Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Allora
The flight to Denver is pretty cool since I’ve never been on a helicopter before. We land on a private heli-pad, and there’s a limo waiting to take us to our hotel. Courtney is staying while we’re here since she apparently has friends in town, and then we’ll fly back together on Sunday.
In the meantime, I have a pretty full schedule and my first event is tonight.
Landon and I are sharing a suite, which is both soothing and nerve-wracking.
We haven’t been alone together since our kiss at the apartment and that was five days ago.
The suite is a one-bedroom with a pull-out couch in the living room, which is apparently what Landon asked for since he said he needs to be able to see the door at all times.
Chris is staying in the suite next door with Courtney, though theirs is a two-bedroom, so I feel as safe as I possibly can.
Even though I’m not allowed to go anywhere by myself. I understand the reasons why, but it makes it difficult to mingle. Especially tonight.
Alexa Humboldt is one of the top clothing designers in the world, and she’s holding a mixer tonight for industry professionals.
It’s a way for all of us to network and socialize.
Historically, I get a lot of work from her events, so I’m excited to be here but also a little worried about how I’m going to manage a busy schedule with my current situation.
Shadow Security had to come up with a whole plan for me to be in Denver for four days, and I don’t know how that’s going to work if I’m working somewhere different every couple of days. I mentioned it before we left and Daniil said we’d discuss it when I get back.
Pulling on my favorite cocktail dress, I look in the mirror, trying to decide if people will be able to see what’s left of the bruises. They’re almost gone but there’s some lingering discoloration. I did my best to hide it with makeup but I can still see faint outlines.
“Landon?” I call to him and he comes to the door.
“Yes?”
I suck in a breath when I get my first glimpse of him in a suit.
Fuck, but he’s spectacular.
His shoulders are a mile wide, taking up most of the doorway, and I can’t help but lick my lips as I stare at him. He’s one of those men who’s effortlessly confident, hands in the pockets of his slacks, several buttons open on his dress shirt, his jacket unbuttoned.
“Jesus,” I whisper. “Who taught you how to dress?”
One side of his mouth quirks up. “It was probably Courtney.”
“Remind me to thank her.”
His eyes glitter with amusement. “Who taught you to dress?”
“Uh, well, probably all the designers who dressed me when I was modeling.” I turn to face him, and I watch as his eyes rake up and down my body.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
We continue to stare, and I’m not sure what to do.
“We have to go,” he says after a moment.
“I, uh, had a question.”
He cocks his head.
“Uh, can you see the bruising around my eyes?”
He comes closer and lifts my chin between two fingers, staring down at my face intently.
“A little,” he says at last. “But I have to look really close, in bright light.” He slowly releases my chin, and I immediately miss his touch.
“Okay. Thank you.” I nervously smooth my hands down my pale blue dress, suddenly a bit anxious.
“You okay?” he asks.
“I think so?” I’m not sure I have an answer to that. “I’m a little nervous and I don’t know why.”
“Your first public outing since the kidnapping. It didn’t make national news but the story was out there.”
“It was?” I stare at him.
He frowns. “Well, yeah. It was a big deal locally, and Daniil made sure to leak mention of a sex trafficking ring. How else do we bring attention to the matter?”
“I didn’t… no one said anything,” I say in confusion. “I had no idea. Does that mean people know?”
“Some people know.”
“But no one reached out,” I say in confusion. “My friends…Well, I mean, Lacy didn’t know until I told her. But no one else…” Then I remember that I have a new number and groan. “Except I have a new number and I haven’t reached out to everyone yet.”
“We don’t have to go if you think it’ll be too much.”
“No, I want to go. I have to.” I stand up a little straighter. “Because I didn’t do anything wrong. Hiding would give the impression that I did.”
“That’s my girl.” He smiles. “By the way, I wanted to run something past you.”
“Okay.”
“Daniil suggested we go with the story that I’m your date for the weekend. Bodyguard will only bring unwanted attention. But it’s up to you.”
“I have no problem with you being my date,” I say with a teasing smile. “I mean, technically you are my date, even if you’re pretending to be my bodyguard, and vice versa.”
He chuckles. “I don’t think I’m pretending to be your bodyguard, but you’re right that it doesn’t matter what we call it—I’m definitely your plus one for the weekend.”
“Tonight is a more casual setting so we don’t have to worry about you hovering. Tomorrow, you’re going to have to try to be less conspicuous because I’m shooting the fashion show and it’ll be weird if my new boyfriend is up my butt. So to speak.”
“Noted.” A smile plays on his lips. “I will do my best not to be…up your butt. Unless you ask nicely.”
I flush, dipping my head. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“So, boyfriend and girlfriend for the evening?”
“Yes.”
He extends his elbow. “Then let’s go.”
I take his arm and let him lead me into the hallway just as Courtney and Chris come out of their room.
Courtney is six months pregnant, but she’s basically got nothing but a little bump in the middle of her abdomen.
She looks incredible in an emerald-green cocktail dress and matching heels.
Her red hair is in a messy updo and she’s simply stunning as she walks toward us.
“You look gorgeous,” I gush.
She smiles. “I don’t get dressed up often these days, so I figured I’d take advantage of it.”
“Did you get an invite to tonight’s party?” I ask as we make our way to the elevator.
She nods. “Casey and Alexa are very close, so she got me on the list.”
Casey is married to the king of Limaj, the country Daniil comes from. Daniil and the king are first cousins so it stands to reason that they’re all close.
And for now, I’m part of the fold, which is an interesting feeling.
“Why is your nickname Chaos?” I ask as we step onto the elevator.
Courtney and Landon snort, and one side of Chris’s mouth quirks up. “That’s a long story,” he replies with a smirk. “Way too long for an elevator ride.”
I chuckle. “I’ll have to remember to ask again sometime.”
The moment we step into the lobby, it’s a madhouse.
I see familiar and unfamiliar faces but I’m instantly lost in the crowd.
Holding Landon’s arm gives me a touch of confidence that I’m not usually lacking but tonight is a little different.
For some reason, the moment I see the throngs of people I can’t help but wonder if my attackers—or people that work with them—are among them.
“Easy,” Landon whispers against my ear. “I’m right here. No one will get close to you unless you want them to.”
He must have sensed my apprehension and I nod stiffly.
“Courtney!” The sweet female voice is familiar, and I smile when I turn.
It’s Alexa Humboldt, the star of the event, and I’m surprised to see her here in the lobby. She doesn’t see me at first, hugging Courtney like they’re old friends even though it didn’t seem that way.
“The dress is perfect,” Courtney is telling her.
Alexa dressed her?
Well, that’s what happens when you’re related to royalty, I guess.
“Allora!” Alexa is momentarily surprised to see me and she hugs me too. A little tighter than she ever has in the past. “How are you? I was glad to hear you’re still coming.”
I frown just a little. “How did you…”
She cocks her head. “Well, I saw it on the news. They never said your name but I know your face and body very well. I tried to reach out but your phone went straight to voicemail. Then when Courtney called, she verified that it was you.” She pauses, staring at me through her pink tortoise-shell glasses. “Are you okay?”
“I’m getting there,” I reply softly.
She reaches up, gently touching the bruise on my face. “If you want to cover that tomorrow, just tell Maxine I said so.” Someone calls her name and she merely lifts a finger, indicating they need to wait. “I’ll have a little down time in the morning. If you’re up for breakfast, text me.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, slightly choked up.
Alexa and I have a good professional relationship, and are certainly friendly, but we’re not close friends. That she would make time for me in the midst of one of her show weekends means a lot.
“See you soon.” She nods and moves off to the person waiting.
I wouldn’t have chosen for it to happen this way but if my kidnapping leads to some stronger personal relationships, I certainly won’t say no.