Page 12 of Guarding the Singer

William held up his hands in surrender. "She'll send you a copy. She was really proud of the A grade on it. Especially since her teacher told her that she'd have to turn in something really impressive to justify him bending his rule like that."

His phone chimed again, and he didn't have to look at it to know what the alarm was for.

"Fifteen minutes until the car arrives in the roundabout under the portico."

"Gloves!"

William turned to look at the designer who was standing by with delicate woolen gloves in her hand. "Those are lovely."

Maya Lin, a bright new star in the fashion world, according to his quick search on Google, smiled at him. "My mother and her sister are masters of embroidery. They chose a star motif mixed in with curved lines like the flag waving in the breeze."

He looked at Selene and managed to draw in a steadying breath. "And the neckline of the jacket."

Maya held out her hands in a sweeping motion. "Yes! I hoped that people would see it, but it wasn't going to be the traditional Red, White, & Blue. It's still winter and I wanted the season to be the focus."

"It really looks good on her."

The room went quiet, and even Cali was silent for a moment.

"Can I-"

Maya held out her hand and her assistant handed her a cell phone.

"Can I get a few pictures before Selene goes downstairs?"

"We have time." William nodded. And stepped to the side.

Cali pulled out her phone and between her phone and the designer's, they likely took almost fifty photos. Maybe more.

A few minutes later, his phone rang and with a smile he answered the call. "Miss Schiffrin? We'll be heading down to the portico in a minute."

"Excellent." She answered back. "Are you sure you're not a fine Swiss timepiece?"

"Funny." He was almost laughing when he said it but trying to keep his composure. "We'll see you in a few."

The phone call ended, and his eyes sought out Selene.

Her smile was gentle and when his eyes settled on the crown of braids styled around her head, she looked even more angelic than she had moments before.

William walked up beside her and held out his arm for her to take hold of it. "Selene?"

She wrapped her arm around his and took the gloves from Maya in her free hand.

Selene gave the designer a gentle, easy smile. "Thank you for everything."

Maya gestured at the room. "We'll be watching the live broadcast and we'll be ready to help you change for the ball."

Selene met William's gaze. "Last chance to back out of this."

He shook his head. "Not a chance. This is the best duty I've ever been given."

They started for the door and when William opened it, he looked out into the hallway to check before he moved from the doorway.

No surprises in the hall.

Just as he turned around to guide Selene through the door, he heard Cali call her friend's name.

Selene turned and smiled for one more round of pictures, and then they were on their way.

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