Chapter 69: Showcase Charity Gala

Isabella's heart was beating insanely fast against her ribcage.

Nikolai's strong scent was leaking off him, mixed with the hint of the dangerous smell he had whenever he was angry.

She gulped down softly, hoping that her face wasn't giving out any sort of reaction.

Forcing out a carefree smile, she said, "Oh, Nikolai, you're here. I've been looking everywhere for you. I had to find a place to fix my dress, it was begging to loosen at the back." she rambled out without weighing the possibility of Nikolai finding out everything she had just said was a lie.

Well...

Nikolai didn't say a word, the tension in his jaw reduced but the slithering venom gaze behind her was still there. Locked onto the curtains.

There were movements behind. He noticed it.

While waiting for him to say something, she chewed the inside of her cheeks.

Her stomach tying itself in nervous knots, she silently hoped that Samuel wouldn't chase after her.

Please, please please...

Then—

"Very well," he said, voice calm like a silent impending storm, he smiled at her, "You have a phone now. Best you start using it properly." He patted her cheeks, sliding a thumb across her temple and rubbed the area painfully slowly.

She went completely rigid at his words, then nodded. "Okay."

"Come," he said dropping his hand below the small of her back guiding her towards a flight of steps aligned properly with red carpets, "it's time for dinner and the main course of the event."

Her breath hitched, pulse thuddering violently beneath his touch, she leaned further into his side, smelling more of his faint cedar scent.

They found their assigned dinner seat across the room at a round table.

Anya and Aleksandr shared the same seat as them.

Upon seeing Isabella, her face brightened, "Blood to fucking Christ, Bella! Don't tell me you're fucking real right now. Pinch me, pinch me!" She stared in awe at Isabella.

She knew that Isabella was going to look absolutely beautiful tonight when she had seen that dress but oh her goodness lord.

She wasn't just so fucking beautiful. She was a descended goddess— her golden hair, her jade like green eyes, her white milky skin— Damn!

Isabella chuckled, smiling as she took her seat beside Anya and Nikolai by her right, then pinched Anya dipping her head towards her side,

"I'm so real, babes. And you look absolutely gorgeous... I'm talking insanely gorgeous. A literal queen," the thumb and index finger of her left hand was pressed together, emphasizing the depth of her words.

Anya's hair was tied in a high ponytail. She had on a golden dress that fitted her features perfectly.

Pink colour stained her cheeks, she blew  Isabella an airy kiss, "thank you Bella."

Isabella winked at her.

At that moment, the heavy weight settled on her chest was lifted. She didn't look around in search of Samuel.

Thinking and looking for him would attract more trouble for both herself and him.

Then the program began, the bright lights around the room dimmed.

On the large podium was a massive projector screen, a moving documentary playing when a man stood on the stage and gave the opening speech.

Talking about the foundation cause and all.

"Now, let's begin the live auction," the man's voice boomed through the microphone.

He began with the small items first. Letting the rich fight for who gets the last bite.

Large sum of numbers that would probably take Isabella months or even years for her to earn filled the room.

"10,000."

"75,000."

"100,000"

"150,000."

On each item, the price increased ridiculously.

'What the hell are these people doing with their money? Was this a charity gala or a showcase of the rich?' Came Isabella unamused thoughts.

Some of the items weren't even worth it.

Then she noticed movements towards her.

She turned her head slightly, her lips parting in a silent gasp.

Samuel had seen her and was now walking towards her.

A chill shot down her spine.

Why couldn't he just stay put and away?! What the fuck was wrong with him?!

She turned away from him almost immediately, a frown visible on her forehead.

Nikolai noticed the slight change in her expression then noticed someone almost close to their table.

His brows furrowed, and a haunting tremor stung his chest.

That fucker again!

He turned his gaze on Isabella, his jaw ticking at the familiar resemblance of an expression then calmed himself.

"Are you okay, Isa? You look like you've seen a ghost." He didn't wait for her reply, he brought the handkerchief from his breast pocket, wiping her sweat off her face gently.

"You look flustered? The air conditioner isn't getting to you?"

Hearing Nikolai's calm voice, yet again, her throat moved as though she swallowed something hard.

Steadying her breath, she shook her head, "I'm just tired." Then stylishly turned to see that Samuel had stopped walking towards their table.

He was speaking to a man closely as though they were friends.

The man was dressed in a three piece tux like Nikolai. His demeanor and aura screamed of luxury and riches.

She turned her head away.

At least he wasn't walking towards her again.

"I will fix that." Nikolai said.

"W-What do you mean?"

Nikolai didn't answer with words but rather with his actions.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she felt a warm, firm hand slide onto her lap, kneading her skin softly.

Nikolai.

She directed her face that was flushing red at him,

"W-What are you d-doing?" She breathed out weakly, his hands inching closer to her inner thighs.

"You look completely exhausted," he murmured, his fingers drawing tickling circles on her soft thighs, "I'm just trying to see you come alive for me." He smirked.

Before Isabella could protest, he moved faster than her.

His fingers deftly found her panties feeling her already wet cunt, he pushed the wet fabric aside with two of his fingers, then like a mindless predator who had found his prey he thrust a finger inside her wet entrance.

Her eyes widened, she wasn't expecting this, with hot flush rushing towards her face instantly, she screamed out,

"Argh!"