Chapter 31 Red Dress

Chapter 31 Red Dress

There’s no way he’s talking about it, “H—huh? Look Dante, I need to rest and so do you” I replied, finding the knob of the door to let myself in. My fingers tapped on the door, looking for it, his eyes on my lips. The moment I felt it, I pushed the door open, letting myself into my room as swiftly as I could move before closing the door on him and his hands pounced on the hard oakwood.
“I’ll get you next time Amorino”
“Get some rest—Sir, you’ll need it for tomorrow” I yelled from inside, knowing how frustrated he must’ve become, it made me giggle a little.
“I promise I’ll get you next time” I heard from outside as I made my way back to bed, my heart raced at what I might happen tomorrow. As I recalled, I would have to learn etiquette and dress up for such an event. The last time I actually did dress up was for a kids party.

Twenty four hours had past so swiftly, I clenched my fists as Feil stood in front of me, a light smile on her lips as she followed me to the airport “You’ll do amazing miss Thompson” I nodded in response, holding onto my bag as I boarded the plane with a smile.
Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to get away from Dante, to think about myself. I had been struggling, fighting off his scent at every turn so I don’t get underneath him again, it was torture.
Waking up to the sound of his voice aroused me, his smile and demeanor was that of a caring husband—it scared me but it felt so surreal that I could get used to it. The way his suit clung to his body, his daunting eyes sending signals to my heart and soul—it was too much to bear. I had set the rules yet, if I continued down this path, I would break them myself.
“Miss—we’re finally here” Feil’s voice brought me back to reality. I smiled back, following right behind as we came down from the plane. The whirring sound of the wind distorted my hearing, I held my bag and followed earnestly until we boarded a cab and got to the hotel.
Just as I placed my bags on the marble floor, my phone buzzed, it would be none other than—Dante.
“Hey” I spoke over the phone, my voice drained of its juice from the flight and the bag hauling.
“You sound tired—too tired, is everything alright?” A smile formed on my lips, he had begun to understand my feelings just from my voice, I took a deep breath.
“I’m nervous—what if something happens and th—and there’s a shoot out or something happ—”
“You’ll be fine—I promise, I’ll be right there when you need me” his words of reassurance sunk into my heart and now I wished I hadn’t stopped him from coming along with me. “Just take your time to rest—tomorrow is a big day” he added, I agreed with him as I let my body grasp the soft thickness of the mattress.

“Miss Thompson—miss Thompson” a muffled voice rang in my ears as I struggled to open my eyelids. Then I felt a light tap on my shoulder, in response, I jolted awake to find that it was already the morning of the the day.
“Good morning miss Thompson” Feil’s soft voice sifted through my ears as she stood over the bed, hands clasped in front and hair neatly put back into a ponytail.
“Morning—” I mumbled, still dazed, rubbing my eyes with my fingers. Just then, she brought up a phone, I raised my brow at ask what it was but then I heard that seductive tone that brought me here.
“I’m sure you had an amazing night Lily” she started. I didn’t know if we were so close for her to start being on a first name base line with me. “Your dress will be arriving soon—everything will be at your disposal, I trust you to do an amazing job” she said. Just when I opened my mouth to speak, she hung up the phone, I let Feil take it out of my face as I held in my anger.
“What’s the first thing?” I asked, placing my legs on the cold marble tiles, tying up my hair into a bun to signify that I’m ready for the day.
“Your time at the spa” she answered, a wide tablet on her hand as she used a finger to swipe left and right, adjusting her dark red glasses which says pretty on her face. She looked exceptionally beautiful, maybe not as perfect as Claire but amazing.
Having a long dark blonde hair that looked neatly put up, bright pink lips that seemed to draw attention at every speech, perfectly aligned nose and a long face free of blemishes. I nodded at her, if the spa could make me look just as exceptional as she was, then I’d love to spend my time there.
So I hopped into the shower, had my bath and changed into a casual attire and followed her to the Spa.
There it was, a room in the hotel, women had their feets in tubs, hands in the hands of workers as they polished, cleaned and fixed whatever they wanted. The place had a beautiful scent, there was low chatter coming from each part. I followed behind her as we made our way to a room inside, it looked special. Three women stayed in, clearing all the equipments as we came through.
“Who are we working on?” I heard the eldest looking one of them ask, Feil gave room for me to stop cowering behind her and pointed her hand towards me. I forced an awkward smile as two of the women took me by the arm and placed me on the seat.
After a while, I felt their hands on my feet and some on my face. “Wha—what’s going on?” I mumbled in the chaos. Feil leaned close to my ears “We’re getting you a change” she whispered and she wasn’t wrong.
After hours of sitting, standing, manicures, pedicures and even a massage, I felt my body come to life, it was perfect but when I turned on my phone to check the time, I panicked “It’s four pm—already?”
She only smiled and nodded, then I turned to see the calls I had missed, two from Jameson and forty from Dante. Quickly, I dialed back his number, hoping he would take up his phone immediately. If he called and there wasn’t an answer, he would most likely be headed here.
“Feil—” I frantically held up the phone, she turned to me subtly “Why didn’t you tell me he called?” The question lingered on my lips as we walked back to my room.
“I actually picked up and told him you were having a massage at the Spa—he seemed satisfied and hung up the phone” she answered. That does sound like Dante but it doesn’t stop him from wanting to hear from me.
“There’s no problem—what’s next?” I asked, smiling as though I enjoyed being an envoy. She turned to me, a smile on her lips as well, it felt warm.
“Your dress—the makeup artist and stylist will be here soon, we have only three hours to get you ready” she said in an almost automated voice, it made me shiver.
“Aren’t you human?” I teased, she turned to look at me with those beautiful set of light blue eyes “You are—there’s no need to be always stiff, call me Lily—don’t try to automate everything, let it flow, also, you’re coming with me and if the artist works on me, she’ll work on you too, okay?” I said with a wide smile as she stood frozen, almost in shock.
Making my way to the elevator, I waved for her to get in. She hurriedly got in, pressing the button to get to our hall.
Just as we walked in, the doorbell rang and the ladies came in with hearty smiles on their faces, one holding a box, opening it, I looked at the dress, it looked magnificent, a red gown. It was amazing. Trust Claire to know what to get.
“First—your hair” one of the ladies said with her hands on my shoulders, making our way to the mirror.
“Wh—who are you people?” I asked, feeling a bit queasy from the attention and quirky movements in my room. Some held up the dress, placing it rightly on the bed, another brought in a smoothie, another ran her fingers through my hair like it was some beautiful silk whilst Feil stood at my side.
“Someone has to get with Feil” I pointed out, she looked confused, almost in panic.
“Huh—no, miss, it’s fine” I held onto her wrist. Staring into her eyes to find the warmth she had been hiding on our trip here.
“I told you before, you’re getting yourself dolled up like me—so get ready” I smiled, she did the same.
Almost immediately they had begun, fingers in my hair, hands close to my face, applying makeup. I had never fussed so much about putting it on, yet, I looked like an Angel with such beautiful makeup on my face, Angel with a cute dark secret with the black eyeliner giving a side of darkness.
After hours of bathing, sitting, turning and having sprayed with whatever they had, I had finally had time to see the dress.
“It looks amazing” Feil mumbled as she was done with her makeup as well. Her dress looked perfectly fitted on her. It didn’t take much to be done with her, she was used to having makeup and dresses.
“You look beautiful Feil” I muttered, staring at her dark blue eyeliner as it matched with her dark blue side slit dress. She had always stood out to me because of her beauty and now it was confirmed, she looked more than beautiful.
“It’s nothing mi—Lily, you should get dressed too, the red dress won’t wear itself” she smiled, finally getting in touch with her human. I scoffed.
“Fine—wait here” I took the dress and went straight for the bathroom but when I took it up, it seemed impossible to wear it, the slit ran up my thigh, it looked backless and quite tight.
“It—it looks impossible to wear, how can I wear such a dress? My bra straps would be visible and I can’t wear tights” I complained as I walked out of the bathroom. Feil grinned, I raised a brow.
“I’ll be right back!” She ran out of the room hurriedly. I waited.
She brought back what seemed like silicone and a pack of new underwear. “What is this?” I mumbled
“New pack of thongs and breast patches—you need to hurry, we don’t have much time left” I stared at her with confusion. I’ve never worn a dress with a bra—and now a thong? What the hell am I to do with this red dress?
Chapter 40: Darkness and romance
I held it up staring at the straps, it was sleeveless “What am going to do with this?” I mumbled, shaking my head and heading straight for the mirror, I put it over my body whilst Feil walked through the door again.
“It’ll feel cold but it’ll be warm too—just wear your dress” she smiled. I followed through, taking the silicone and placing it rightly, it looked glamorous. For some reason, it hugged my curves perfectly that I had started to wonder if Claire had done some research on my size to know what I could wear. It fitted my body perfectly.
“The slit looks quite long” I complained, still having the rollers in my hair. There was a grin on her face, one that showed that she was satisfied.
“You’ll be fine—girls” she called out. Taking the rollers out, I felt relieved, my hair was in curls and my dress was divine, I didn’t know how she could trust me in such an attire.
“You look—astonishing” Feil muttered as she brought out the dark red shoes. I slipped into them as I stared onto my phone to tell the time. It was late and we had to leave. Taking the intiative, I put on the arm bracelets, necklace and jewelry that Claire had sent, smiled at the mirror and nodded.
I clutched onto my purse and headed for the elevator with Feil whose hands was clasped in mine. We made our way to the car and sunk our backs into the seat, letting the cool Air conditioning cool our nerves before the night had begun.
Then her call came in “I presume you’re ready for the night” her tone hushed and sweet.
“We’re almost there—I think”
“Don’t worry—you’ll be there soon, I hope you remember the names that would approach you and what you need to do?” She asked. I nodded a bit.
“Yes I do—don’t worry, you can count on me” I said, not knowing when that slipped out of my mouth. Hanging up the phone, I placed it inside my purse and waited for the car to arrive at our destination.
The moment we got in front of the building, it was filled with reporters, cameras flicking lights, people talking over each other as they took pictures of one person after another, thankfully, we walked in without any attention or recognition. I was sure they couldn’t tell that we were Claire Nikifrov’s envoy.
The place smelt glorious and looked magnificent, having gold plated colors on every wall, a hanging glimmering chandelier dangling from the ceiling, people in suits and gowns walking locked in arms with their partners, smiles and exclusive faces in each direction, neatly done hairstyles and perfect demeanors at every turn. It looked like my worst nightmare. Perfection.
Making our way in, a waiter led us to our seats, handing us glasses of champagne “I’m not a drinker” I mentioned, placing my glass on the table with a smile to the waiter. We sat in silence as what we could call ‘a show’ had begun. I placed my hands on my thigh, staring at the people who had begun to dance to the subtle music that was played by the orchestra.
“When are they coming?” I whispered across to Feil whose eyes were glued to a certain man sitting across our table with a grin on his face. She didn’t seem to listen. Her mind focused on the man ahead. I could understand what Claire meant now. “Feil!” I whispered again, lightly tapping the table to draw her attention, she turned to me quickly.
“Mi—miss Thompson” I rolled my eyes with a smile at her fidgeting fingers.
“If you want him so bad—make sure you get him, but first, when are they coming?” I asked. She stared at me, then back at her purse, she opened it, pulling out a list with three faces. The people I’m meant to meet, to make sure it’s all over.
I looked at them, taking pictures of the list, I handed it back to her. Just as we sat, the mysterious, handsome stranger made his way across, reaching our table.
“You ladies seem not to be enjoying the party” he said, placing his arm towards us “May I?” He asked. I glanced at Feil, raising a brow with a ‘Go on’ sign written on my face. She took up the opportunity, slipping her hand in his.
“You may” she cooed. Her voice sounded as beautiful as her, I smiled at both of them. The man stared at me.
“I can handle her—” I heard from behind. There he was in a sparkling maroon colored suit, his eyes as seductive as always, his hair neatly put back.
“Amorino—may I?” He asked, gesturing his arm for me to lock into. Instead, I smiled at the couple in front as they walked onto the dance floor. I took up his arm, pulling him to a corner.
“What are you doing here?” I whispered, pressing onto his arm with my newly fixed nails. I released them almost immediately, they would break if they were under any more pressure. “Why are you here? I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t spy on me” I heaved, almost angry.
“I called, texted and got no reply—ofcourse I would be paranoid and be made to come see you” he muttered, his eyes looked sad “I miss you Amorino” he stared into my eyes, he looked starved. I heaved a sigh, pulling him out the back corner.
“Okay—we’ll go home once I’m done—as long as you don’t interfere with anything I do right now, okay?” I stared at his bulging puppy eyes. I wasn’t sure where he learnt that from but he learnt well, it made me smile.
“Don’t make me feel guilty” I teased “I’ll be going in now—they’re almost here” I said, turning my back to leave, he held onto my wrist pulling me back, my arm resting on his chest, I tried to pull away, he didn’t budge. “Don’t do this now Dante—I promise to do whatever you want after this” I paused, remembering what I had just said.
He placed his finger on my chin, lifting my face to meet his gaze “Anything?” He smiled. I knew that smile on his lips, it meant danger, serious danger.
“No—not—”
“Then I’ll have to interfere” I pushed him back before he could walk back in. I swallowed hard.
“Fine—anything, but don’t interfere until I ask you to, okay?” He nodded in response, his grip still on my wrist, I pulled, he didn’t release “And that means releasing my hand” I pointed out. A grin formed on his lips. Why is he grinning.
Just as I stood, I felt his hand gripping onto my waist, his face leaned closer to mine, his eyes holding my gaze. I had forgotten what a handsome man he was over these few busy days. His perfectly chiseled jawline made him look majestic and his eyes, they were my weakness.
“Just a bit before you walk back in” he mumbled. My body almost succumbed to his baritone but my eyes widened in realization. If he were to give me another hickey, he’d ruin the night for me.
“No-no” I mumbled, leaning in his neck first and planting a kiss on him “You can’t leave any marks on me—not right now” I breathed, he smiled, taking hold of me, he placed his lips on my neck, kissing and licking. I didn’t want it—to stop, I had missed him, his scent, his lips but I wasn’t sure why he didn’t just have my lips instead.
“I don’t want to ruin your lipstick or makeup” he whispered with a pause, taking his finger to my breast, he fiddled with it, with the fabric, making my heart race.
“Da—Dante—it’s an open space and this—this isn’t appropriate” I heaved on his neck, trying to stop myself from surrendering to his dominance.
“I just knew it—you’re here without underwear” my eyes opened at the sound of the mischief in his tone, his fingers went down my thigh, using the slit, his skin grazed my thong “And a thong—oh you have a lot of explaining to do” he pulled away, leaving me breathless.
“I really don’t want to make a mess—attend to them, you’ll be back to me” he muttered with a smile, letting go of my hand, he stretched them out, now with an appropriate style, I locked hands with him, making our way back to the event.
I walked back to my seat as I waited for Feil whilst he made his way into the crowd of well dressed gentlemen. I took in deep breaths, calming myself over what had just happened. He was right, any more than what he had done and I would’ve made a mess in my dress.
Just as I lied in wait, a man approached me, Feil by his side, a smile on his lips “Miss Thompson” he called out. I stood up, taking his hand in mine for a shake.
“Mister Felov, it is my pleasure” I smiled, he looked hearty and quite younger than the photo I was given. A young tall man with leav build, standing over 6 feet with a neatly done blonde hair.
“I didn’t know Claire had such a beautiful representative” I smiled a bit “When she told me that she wouldn’t be able to make it, my heart was broken—” he paused in a soft baritone “But seeing you—I’m more than satisfied”
I didn’t flinch, I moved with the flow, a smile stuck to my lips. Just the same way, another came and another, sitting at our table, there was a low chatter and I dismissed all wine.
“It was a pleasure meeting you miss Thompson” Felov smiled, taking my hands to his lips, kissing my hand, his gaze never leaving mine.
“The pleasure is all mine” I replied. Taking out a card, he handed it down to me.
“Call me whenever you need a partner” there was a subtle grin on his face, cool, maybe not dangerous but I took his card.
“I’ll be sure to make your days worth while” I answered, it made him smile. Just as I took my seat, I felt a familiar scent linger.
“I don’t think that would be necessary” Dante said from behind, his hand on mine. What on earth is this man doing??!