Page 107 of A Temporary Forever

“What’s taking so long?” I down my whiskey.

The sound of her heels draws my attention. When I turn, my breath catches in my throat. Celeste places her foot on a step, her delicate hand on the balustrade, and she descends like an apparition.

Her hair is in loose waves, pinned over one shoulder.She’s radiant in her dress. That fucking dress. Kill. Me. Now.

The deep emerald satin clings to her curves, the slit revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her leg with each step.

The plunging neckline and the delicate cap sleeves emphasize her elegance and allure. She looks like a goddess, every inch of her demanding attention and respect.

Fuck. I must have tightened my tie too much. I’m suffocating suddenly.

She smiles at me when she gets to the bottom of the staircase, and I’m still standing here like an idiot.

She’s stunning.

“What’s up? You were in a hurry and now you’re just standing there.” She checks her watch.

“That watch hasn’t been working for a while now,” I grumble.

She moves her hand behind her back in a protective gesture, but rolls her eyes. “I guess now we know why I’m late.”

She takes my glass from my hand and puts it on the coffee table.

Leaning in, I can practically see her stomach in that neckline. Yeah, she’s stunning, and it drives me crazy.

I swallow hard. “Is this what you’re wearing?”

She flinches and runs her hands down her hips, like the flowing fabric needs smoothing. “Yes, genius, this is what I’m wearing,” she snaps.

That’s my girl. Always finding her sass when I act like an asshole. “God help me,” I murmur, and without another glance at her, I pass her and stomp to the elevator.

“Well, I’m really looking forward to this evening.” Bitterness laces her voice. No wonder. Fuck, I need to get my shit together.

“Let’s go,” I growl, putting my foot between the sliding doors.

She picks her skirt up and saunters slowly—extra slowly—but with her natural elegance to the elevator, while I stand there like her butler.

A butler to the queen.

Her flowery scent tickles my nostrils when she breezes past me, and I swear I have half a mind to cancel the night. Fuck business. Fuck my business partners. Fuck all the assholes that will ogle her.

Peter waits for us in the garage. “You look lovely tonight, Mrs. van den Linden.”

“Thank you, Peter.” She smiles at him and gives me a death glare before she slides into her seat.

Even my driver’s behaving better than me tonight. Maybe I should really stay home.

The minute I sit down, Peter starts raising the partition.

“I’d prefer you kept it down, Peter. Thank you.” Celeste scoots to the furthest end of the seat, as far from me as possible.

We drive out to the street in silence, the loaded energy filling the air, suffocating me. I adjust my tie. Yet again.

Celeste is staring out of the window, her skin glowing from the streetlights. Fuck, the woman is a vision.

“I’m sorry. You look great tonight. I’ve been on edge. This is an important event.” I reach to squeeze her hand.

She swats me away. “You have no right to comment on my appearance. I can wear what I want. And while we’re at it, don’t fucking give me compliments either. That way, you don’t get confused.”

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