Chapter Eighteen
Arya
No good deed goes unpunished.
Whoever said it was not talking out of his ass, much to my dismay. I never imagined I’d be on the receiving end of it.
My sneaky plan to bring Nathan into the same room as his brother and his fiancée is biting me in the ass.
Because as I pass through security, I accidentally glance at the guest list and see my sister’s name.
Like I wasn’t nervous enough at the prospect of which version of Nathan I’ll receive tonight.
Both his hot and cold sides make my temperature rise in opposite ways.
Now I have to worry about running into Bianca.
After meeting Iris the other day at the yoga class and getting my sister’s number, I summoned the courage to text Bianca, but I chickened out at the last second. My heart would beat so freaking fast that it was in danger of climbing out of my chest.
What if she and Rosalie were lying?
Does Bianca truly desire me back in her life?
Fuck! She will be here with Dash, wouldn’t she? Her husband is an intense man on normal occasions. I’m scared of his displeased side that must hate my guts.
I longingly stare at the exit, thinking of escaping.
Only to find myself ushered past the threshold.
God is punishing me for deceiving Nathan. Several times at my place while I was getting ready, I contemplated ditching him. The treacherous part of me hates being a third wheel while Nathan roams around with his date.
Perhaps I should’ve brought a date as well.
Of course, I haven’t forgotten about Rakesh Singhania. What Nathan said about him last time sent a chill down my spine. He didn’t make it sound like a chore, but a raging bull we need to dodge.
The charity gala will be one clusterfuck.
Is it stupid to pray that the organizers have a surprise game of adult hide-and-seek planned? I could find a nook and go underground until the night is over.
I shake off the silly and cowardly idea.
Hypnotized by the sound of classical music, I find myself drawn to the ballroom.
The red carpet swallows the clicking noise of my five-inch heels. Holding my small glittery clutch tighter to my stomach, I tuck my hair behind my ear and put on my showstopper smile.
I reserve it for occasions like these, which I’ve been attending growing up.
Little me used to love dressing up and coming to them with my parents. Being a kid, I basked in being the center of attention. Each compliment made me feel ten feet tall.
As the years went by, I learned they were all disingenuous and shallow.
As fake as their Botox-stuffed smiles.
A waiter walks in my direction and stops before me at the entrance to the grand room with the humongous chandelier. I grab the champagne flute from his tray, murmuring a thank-you.
The orchestra band is situated at the other end of the room, playing their instruments and creating a soothing lullaby. Beautifully decorated round tables with flower vases on top are placed strategically around. Some are occupied, while some are waiting to be filled with guests.
Having a career in media, I recognize more than half of the influential and elegantly dressed men and women from various fields. All have joined together for the beautiful cause of raising money for the families affected by the recent floods that destroyed the villages and rural towns.
Despite the serene smile on my face, my eyes nervously scan the crowd in search of Bianca and Dash. I don’t think they’ve arrived yet.
My heart lurches when I see Nathan.
He’s standing with his back to me, yet I know it’s him.
It’s in the awareness that sizzles my skin, the ball of butterflies in my belly, and the wild thumping of my heart. All of the sensations attack me at once, almost causing me to reach for the wall to stay upright.
Never have I had such a visceral reaction to a man. Sure, Nathan is insanely and tragically handsome with a raw magnetic pull. However, I’ve been around gorgeous men all my life. Yet none of them stir my blood like he does.
I should probably get my body checked out to see if something’s amiss.
The alcohol in my glass sloshes from gripping it too hard when the stunning woman I know all too well steps up to him. Looping her slim arm through his, she presses her front against his side. Her spilling breasts cushioning his bicep.
Samaira Seth.
The infamous and sensational supermodel currently ruling the fashion industry.
Oh god!
She is his date?
The risqué and glittering golden gown she’s wearing complements her dark skin beautifully.
Nathan turns his head to peer down at her, letting her stand flush against him. With a sexy smile, she whispers something to him. Her grin brightens at whatever he replies. I tear my gaze away and down the remaining champagne in my glass.
Of course, he dates supermodels. Was she the reason behind his cold and indifferent attitude at the restaurant? Have they gone out to dinner before tonight? Has he fucked her?
He has bagged her and promptly gotten over me.
Why wouldn’t he? I’m pretty, but I’m no match against her beauty.
I keep forgetting that all we had was a cheap one-night stand. Thus, I have no claim over him. No right to become a green-eyed monster.
In fact, I should be celebrating that someone else has caught his attention. We can strictly focus on business now.
With that in mind, I cross the room over to them.
My stomach is in knots when I clear my throat to garner his focus. Samaira turns her head first, blinking at me softly. Her flawless makeup renders me starstruck.
I had to do mine on my own since Anaya was busy, so I know it isn't as effortless and is very minimalist. When you’re around one of the most breathtaking women in the world, it’s natural to compare yourself to them. I’m not immune either.
The sudden heat incinerating the side of my face drags my eyes to the man I think about constantly, against my wishes and not related to work.
He’s always hovering like a ghost ready to haunt me in the back of my mind.
I already know the sight of him in a tailored black tux will be starring in my fantasies for the foreseeable future.
Every man is dressed similarly, yet he stands out as the hottest among them. His bow tie is perfect. His jet-black hair is styled back, including the rebellious strand. I kind of wish it wasn’t.
Every square inch of him is meant to capture every female’s attention, irrespective of their age. Make them lust after him. Dream about him.
His new status as the eligible bachelor back on the market has caused a riot.
Gossip blogs are discussing which woman will steal his heart.
Or will he turn into a heartbroken Casanova, sowing his wild oats?
The last theory seemed far-fetched because he hadn’t been seen out with women since breaking off his engagement last year.
At least until tonight.
Our eyes lock.
The same mask of icy nonchalance stares at me.
“Hello, Arya.” The husky timbre of his voice is an invisible caress against my spine.
“Hello, Nathan.”
Samaira stays glued to his side, tracing her fingers down to his abs. Has she seen and felt the sculpted muscles naked?
She must have, since she can’t keep her hands off him. Her action is a blatant proprietary move.
Calm your tits! I’ve already had him.
I’m tempted to shout it at her. However, I hold back my tongue.
When Nathan makes no effort to introduce us, content in making me squirm awkwardly under his hawklike intensity, she takes the lead. “Hi, I’m Samaira.”
“Nice to meet you, Samaira.”
“How do you two know each other?” Her sultry voice drips with curiosity, while her gaze ping-pongs between us.
“I work for him.” Glancing at Nathan, I ask in an impersonal voice. “May I have a moment alone with you?”
“Excuse me,” he murmurs to her.
She removes her catty claws from his chest, purring, “I’ll be waiting.”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
Nathan follows closely behind as we zigzag between the throng of people, searching for a quiet corner.
Once again, I feel the burn of his gaze roaming along my naked back, bared because of the low back of the cocktail dress.
When I turn around after stopping near an empty table, his eyes could chill the hottest of summer nights.
Casually slipping one hand in his pocket, he quips, “Any specific reason you were rude to my date?”
“You're kidding me?” I gape. “I was perfectly polite.”
“You could’ve been nicer.”
“By making small talk? Asking about the weather?” Discussing the size of his dick? Exchanging notes about his sexual prowess? Compare who he gave more orgasms? “I’m not here to entertain your date, Nathan.”
“No, you’re not,” he agrees before narrowing his gaze sternly. “You’re here to interact with my shareholders and see what they feel about me past the scandal.”
“That’s not what we discussed. You’re supposed to schmooze them tonight.” Putting my hands on my hips, I demand, “Did you even read the notes I sent you?”
“I want you to get a feel of all those who are here tonight and pick a few with whom I have a chance to bring to my side.”
Of course he’s dumping the responsibility on me.
He’s too busy flirting with his supermodel, or shall I say stickymodel, to do it himself. I bet he’s pretending to be a knight to get into her pants.
Our relationship may have become strictly business, but otherwise, he’s the same lazy and cocky man who isn't taking his situation seriously.
“Was that all?” he prods boredly.
“No, I─” A flash of wavy dark curls [RK11]cuts me off mid-speech.
Heart thumping frantically as Bianca turns in our direction, I grab Nathan’s bicep and drag us behind the pillar in the corner. Stepping closer and using his big body as a shield, I slowly stretch on my toes to peer over his shoulder.
She’s fully facing us now.
Crap! I dive back down, deciding whether to meet her or get the hell out of Dodge.
Nathan’s deep and teasing voice fills my ears. “Is this you recreating the memory of the last time we were attending the same ball? If yes, you’re crossing the line of professionalism, angel.”
I notice my fingers digging into his arms and immediately let go. Sticking close to him as a precaution, I tilt my head to find him eyeing me smugly.
“Didn’t peg you for a girl who steals someone’s date.”
“I don’t want you.”
“Is that why you’re rubbing your tits against me and climbing up my body?”
I flush red, stumbling back.
The long train of my dress gets twisted around my heel, sending me backward. Nathan’s arm swoops down to break my fall, snatching me back into his personal space.
“You and your goddamn heels,” he huffs in exasperation.
I crane my neck to the side and see Bianca standing in a group with her husband protectively beside her. Dipping my head, I hide my face against Nathan’s chest as he holds me close.
“Arya, my body may have given you the wrong impression in my office, but I do not mix business with pleasure,” he grits out.
I can’t tell whether he’s mad at me or himself for uttering those words.
“It’s my sister,” I explain. “Bianca and Dash are right behind you. I don’t want either of them to see me. Okay?”
Untangling himself from me with a grip on my waist, his fingers grazing the tops of my hips in the process, he taunts, “Hate confrontations, do you?”
He says it like I’m being a coward.
The evidence is stacked against me.
It’s all he’s ever witnessed me do. Last time, it was Aryan. Tonight, it’s Bianca. Nonetheless, he has no right to judge me.
“I’m planning to meet her soon,” I defend myself. “This is neither the time nor the place.”
“Hmm, I thought you might disagree.”
Something in his tone irks me. “Pardon?”
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out that Kian and Iris will be here tonight?”
My jaw goes slack, making it difficult to hold his gaze.
A calculative smirk graces his mouth. “I thought you might like estranged siblings of your own too.”
“You invited Dash and Bianca?”
“Oh, I did it purely for the cause. The more people donate, the merrier.” Pushing his hands back in his pockets, he suggests, “Wanna go say hi? You can’t hide here forever.”
The blood in my veins boils at his revenge. In a split second, he went from being my savior to a villain. “I had good intentions.”
“So do I. I’m uniting two sisters.” Crowding me against the wall without touching, his proximity and whiskey voice awaken my nerve endings. “What’s it going to be, Ari? Usually, I’d save you from situations like this. Too bad I’m not in the mood for it tonight.”
“Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re anyone’s savior,” I retort, watching his expression darken. “You’ve never had good intentions.”
“Consider this a lesson in defying me.” With a knuckle under my chin, he tips my face up. His breath wafts on my lips, trembling them. “And you’re right. I’m no one’s savior.”
He steps away in a flash, exposing me to the room.
Time freezes when my eyes connect with Bianca’s.
She jerks back in shock.