“You can have some coffee or a beer while I decide,” I said as I grabbed some items off the clothing racks. “I cannot leave your side miss Nirah.”
“Just for a second. It’s okay.Really,” I assured him. “You haven’t had anything to eat or drink since we got here.”
“I am okay.”Well, I tried.
I paid for my clothes and thereafter we got something to eat and ended our day with manicures and pedicures. I promised to keep Cesar’s secret.
“Told you we’d bond over manicures,” I grinned over at him, and I noticed a small smile appear on his face as he laid back with cucumbers on his eyes.
CHAPTER 16
Nirah
TAKING A FEW calming deep breaths in, I straightened out the front of my dress.
I ran my hands down my waist, outlining my curves as I stared at myself in the mirror.You got this, Nirah. You’ll be fine.
“Ready to go, Miss Nirah?” Cesar asked, standing in the doorway, and I slowly inhaled to calm my nerves. “Mr. Antonio had to be there ahead of time, so I will be escorting you tonight.”
“Okay,” I smiled. I grabbed my purse and closed my bedroom door behind me as I left with Cesar.
I was on edge the entire drive. I didn’t hear anything from Antonio for two days. According to Cesar, he had business to attend to out of town. And as for the event I was attending… I was still in the dark. Neither of them would tell me anything, and I had asked for Cesar’s opinion on my dress, but he only said that it was perfect. Nothing more.
I gulped down almost two bottles of water on our way over here, and when it was time to get out, I could not calm my nerves.
“You have nothing to be anxious about, Miss Nirah,” Cesar assured me as he looked at me through the rear view mirror.“As soon as we step out of this car, I will not leave your side, even after we’ve found Mr. Antonio. Understand?”Oh, thank goodness.
“Thank God,” I sank into my seat. “I can’t do this without you,” I admitted, gripping the edge of my seat, and he showed me his comforting smile. “Promise you won’t leave me?” I asked, pushing myself in between the two front seats, and he turned his head slightly toward me.
“I promise.”That’s a relief. While driving, we passed many flashing camera’s and large crowds. Thankfully, the car windows were tinted. Cesar gave me a quick rundown of what to do.Ignore them. Don’t answer questions. Don’t smile. Nothing.
“Ready?” he asked, and I nodded.
Cesar stepped out and rounded the hood of the car. He stood at my door for a brief minute, and I smiled, knowing he was giving me a second all to myself. He eventually opened the car door for me, but before I could take my first step, I was blinded by flashing lights.
Cesar took my arm, hooking it onto his. It was overwhelming and intimidating, to say the least.Yelling. Flashing cameras. Squealing. Cameras clicking. White spots everywhere.
We finally got inside, and I gripped his arm for dear life. “You did amazing, Miss,” he cooed, and I smiled.
“Thank you, Cesar,” I softly chuckled, feeling relieved, and we headed upstairs. We got to the top, and I was amazed by the grand view below us.Wow.
The men were dressed in suits while the women were wrapped in beautiful dresses, some floor length, others stopping mid-thigh.
As I admired one of the women’s dresses, the man beside her slowly trailed his eyes up my body. He gave me a smile—which I hesitantly returned. This placed screamedeleganceandmoney.
Waiters swiftly walked around with flutes of champagne and little snacks. I gently ran my hands down my hips and my eyes locked with the most beautiful green eyes I’ve ever seen.
The soft music had become even softer. The lights had dimmed. The cool air had suddenly become hot. Because there he was. Staring up at me with big, wondrous eyes.
I know he is always wearing a suit, but oh my, he looked so handsome. The way his tatted fingers wrapped around the glass in his hand while the other rested in the pocket of his slacks. He was standing with three other men. One of the men spoke, and the other two smiled while nodding. Antonio spoke, and the men went silent.
I carefully walked down the stairs and he met me at the bottom.
“You’re not wearing any red,” he said, stopping in front of me, and took a sip of his drink. And cue the control freak.
I smiled at one of the women passing us, moving my finger to the slit of my dress. I could feel his gaze on me as I hooked the slit of my dress with my finger. Slowly, I raised it, revealing the red lace panties I was wearing.
His gaze burned into me as he followed my every move. As soon as I revealed it to him, I dropped my hand, straightening out my dress.
