of her mouth.
"I'll be back in a second. Can you be a good girl and sit here?
" he murmured, his tone soft yet commanding.
Amara swallowed nervously, feeling a flutter of anticipation in her chest as she searched for the right words. But in the end, she simply nodded.
"Yes..." she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaelith smiled at her, the warmth in his eyes returning as he straightened up and walked to the back.
Amara followed him with her eyes as he disappeared behind the wall.
She let out a small sigh. She hoped he’d be back soon.
She turned her attention back to the anchor who was now saying something about the jewellery house they’d be launching soon in Milan, and the Clothing store run by the host of this party in Madrid.
She found herself lost in her own world, her attention drifting away from whatever the anchor was saying. Her gaze settled on the appetizers spread out on the table, and without much thought, she reached out for a small chocolate biscuit.
Bringing it to her lips, she took a bite, savouring the rich sweetness that filled her mouth.
The taste was divine, and for a moment, all worries and distractions faded away as she indulged in the simple pleasure of the treat.
Her eyes drifted shut in bliss, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she let herself be consumed by the delicious sensation.
When she was finished with the cookie, she licked her lips and glanced at the bowl full of them. It wouldn’t harm to have one more, right?
She was contemplating when her hand automatically reached for the cookie and she giggled taking another bite. Delicious and more sweet than the first one.
She was so busy devouring the chocolates that she didn’t realize someone was standing beside her. It was only when she felt the silhouette of the woman hovering above the table, that Amara let out a startled gasp and quickly jumped on her feet.
She placed her hand on her chest, calming down her heart as she looked at the unknown woman. For a second Amara wondered if she just imagined her but when the woman looked her up and down with a mocking smile, Amara shuddered, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.
A man was standing beside her too.
“Well, do I know you?” Amara's attention was drawn to the woman who had addressed her, her gaze taking in her striking figure.
The woman stood tall and elegant in a black lace gown that draped off her shoulders, accentuating her slender frame.
Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back, framing a face with deep blue eyes, a delicate mole adorning her right cheek, and thin, red-painted lips.
Caught off guard by her question, Amara blinked in confusion, her mind struggling to place where she might have seen her before. She glanced around the room, searching for any familiar faces, but found none.
"Um, I'm sorry, I don't think we've met," Amara replied hesitantly, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she offered a polite smile.
The woman just scoffed, as if mocking her and raised her head high. Her arms crossed across her chest. “Hilary Donovon, host of this party,”
“Oh, I’m Amara De… Garcia,”
“You see, this is an exclusive party and I don’t remember inviting you,” Amara's breath caught in her throat at Hilary’s pointed look. She felt a surge of discomfort, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she struggled to find the right words.
"I am here with someone," she stammered, her voice faltering slightly under Hilary Donovan's piercing gaze. "I apologize if there's been any confusion."
Hilary arched a skeptical eyebrow, her expression unyielding.
"I highly doubt that," she retorted, her tone laced with skepticism.
"But since you're already here, I suppose there's no harm in letting you stay.
Just remember, this is a gathering for a select few, and not just anyone can waltz in uninvited. "
Amara swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the woman's scrutiny bearing down on her. She offered a forced smile, her discomfort palpable.
Hilary's gaze fell to the small decorated board on the table, where the name "Kaelith De Luca" was elegantly inscribed. A flicker of annoyance crossed her features before she fixed her sharp gaze back on Amara.
"Kaelith De Luca?" she exclaimed incredulously, her voice tinged with disdain. "Well, how much did he give you for accompanying him? One million? Two? Or ten?"
Amara felt a surge of indignation arise within her, but she stayed quiet, refusing to be intimidated by Hilary's aggressive demeanor. She bristled as Hilary stepped closer, cornering her against the table.
"Or, don't tell me you're his mistress," Hilary added, her tone dripping with scorn as she levelled a piercing gaze at Amara, clearly relishing the discomfort she was causing.
Amara's eyes narrowed, a wave of frustration washing over her as she looked dead in Hilary's eyes.
"I'm no one's mistress. Now, if you'll excuse me," she said, trying to side-step, but Hilary casually blocked her path with a nonchalant gesture, a smirk playing on her lips.
Amara's frustration deepened as Hilary continued to bar her way, her words slicing through the air with a cutting edge.
"No, you're not excused," Hilary persisted, her tone dripping with disdain. "You see those women over there? They've been trying to get to him for ages, but that cold-hearted bastard never spares them a glance."
Amara's heart sank at the harsh assessment of Kaelith, but she remained resolute, refusing to let Hilary's words sway her.
"They were just a little curious about what voodoo shit you pulled on him to get him to bring a woman to a party," Hilary continued, her words laced with venom.
Amara's cheeks burned with embarrassment as Hilary's scrutiny intensified, her gaze sweeping over her attire with a critical eye.
"And so... out of place and... what is this?" Hilary remarked, her tone mocking. “Wearing a custom-made dress? Did you beg him for this?”
Amara felt a surge of frustration at her blatant rudeness and turned around. But Hilary grabbed her by the arm and roughly pulled her back.
Amara's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin as she met Hilary's gaze with a steely gaze.
"Let go of me," she gritted out.
Hilary scoffed, a smirk playing on her lips as she tightened her grip on Amara's arm.
"Trying to be all feisty. I like it," she remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Amara's jaw clenched at the patronizing tone in her voice, but she remained steadfast, refusing to let the woman's words intimidate her.
"A warm reminder," Hilary continued, her voice taking on a cold edge. "Stay away from him. He's not someone a low-life like you can have."
Amara felt a surge of anger flare within her at the insult, but she bit back the sharp retort that threatened to spill from her lips. Hilary looked down at her one more time and let go of her with a jerk as Amara stumbled back. “Enjoy the party.” Hilary gave a tight-lipped faked smile.
“Gold-digger.” The man beside her muttered as he started following Hilary. But before they could fully retreat, a voice stopped them-cold and intimidating.
“Is that so?” Amara quickly turned around at the familiar voice. Kaelith stood a foot away with his hands in his pockets. A twisted look on his face, yet what made her flinch was the darkness in his eyes. Amara swallowed hard.
Hilary and the man with her turned around, and the man’s face paled as she stammered. “Mr. D-De Luca.”
“Roman,” Kaelith narrowed his eyes as he stepped closer. He still hadn’t looked at Amara. His eyes narrowed on Hilary as if he wanted to kill her. Hilary seemed unfazed, instead, she flicked her hair back, exposing her collarbone and chest.
“Kaelith,” she gave him a seductive look. “It’s been a while.”
Amara clenched her fists. Did he know her?
Kaelith chuckled, stepping closer to Amara as he smacked his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. Hilary’s jaw clenched.
"It's nice seeing you keeping tabs on people when your own husband is busy fucking his mistress in Bali," he mocked, his tone laced with scorn.
Hilary's eyes narrowed, her facade of control momentarily faltering as she bristled with indignation.
Before she could retort, Kaelith continued, his voice smooth and taunting. "Well, how was the gift I sent you? Do you like it?"
She tensed, her tone sharp. "That was my father's business," she shot back, her words a thinly veiled attempt to redirect the conversation away from her personal affairs.
Kaelith fingers gently caressed Amara’s sides, as if he was trying to control himself. “It was, but not anymore.”
“So, that’s the level De Lucas has lowered to. Bringing his mistress out in public when you’re engaged to my cousin,” Hilary narrowed her eyes. Roman fidgeted on his feet. His eyes all while moving to Kaelith.
“Well, the engagement’s off. See you soon, Hilary.” Kaelith shrugged his shoulders.
His words cut through the tension with a finality that left Hilary speechless. Amara looked startled too.
"What the fuck are you saying?" she demanded, her voice rising with disbelief as she struggled to process the sudden turn of events.
Kaelith met her gaze, his expression unreadable as he delivered another blow. "There will be no marriage," he declared, his tone firm and unwavering.
She glared at him, her fists clenched. “You agreed.”
“I never said I’d marry Anna.”
“We signed a damned contract.“ Kaelith chuckled.
"I own 70 per cent shares of your father's business, and soon it'll be 100. Don't fuck with me, Hilary. You know I'm a hilarious person when it comes to destroying," he smirked.
Her eyes narrowed with defiance.
"You'll pay," she shot back, her voice laced with venom.
But Kaelith remained unfazed, his smirk widening.
"No, it's your father who will pay," he retorted, his gaze shifting to Roman with a chilling smile.
"Roman, I'd like to have a word," he called out casually, his attention already drifting away from Hilary.
Kaelith turned to Amara, pressing a kiss to her lips with a possessive intensity. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Be a good girl for me," he murmured, his words a promise lingering on her lips as he disappeared into the crowd with Roman following behind him.
Amara blinked and blinked again.