CHAPTER TWO
“I want you to cruise the main room repeatedly all evening until I tell you to stop," Jason instructed, and Chris recognized the panic for what it was, which was Jason’s OCD, and just agreed.
"I'm at your disposal all evening, whatever you want from me, I will do. I will be there, and I will give you every minute of my absolute attention." That was the only right answer when Jason was having a last-minute mini-meltdown.
He’d spent weeks on the finishing touches, and this Gala was going to be fantastic, but Jason didn’t want to hear that right now; he couldn't hear that right now. That was something they would discuss later when it was over, and clean-up was underway.
"Okay then." He paused and took a deep breath, looking at Chris with an excited smile. “Let’s go.” He was in his element, now ready for action.
They walked out onto the main floor, and the place was spectacular.
Jason soon disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the event, and Chris began circling the room, keeping the staff informed of changes or direction and keeping his earpiece tuned to Jason and only Jason.
The patrons were, as expected, the cream of society, along with pillars of the business world and a smattering of those who simply wanted to be noticed and had the money or connections to secure admission to this amazing event.
Jason outdid himself once again. There was no mystery as to why Pruitt Events was the premier event planner in the area.
Chris was making his eighth circle of the main room when he saw them enter.
They moved in unison with an air of elegant superiority; they looked left to right, weighing and measuring the entire room.
Their fluidity was mesmerizing, and Chris tried desperately to tear his eyes away, but he was locked on, and the pain came rushing up from deep within his heart to choke him.
Elliott looked like a winner, golden, and he commanded everything around him without a word being spoken. He took Roe's hand and held it, sweeping the rail-thin model up to stand beside him as they surveyed the area. Then his eyes landed on Chris, and the pain became an inferno suffocating him.
Chris thought he would hyperventilate as the scene before him grew in absurdity.
They were walking toward him, they were smiling that self-righteous smarmy smile, and Chris panicked.
There was someone next to him, a man who was tall and broad and took up most of the room in their little section of the ballroom with just his presence, and Chris reacted like a total idiot as he was unable to stop himself in his panic.
He grabbed the man’s arm and squeezed. The man looked down at the connection and then looked into Chris’ eyes. The man was gorgeous and built and gave off an aura of intimidating power.
"Help me," Chris said through sharp panting breaths, his eyes looking back at the despicable couple coming at him.
The man's suit jacket was sharp and expensive.
He smelled of all things manly and luxurious; he was not someone Chris should be touching, but he was beyond that barrier now.
His dignity hung on what this man decided to do next.
“Talk to me like you know me and care about me.” The requests were ridiculous, but Chris begged the man with his eyes to please understand.
“Pretend we’re together . . . please. Dance with me.
” The man covered Chris’ hand with his own and gently moved to place his arm around Chris' back, placing his palm on the small of his back.
Chris could see the moment that this man sized up the situation. He looked over at the couple approaching and then down at Chris standing intimately close to him. He leaned down, his lips barely brushing Chris' ear, and spoke.
“My name is Arman Kane, I'm an art dealer from Belleville." He introduced himself. Chris quickly did the same in a hushed tone.
“Chris Trudeau, I'm assistant to the event manager, and that man coming toward us is my ex who cheated on me with the tall beauty walking beside him. He’s here to gloat. He wants to rub it in my face here in front of everyone.” He gave Arman a quick situational update and watched a soft smile touch his lips.
"The music has started, come let us dance." Arman had a voice that was deep and hypnotic, and Chris fell into step beside him as he nodded to Elliott, who turned his back and walked away without comment. His expression was surprise and a little anger. Chris loved it, but the night wasn't over yet.
Arman's touch and the nearness of his body were filling Chris with all sorts of thoughts, but then he would catch sight of Elliott, and the pain of humiliation would rush over him. As much as he felt secure with this man who was helping him, he still felt the pain of that night Elliott had walked away, claiming that Chris was not enough and that he would never be enough. Elliott claimed to have ambition beyond Chris’ humble desires, and he needed someone who matched his energy; he didn't need a naive little hometown boy.
“Look at me, Chris, it's just you and me enjoying this evening and each other.
No one else comes between us." He was saying all the right things, and Chris had no idea who he even was apart from his name.
He was a complete stranger, and yet Chris had reached out to him, and he felt calm and protected in his embrace.
He was an excellent dancer, taking him around the floor and treating him like he was a cherished partner.
Chris took a moment to study the man a little more closely, and it became apparent that he was much more than a simple art dealer.
He might do that in some capacity, but he had the look of a man who ruled.
His stance, his grip, and his sheer presence were filled with calm control, but there was a fierce savagery that also sat on the edges of his demeanor.
He was no mere businessman, and Chris had just basically begged him to be his date for the evening.
He would be lucky if he didn't end up in the river before morning for the sheer audacity of getting in this man's way.
He took a deep breath and looked down, suddenly unsure of himself and dreading the potential outcome of his actions.
Arman Kane was a dangerous man; it radiated from every inch of his body, and still Chris danced and held him and glanced over at Elliott with a look of triumph.
His need to appear strong and unbothered outweighed his concern.
His earpiece lit up with Jason demanding to know what the hell he was doing and for him to excuse himself immediately from the embrace of Mr. Arman Kane.
“Meet me in the kitchen." He yelled, and then Arman, either hearing the command or assuming the fall out based on Chris’ expression, removed the earpiece and let it fall to hang a few inches down Chris’ back.
"You stay with me, sweetheart. We are not finished yet.
" His statement was final, and Chris was not about to question it.
Jason could deal with this however he wanted, but Chris was not about to piss off a man like Arman Kane.
Especially when Chris was the one who started it all in the first place.
He did not regret it; he would gladly go to the depths of the river, breathing his last, knowing that Elliott was stunned by what he observed.
It was worth it every bit of it . . . hopefully.
The music ended, and Chris could hear muffled sounds from his discarded earpiece, and it was then that Arman reached into Chris' jacket lapel and removed the device entirely. He set it on a passing tray of champagne flutes, and then it was lost among the throngs of people.
"Jason isn't going to be pleased," Chris mumbled.
“Jason is of no matter.” Arman’s tone was final, and it sent an excited shiver down Chris’ spine. “This night it is all about you and me.” Chris glanced several times at Elliott and Roe basking in their shock and confusion and then over to where Jason stood with a look of disappointment.
Arman directed him off the dance floor and over to where one of the men he had arrived with was standing.
No words passed between them, but one look from Arman had the guy moving to flank Elliott on his left, and the other flanked him on the right.
Elliott noticed the move, and Chris could see the alarm etching into his face.
He was clearly fearful of Arman’s power and intent.
If it weren't for the fact that Chris was a little scared himself, this moment would be delicious.
"You have nothing to fear, Chris. I just want to dissuade your ex and his companion from doing anything unwise. They will be kept at a distance for the remainder of the evening. You will not have to interact with them.”
“Thank you.” Chris was truly grateful because speaking with Elliott would have been upsetting. “Thank you for helping me.” Chris clarified.
"My pleasure, sweetheart." He kept his arm around Chris’ waist as he handed him a champagne flute, which Chris wasn’t sure if he could have. “Drink it.” He stated and then added. “You’re my date for this evening.” He bent and spoke into Chris’ ear. “Your ex is a fool.”
Arman then set their drinks down and guided Chris back onto the dance floor.
Chris had not had such care and attention in the entirety of his relationship with Elliott.
This man, whom he had known for less than an hour, was treating him like royalty.
He had to work for Elliott's attention, and he never stayed close to him at parties, always finding someone more interesting to spend his time with.
Arman would not leave him to stand alone; he didn't know the man, but he knew that he had impeccable manners.