Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Thank you, you look good yourself,” I reply. “You’re not wearing your gloves tonight?”
He offers his hand to me. “The only one I’ll be touching is you.”
“You didn’t have to change anything, Alek. I don’t mind if you wear gloves,” I say, suddenly insecure yet moved by his thoughtfulness.
“I’d rather not raise questions for you,” he says.
I eye him. “Since when do you care what people think?”
“I don’t, but I care about you. Deeply. This way, if I decide to take you to a supply closet, there will be less clothing to take off.”
“We’re not sneaking off anywhere.” I chuckle as I take his hand. I lock my apartment door and then he leads me to his car.
Any butterflies I might’ve had about tonight evaporate as I look at my hand in his. I know that no matter what, we’ll be okay.
As we drive to the event, I tell him about last night’s show and some of the people I’m excited to meet at the event. A lot of other actors, performers, and singers will be there, and I’m elated to meet them. But I’m also nervous because some of them I’ve looked up to for years.
When we arrive, a well-dressed gentleman opens my door, and Alek hands him the keys as he walks around to grab my hand. I suck in a sharp breath, surprised by the red carpet and number of cameras that are flashing our way.
Alek leans in and whispers in my ear, “You are stunning, sweetheart. Now, do what you do best—shine.”
I smile as someone takes a photo, and any tension I might’ve had floods away. Alek leads me onto the carpet, and it surprises me that he hates crowds and rowdiness yet the sophistication with which he holds himself seems so natural. But perhaps that’s because he has a different air about him when we’re together.
We pose for a few photos, with his hand on my lower back, and I find it just as shocking that this fucker knows how to pose. But with cheekbones and a jawline like that, how could he not?
As we step through the doors, I lean in and whisper, “I didn’t think I could be any more attracted to you.”
“Shall we find that supply closet?” he teases, and I smirk as I raise my head to take in the great chandeliers overhead.
A few acrobatic performers dangle from the ceiling, the room full of chatter as classical music plays in the background, and I realize someone is playing the piano.
“I need a drink first,” I confess; just something to take the edge off.
Alek leads me toward the first bar as he quietly begins to sing under his breath. “One margarita, two margarita…”
I slap him on the arm playfully. “Oh shut up, that is so not happening tonight.”
He’s smirking as he pulls out the barstool for me and then sits beside me. He orders himself a whisky and I order champagne.
“Ah, Miss Love and Mr. Ivanov,” Steven, my director, says with great enthusiasm. Ever the showman. He goes to put his hands on our shoulders but thinks better of it as Alek gives him a warning look.
Steven clears his throat. “It’s magnificent, isn’t it.”
“It’s really something,” I agree. “I’m just trying to take it all in at the moment.”
“Well, you may only have a few minutes of peace, so enjoy it. I have no doubt you’ll be surrounded in no time at all. There have been raving reviews about your performance.”
It’s still humbling to hear that, especially from someone who is so respected in the industry.
“I’ll leave you two lovebirds for a little longer while I do a sweep of the room,” he says, looking a little pale as he looks at Alek. Glancing at Alek, I realize Alek is giving him a death stare.
I slap him on the chest. “Hey, no territorial business. He’s my boss.”
“And if he touches you, he won’t be alive to sing your praises.”
I laugh. “Alek, I will be talking with a lot of men tonight. But I’ll be going home with you.”
That seems to lighten his gaze as the corner of his mouth cocks up. “Really?” he says as he yanks my stool closer to him.
My tongue is poking at my cheek because even in this roomful of people, I just want to tear his clothes off. “Behave,” I warn.
“We shall see,” he replies, and butterflies swoop in my stomach.
I sweep my gaze around the room and notice a few members with security personnel standing behind them. “I couldn’t imagine being so famous that I have to take security with me everywhere.”
Alek watches me carefully. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to discuss with you for a while, actually.”
I hover my drink at my lips as I say, “What do you mean?”
He glances around us. It’s fairly private for the time being, as the bartender is distracted on the other end of the bar.