Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 98418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
"Wow, this is really nice." I breathe.
Theo is sat at the breakfast bar with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. "Thanks." He looks over his paper at me. "Coffee?"
"Sure, thanks. You read the paper?" I smirk as I sit on the stool next to his while he stands and pours me a cup.
“Uh, yeah. Why is that funny?” He smiles at me over his shoulder, looking fresh faced and gorgeous as ever.
“It’s just so…normal. I guess I don’t expect such trivial things of you.” I shrug. “Or for you to have time to pay attention to current affairs outside of your bedroom.”
His lips turn up in an amused smirk. “Hmm, despite what you might think, I do actually run several very successful businesses, so I do keep up with current affairs. You never know who’s going to try and screw you next.” He winks before turning back to the coffee maker.
I turn over the paper and laugh. “Current affairs such as the latest silicone wannabe?”
“Hey. The Sun can be very informative.” He smirks.
It's then that I notice a small picture in the corner of the gossip page at the back of the paper Theo was just reading. It's small and not very clear, but I recognise the two people in the photo. It's Theo and I. "Shit." I murmur.
"What?" Theo wraps his arms around me as he reads over my shoulder. I skim through the brief paragraph next to the picture, basically stating that Theodore Ellis was spotted leaving a pub with a mystery woman.
"Ignore that crap. The press are like fucking stalkers. I swear I can't take a shit without them knowing about it." He grumbles.
"I just... I don't want them to get the wrong idea... about us." Something crosses his expression, but disappears quickly.
"Look, if you're worried then we'll be more careful in public, okay?" He strokes my cheek before giving me a quick peck on the lips.
"Okay." I whisper.
"You ready?" I nod. "Right. Let’s go then." He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes.
Chapter 13 – Theo
I find myself in an unusually good mood on Saturday night as I head into north London. I'm attending a charity function, which Ellis Corporate sponsor. I know Lilly's going. Apparently Molly's mother is a co-founder of the charity. Small world.
I stop and pick up Cat on the way, being a budding fashion designer I try and bring her to these sorts of things. It's good for networking, any successful business is all about networking.
I pull up outside The Ivy Hotel and walk to the passenger side to open the door for Cat. I throw the keys to the valet who looks like he may be nursing a semi as he practically drools on my car.
A royal blue carpet paths the way to the entrance of the hotel. There are brass poles lining the carpet with thick ropes hanging between each one. Guests are making their way inside and the entrance is crowded. Just inside are a large group of photographers. They shout names as they recognise various guests, whilst snapping furiously. The right hand wall is an enormous board with 'Rosemary Trust' printed in huge letters across it, underneath is a list of sponsors including Ellis Corporate Ltd. Cat loops her hand under my elbow as we walk.
"Mr Ellis! Mr Ellis!" They shout frantically when I step through the entrance. I stand against the wall and smile for a moment, Cat smiles for the cameras beside me, allowing them to get their shot before moving on into the lobby. We're led through the lobby to the main ballroom where the event is being held.
The room is decorated in black and gold. One side of the room is tables, whilst the other is a dance floor. On the other side of the dance floor are Blackjack, Roulette and Poker tables.
Lady Thompson is the chairman of the charity and a close friend of my uncle Mike. She approaches us on arrival. She's dressed in a floor length gold satin dress. She's a very elegant woman with a willowy frame, her greying hair is pulled up into a twist on the back of her head.
"Theo darling. How are you?" She air kisses each of my cheeks.
"Louella. I'm good thank you. How are you?" I flash her a smile.
"Fabulous. Oh and little Cat, look at you." She spins Cat around getting a good look at her dress. Cat designed it herself. It's coral pink, strapless with a slit up to her thigh in the skirt, the fabric is light and billowy and clings to her legs as she walks. I'd prefer she was slightly more covered, but oddly she manages to make the whole thing timelessly classy.
"Hi Louella. How are you?" Cat beams at her.
"Oh, I'm very well. Much better for seeing you two. No date today?" She winks and grins at me. I've known her for a few years now. We met at this very event through Mike. I liked her instantly, she's the sort of woman who commands instant respect.