Chapter 31 Billionaires and expensive champagnes
CHAPTER 31
Billionaires and expensive champagnes.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
My heart pounds as Roman helps me out of the car, his palm brushing my hips. Goosebumps break over my skin instantly, and my lungs tightens but I push it back. I push back this painful awareness to him.
It’s almost midnight, and my head is pounding.
This night went off the rails.
I can still hear Dante’s words.
“Are you okay, my love?” Eve asks softly and links our arms.
Irritation flares in me. My cheeks flush, and my chest caves in. I am overstimulated. I want to run away. My heart pounds painfully. Fuck. I need to get out of this fucking dress. I need to – oh, fuck.
My lungs constricts and everything crashes into me. Heat crawls up my neck and explodes on my cheeks.
“Scarlett?” Roman’s voice flows through, and I try to steady myself, but I can’t.
“Scarlett!” He snaps and reaches for me.
His warm hands wrap around my hips, and he pulls me flush against his body. My vision swims, and burns with tears. I feel as weak as he carries me inside, wrapping me in his warmth. He reaches for my dress and starts to undo the clips.
I inhale slowly, shockingly, my whole body trembling.
“Breathe, breathe. In and out, baby.” He coos as he frees me from the clutches of the dress.
My chest expands and caves in. I follow his instructions and do as he says.
He runs his fingers through my hair, and I latch onto that feeling. I lean into him like he is an anchor, desperate and scared.
“Scarlett,” He whispers.
I inhale slowly and look at him.
His jaw is clenched, and something dangerous fills his gaze, “Was it too much? I’m sorry.”
Guilt drags me down like a weight. It presses down on my chest until all I can feel is it. My cheeks flush, and I hate myself a bit more. He is apologising to me. He doesn’t know what I am about to do. I am going to steal from him and give it to Dante. I am going to betray him. My mouth tastes sour and bitter. I have made up my mind. I will do anything to be free, including betray the man who saved me.
“I am sorry about tonight. I should have prepared you better. I’ll work you through everything so tomorrow night, you won’t be as overwhelmed.” He reassures me, still threading his finger through my thick curls.
I hold my dress against my chest with trembling hands.
I try not to look at him or see that there are only a few pieces of clothes between us.
Thankfully, Eve walks in quickly with a bottle of water.
“What the hell, Scar?” She frowns and hands me the bottle of water.
I force a smile, but don’t respond.
Roman’s gaze lingers on me for a moment, then he pulls away.
“Thank you,” I murmur, stealing a glance at him.
He nods, then looks at his watch. He is ever busy, but maybe I can play that to my advantage. As long as he doesn’t have cameras around the house.
“Goodnight, Scarlett.” He whispers, then heads to the door, but Eve stops him.
“You don’t like Dante, do you?” She muses, and I freeze.
“What?” Roman frowns, but I see the way his eyes cloud with darkness.
“Dante Ricci. We ran into him on our way back from the restroom, and he seemed nice. I was excited because of who he is, but you don’t seem to like him?” She explains, folding her arms.
Roman doesn’t respond for a moment, but I see his shoulders square and his hands clench.
“You don’t know who he is. You should stay away from him.” He advises, with a hint of bitterness in his voice.
Eve smiles and nods, “I consider myself a good judge of character, but in this world of billionaires and expensive champagne, you are better. I might not really like you, Roman, but I know when to trust you.”
Roman flashes a grin, “Goodnight, Eve.”
Then, he is gone.
His presence lingers, though. I feel his touch on my back and in my hair. I feel him everywhere.
“Do you want to tell me what that was about?” Eve looks at me, her brows furrowed.
I can tell her. She is my best friend and an anchor for me, but telling her about Dante’s threat will only pull her further into the chaos. I want to protect her. I don’t want to taint her with my overwhelming filth. Roman will be furious when he eventually finds out that I cost him a multimillion-dollar deal, and when the time comes, I’ll deal with him myself. There’s no point dragging her into the chaos.
“It was just a panic attack.” I lie with a smile.
“Are you sure?” She frowns, as if she can see through my lies.
“I am sure, Eve. We have had a very long night. I am starving, so why don’t we make something, then go to sleep?” I suggest changing the topic smoothly.
“Then, we can talk about your dress for tomorrow.” She grins.
I keep a smile on my face as I change into something comfortable. She follows suit, then we make our way downstairs. Rick and the bodyguards are outside, deep in a conversation. Roman is nowhere to be found, but I know he’s not far behind.
Eve and I make Creamy Tomato Pasta for everyone. I am intentional with every step, and of course, overthink every action. Roman will eat this food, well, he might, and I need him to lower his guard.
Eve talks a lot, and I try to respond.
She talks about Dante, and his girlfriend, about the waiters at the Gala, about the fleets of cars, and overwhelming luxury. She has never seen anything like it before, but I have. I grew up in luxury. We never lacked anything. Dad took care of my mom and me. He splurged on us. It is easy for me to slip back into this world. I am made up of many things, including this.
It’s one in the morning when we have dinner. I make sure Rick, Russell and Rue eat.
Eve falls asleep on the couch, and Rick carries her to the bedroom.
Roman still hasn’t stepped out of his office, so I go to him.
My heart is pounding, and my hands are trembling. I push away the nervousness and focus on being natural.
I knock on the door, then wait.
“Come in,” He responds from within.
I push the door open and step in.
His office is a vivid representation of him, dark and brooding.
“Do you need something, Scarlett?” He drops his phone, giving me his full attention.
“I made dinner, if you want,” I say, keeping my face impassive.
“If I want?” He chuckles, and it washes over me warmly.
“I am not one to turn down a good meal, especially one made by you.” He grins and walks to me.
I smile and slip into the role perfectly.