Chapter 70:Point And Kill

Chapter 70
June

I didn't know the amount of peace I had been in since until I was interrupted by the chaos Axel had brought. I haven't been able to get any sleep because of what Levi had said. It didn't matter of I liked it or not I was going to be married to Levi, it was disrespectful to think of someone else or even let that person in while I was still under his roof. I grabbed my hair in frustration. "Next time you take his call, there's no telling what I would do." Was that for me? Or was that for axel? What was he going to do if something like this happens? My thoughts were scattered just by thinking of the things he was capable of. I knew something was off with Levi but there's no way he would be into hard core crimes. Or is he?

I had sent in my applications to some design agencues,I wanted to see if I would at least get a job that would get me out of the house first. I didn't plan to open a business of my own but I intended to take back my mother's company and run it myself. Until then, I had to do what I loved. A notification distracted me from my piercings thoughts. When I opened the mail, it was a mail from one of the gallery's I applied to.

I rubbed my sweaty palms before clicking the notification. I closed my eyes praying not to be faced by the disappointment that had clouded me these past few months.

Interview Invitation – Museion Gallery

Dear Ms. Carter,

Following our review of your portfolio and background in design and fine arts, we are pleased to invite you for an interview for the position of Curator & Creative Director at Museion.

The interview will take place at Museion’s private offices...

The mail was sent by an Isabella Marlowe who had proved to be the assistant to Lucien Castell. The founder of Museion. I didn't think they would want to give me a job after the scandal and my short background. My lips slightly parted in shock, slowly the excitement started seeping in as the mail began replaying in my head.

"I can't believe this."

My heart drummed beats of joy, my eyes lit as I replied the mail. The interview was set in the upcoming weeks and I couldn't wait to express my creative freedom without the...

"What's with the excitement." His raspy voice evoked me from behind. These days his voice has been nothing but a warm hug, dissolving all the dark edges that had filled me up lately. The rage, tiredness and deep desire mixed with yearning for this man. His eyes glinted as he leaned on the pavement outlining the door. I blinked, his eyes sized me up.

"Stop gawking."

"You are the model i can't stop gawking at. You are right in front of me and that makes it hard." His voice was almost a whisper.

"Well, it seems you just stepped out from a billion dollar magazine..." I murmured.

"I didn't get that." I shook my head. He took gentle strides into my room like that if a predator aiming for his prey. "What did you say, birdie?"

"I said you look good." Technically, I didn't lie. The grammar preciseness was what was lacking.

"A compliment from you? We are getting some where." Don't flatter yourself, big guy.

I scrunched my brows as his forehead creased. As if he just got a reminder to stop himself. "You are in a good mood."

"Yeah, about that. I took your advice. Decided to take up other 'prestigous' career. Something that resonates with me. I applied to some creative agencies and design studios. After so many rejections, I finally landed an interview with Lucien Castell in the coming weeks as a creative director and curator."

His eyes narrowed at first before his eyes flashed with pride. "That's impressive. I didn't know you were looking. I would have helped put a word out for you. I know a lot of people that owns creative agencies."

I thinned my lips. "I appreciate that but I knew that's what you were going to do. It's bad enough that I am unstable with a bad reputation. It would be a scene for the tabloids if you helped in landing me a job. It would seem I slept my way up in my career I didn't want that for a start."

"I don't care what everyone thinks. It is my contribution and I choose who I give it to." He persisted. Levi has always wanted to be involved in everything that concerned me, it was his chivalry that made resisting him so much more difficult.

"I know, Levi." I got close, tracing my palms up his arms. "I want to do this myself. It would be more fulfilling that way."

"Okay, if you land the job and you don't like working there, you can just work for me. I need a creative director and curator too. I buy a lot of art pieces, I have so many art vaults across Europe. You would get your creative freedom too and I get to see you everytime. Win win." My eyes sparkled as he became more opened. It was a new side to him I didn't think he was capable of.

"No, Mr Stark. This is for me. Don't take it away with your arrogance and wealth."

He chuckled a bit. His laughter was like a song in my ears. "Fine. But I'm serious. If you are ever feeling uncomfortable, you can always come to me. What gallery would you be working at?"

"Museion Gallery. They have multiple private offices..."

"Lucien Castell." His eyes glinted above my head in deep thought.

"You know him."

"Heard of him. Old money aura, cocky as fuck and a brutal son of bitch when it came to business. Museion is his crown Jewel. You will enjoy working with him." He confessed. "Congratulations, birdie. I am truly happy for you." He leaned forward, kissing my forehead. Sparks travelled over my body like electricity. I gulped, gently moving backward from his grip. Excitement had gotten me too comfortable in his arms, it was dangerous.

"You wanted to see me?" I glanced at him, trying to avoid his eyes. He tilted his head before a sigh.

"Yeah. Later in the day, we will be attending an exclusive dinner at Ivory City. I will send something for you, you don't have to think of what to wear." He took strides back to his original position.

"I thought Ivory City is a myth."

He scoffed, giving me one more glance. "You will see."

At the time for dinner, Levi had sent a text on when he was going to come home. Apparently, he has a business meeting that couldn't wait. A package arrived for me. I opened the pick box wrapped in a bold tie. The feel felt familiar, like the time Scarlett gave us one free pieces from one of collections... No way.

I checked the tag on the box. Domina's Night fall collection by Scarlett Winslow. "No way!" Levi had gotten me one of her most expensive pieces that I had always wanted to get. "How the fuck did he know I have been wanting this." Domina was the name of her fashion brand, her clothes and fabric colours expressed in bold auras and elegant style. My vision blurred as I thought of how far she had grown into what she was always meant to do. I was about to unclipbthe dress when my phone vibrated me out of the excitement.

"Do you like your dress?!" Scarlett squealed at the other side of the phone.

"It's bold and elegant, thank you. How?!"

"Well, I know I am not in support of your choice to be with him but he came to one of our local stores seeking an advice in getting a dress. He paid for the costs and I sent that over." The sides of my eyes were still biting with hot tears.

"Thank you." I wanted to rant about my new win but she was distracted on the phone for a second.

"Alright Junie, I got to go. I have to go to New York to meet with some of my models for the runway show. Love ya. Enjoy and fill me in when you are back."

I took out the dress ready to try it on. This dress was called the crimson mirage. It was a body hugging scarlet dress with daring slits high up to my thighs. Sequins swirled around it catching the dimmed lights like scattered stars. I wore lethal heels, thin straps wrapped around my delicate ankles. I painted my lips wine red with a little touch up. My hair was falling loose and reckless in my shoulders. I stared at myself at mirror before grabbing my clutch, wrapping my fingers around it with a little tight first. The flashes of every gala I attended with Axel, occupied my memory. It was clear that I would never belong in such events.

Maybe Levi would realize that too. I sighed as the subtle announcement of Levi's arrival by the maid distracted me from my thoughts. My shoulders stiffened as I counted my steps through the flight of stairs. Levi was waiting downstairs with a tailored Tom Ford black suit, his jacket was hugging his broad shoulders, trousers falling smooth on his polished shoe, crisp white shirt. Collars open just enough to see a shade of a tattoo crested on his skin. His look spoke of dominance and defiance. My lips folded into a smirk while pretending to be shy. I tugged my doubts to the back of my mind, just for a minute. His eyes were gawking at me in awe as I finally stood at length with him.

"You look..."

"Stunning?" He shook his head in disapproval.

"Stunning doesn't measure the air you are commanding with this dress." His hands hugged deep into his pocketscas he sized me up with pride dancing in his eyes. "Every step you make is a declaration. do you know how the rooms bends to your presence." His words had become a whisper tugging the heat between my legs. He leaned forward, his lips close to my ears. "You look ravishing, birdie. I am happy to call you mine." He left a feathery kiss on my cheek as my eyes met his.

"Thank you." Gratitude replaced my intended sarcasm and it came out as a moan.

"Shall we?" I intertwined my arms with his as we walked out to the car waiting out front.