17. Lowen
SEVENTEEN
LOWEN
There’s a knock on my door while I’m busy packing. “Come in.”
I look up as Indy and Salem enter my bedroom. “Hey, Low,” Indy says. “We just came to check on you. Ridley told us about the article.”
I nod, folding my cashmere sweater over my arm. “I had hoped interest in me would’ve died down after all this time, but I guess it’s a slow news day.”
Salem scrunches his nose. “I can’t imagine what it feels like.”
“It feels like being in a fishbowl and being watched from all angles. It’s so stupid too. I’m just a man living my life. I’m not doing anything newsworthy. I left Paris so I could find out who I am again after all that happened. I needed to figure out what parts of my aesthetic were my own and what parts were influenced by Alain. It’s ironic that I’m being honored for the solo work I did while married to him.”
“Doesn’t that just prove that you were fantastic all along?” Indy asks.
I shrug, perching on the edge of my bed. “Maybe. I want the award. I do. I just wish I didn’t have to go back into this environment to get it.”
“But you’ll have Oakley with you,” Salem says. “That helps, right?”
“A lot. I couldn’t do it alone.”
“You never would’ve had to, Low.” Indy smiles. “None of us would’ve let you.”
“I know.” Smiling, I stand and continue packing. “Apologies in advance if they infiltrate Moby’s looking for me.”
“We can handle it,” Salem says. “Also, might bring in some business.”
I huff. “Or scare locals away.”
Indy walks over and squeezes my shoulder. “They aren’t snipers or wild animals. We can handle it, and so can you. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. You navigated shark infested waters and made it out alive. Don’t sell yourself short.”
I nod, blinking to keep from crying. I only do that in private. “Thanks, Indy.”
“Try to have fun, huh?” he says. “Enjoy the attention and the recognition you deserve.”
“And enjoy that hunky bear on your arm,” Salem adds with a wink, making me laugh.
“I’ll do my best.”
They leave and I finish packing, take a luxurious bath, then select my outfit, knowing the chances are high we’ll be spotted on our way into the hotel. It’s time to adopt my Parisian persona for the week. The aloof, high glamour, unshakable diva everyone there knows me as. I won’t let Alain or anyone else break me this week. I’ve worked too hard to put myself back together.
At two-thirty on the dot my phone buzzes. I grab it, bending over to finish putting on my shoes. It’s a text from Ridley letting me know Oakley is here. I asked them not to let him come up, choosing instead to make my entrance more impactful. Oakley hasn’t seen this side of me yet, and even though it’s temporary, I really hope he likes it.
I chose a sheer black blouse that plunges to my belly button and silky, wide-legged black trousers. I’ve draped my neck in numerous delicate gold chains and added my favorite bracelets. My hair is styled, makeup done, and I have red-bottom pumps on. I look every bit the high-end designer I am. My final touch is a glorious soft pink faux fur wrap.
I gather my suitcase and overnight bag and make my way to the stairs, where the sound of Oakley’s deep, jovial voice tickles my insides. With a quick glance at the spectacular diamond decorating my ring finger, I begin my descent, holding back a smile when Oakley stops speaking mid-sentence.
His jaw drops, as does mine when I see what he’s wearing. I didn’t tell him to dress up, but he chose simple black slacks and a charcoal gray sweater that hugs his muscular frame beautifully.
“Kitten,” he whispers, and even though all my friends are gathered around, I don’t mind the endearment. “Fucking hell. You are stunning.”
Ridley wolf whistles at me. “Hell yeah, Low. Slay those bastards.”
“I need to seriously up my game,” Salem muses, before Indy wraps his arms around him and whispers something that makes his cheeks blush.
Stewart beams as Kit nods appreciatively. “You look amazing, Lowen.”
“Thank you.”
Jerryn and Bane pause their video game and Bane actually claps, making me laugh softly.
Wren, having moved in without any unneeded drama a few nights ago, comes out of the kitchen, pausing when he sees me. “Wow.”
“Showtime.” I shrug. “Here goes nothing.”
“They’re on your turf now,” Ridley says. “Own that shit. You look like a fucking goddess and you have a hot-ass man on your arm. You got this, babe.”
I nod, blowing out a breath as Oakley reaches up to grab my suitcase. “I’ve got this.”
Oakley is gazing at me like he can’t believe his eyes. Mission accomplished.
“You look wonderful,” I tell him.
He nods, making a happy humming noise. “You are unreal.”
I look over my shoulder at my friends. “I’ll check in with you guys.”
“Have fun,” Salem calls as we step outside.
I scan the driveway for Oakley’s truck, but instead there’s a sleek silver Jaguar. “What’s this?”
“Your chariot. I wasn’t about to drive my work truck around for the week.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to. This is fun for me. It’s a change from the norm.” He brushes his thumb over the scruff on my face. “You didn’t shave.”
Even as I blush, I shake my head and admit, “I wanted to do something different from my days in Paris. Every red carpet or building unveiling I went to, the fashion mags would talk about my baby face. I spent a lot of time maintaining that smooth face. I thought it would be fun to play with gender even more and keep the facial hair with my makeup.” I crinkle my brow. “Does it look bad?”
Oakley scoffs. “Babe, you couldn’t look bad if you tried. You are so damn beautiful.” He pulls me close. “I want to mess up that lipstick, but I won’t. Not yet.”
Sliding my hand down his chest, I gaze into his eyes. “But you will later?”
“Count on it.”
“What will you do to me?”
His eyes heat as he grinds his swelling cock into mine. “Guess you’ll find out.”
I can’t decide if I’m more excited about spending a week with Oakley or the awards. Maybe it’s both.
He opens the passenger door for me before putting my bags in the trunk. Once he joins me, he puts his hand on my thigh, squeezing lightly.
“Ready, kitten?”
Nodding, I smile. “I’m ready.”