I laughed, shaking my head. “Oh, I'm with you. I refuse to even blink. I am not missing any of this.”
The car pulled to a stop in front of the grand entrance, where soft music soared into the night air, mixing with the sound of heels clicking and glasses clinking. A valet opened my door, and the second my foot hit the marble, it was game on. The shopping bags in the trunk didn’t matter. The flight here didn’t matter. It wasnow. I was stepping into something real and opulent and unfamiliar.
I was dressed in a deep, sapphire-blue dress that hugged my silhouette. My red curls were pinned up, a few playful strands escaped to frame my face. The shimmer of my diamond earrings and bracelet was courtesy of Jahsir. They were the only accessories I needed to feel like I belonged here.
The grand entrance hall stretched out before me with ceilings stretching, chandeliers dripping with crystals that caught every glint of the warm lighting. The marble floors gleamed and appeared cool and smooth. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and expensive perfume, mingling with the fresh ocean breeze slipping through open French doors.
Around me, elegantly dressed guests moved gracefully. Then men wore tailored suits, and the women kept it simple with gowns featuring graceful necklines. Waiters weaved between groups carrying trays of champagne flutes and bite-sized delicacies. A band, or a stringed quartet - if I'm being fancy- played a soft melody that wrapped the room in gentle sophistication.
Jahsir, was in his element. I stayed close while he played Big Spender. It was interesting; they all drifted to him. Theysought him out. He greeted people like royalty, returning their handshakes, shoulder clasps, and even greeting some of them in French. His confidence was on a whole different level in this space, like he wasn’t just visiting, butbelonged. It was sexy, but if I’m being honest, it made me feel a way.
Jah leaned in, lips brushing my ear. “Ready to meet the people who make dreams happen?”
“Lead the way.”
I followed Jahsir through the crowd until we were met with a handsome older gentleman. He wore a white suit jacket, immediately making him stand out from the crowd. Jahsir greeted him from behind, prompting the gentleman to turn around.
“Gino, what’s good?”
“Sir Jah, how are you doing, man?” They dap up. The handsome man settled his eyes on me. “And this must be your muse, I’d recognize that face anywhere.”
I gave him a confused look, then held out my hand. “Hi, I’m-”
“Crimson,” he cut me off smoothly. “Like I said, I’d know you anywhere. How are you liking Monaco?”
“It’s beautiful. Breathtaking, really. If I lived here, I’d sail the sea every chance I got.”
“Speaking of, how about in a couple of days? I’m throwing a party on the Genevieve.”
“The Genevieve?”
“My yacht. You’ve got to come.”
Gino glanced at Jahsir, and he nodded. “I need to steal him away for a minute. Make yourself at home, Crimson. If you need anything, just ask. My staff will take care of you. Enjoy my home, please.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gino.”Enjoy my home? My heart skipped a beat as I took in my surroundings once more. The mansion was enormous, far grander than anything I’d ever seen. It could havebeen a museum, and I was for sure it was until he said those words.People live like this,I thought.
I drifted toward the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. The moon bathed part of the water in its glow, leaving the rest cloaked in shadow. The waves crashed against each other, and I found myself thinking back to Mr. Gino casually inviting us to the party aboardGenevieve.
I watched the guests from a distance, catching snippets of hushed conversations. In my mind, I started making up stories and little fantasies about how each of them had acquired their power and wealth. I was halfway through one when a gentle hand touched my arm.
“Enjoying the view?”
I turned and met the gaze of a woman with radiant chocolate skin, round eyes that sparkled, and a smile that somehow made you want to say yes to whatever she suggested.
“I am,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
She nodded knowingly. “Monaco has a way of doing that. I’m Genevieve, Gino’s wife.”
“What a pleasure,” I said with a smile. “Your home is breathtaking. I’m Crimson.”
“Oh, I know who you are,” she said with a little wink. “Your face has made me a lot of money. So tell me, Crimson beyond modeling, what do you do?”
“I-” I paused. For the first time, I didn’t have to say I worked at the bank. For the first time, I could say what Iwas. “I’m a designer. I own a boutique in the States.”
“Marvelous. I love to shop. Do you have a website? A business card?”
“Um, well... it’s still pretty new.”
