"Love you."
"Love you too."
Hanging up the call, I threw off the covers and rushed to the bathroom. The panic swirling inside me only intensified as I looked at my disheveled reflection in the mirror. My usually smooth, black hair was a tangled mess, and my eyes were puffy. There was no way I could be seen in public like this.
As Archer came in and leaned against the doorway, watching me with a cocky grin as I scurried around the bathroom, I became more flustered.
"My dad just called me and reminded me of this charity benefit in the city, and he needs me to be there by 7 p.m. I have nothing to wear, and I look like this," I blurted out, gesturing toward my face.
"You look beautiful," he said with genuine admiration, walking toward me and pulling me into his arms.
"I thought we weren't lying to each other," I teased, trying to calm myself.
"I'm not lying. How could you be anything but beautiful with your freshly fucked hair and my cum running out of your ass?"
I laughed and playfully shoved him. "Do you ever think about anything else?"
"Do you?" he challenged back with a wicked glint in his eyes.
"No. Not really, I guess," I admitted.
"Come here. I want to show you something." He grabbed my hand, led me to the closet, and turned on the lights. The closet was filled with racks of designer clothes organized by color and style. In the center was a large full-length mirror surrounded by bright vanity lights. A soft black rug covered the floor, and plush seating sat in one corner. The closet was spacious and luxurious, reflecting his wealth and taste. On one side was a rack of elegant dresses in various colors and styles, with shoes and accessories neatly displayed next to them. On the other side, tailored suits and tuxedos were hanging perfectly in place. A small table sat in front of the mirror, with expensive perfumes and jewelry displayed on top.
At the center of the room, a breathtaking dress dazzled under the soft glow of chandeliers. The dress was a work of art, with its luxurious layers of deep red fabric cascading like a waterfall to the ground. The delicate lace sleeves and bodice were adorned with intricate beadwork, each sparkling and shimmering like stars in the night sky. Lace flowers and vines adorned the thin lace sleeves and bodice and flowed into the skirt, each meticulously sewn into place to create a mesmerizing pattern. It was stunning.
"I was going to surprise you and ask you to be my date to the charity event, so I picked a dress for you to match my tux."
"That...that's gorgeous," I said, my breath catching in my throat. "I was about to ask you if you'd be my date too."
Archer grinned and pulled me back into the bathroom, turning the shower on. "Take a shower, and when you get out, someone will be here to do your hair and makeup."
"What?" I asked him, confused.
"Baby, worry about showering. I'll take care of everything else."
As promised, when I stepped out of the shower, Archer and a thin but immaculately dressed male were waiting for me in the closet. "This is my stylist, Laurent," Archer introduced us with a smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Laurent said with a slight French accent.
"The pleasure is mine," I replied, feeling slightly self-conscious in my towel.
"Laurent has been with our family since he was a boy," Archer said proudly. "There's no one else I would trust to take care of you. You are in good hands. I'll leave you two alone and meet you downstairs when you're ready."
He kissed me softly on my cheek, letting his lips linger for a moment before he left. I sat on the chair in front of Laurent and met his gaze through the mirror. Laurent had perfectly styled light brown hair, slicked back to perfection. He wore a tailored suit that accentuated his sharp features and fit his lean frame perfectly. His dark eyes were lined with a touch of eyeliner, making them stand out even more. His flawless complexion glowed under the soft lighting, and a hint of pink blush adorned his high cheekbones. I couldn't help but be captivated by his stunning appearance.
"In all my years of working with the families of The Brotherhood, I have never had the pleasure of working with someone as naturally beautiful as you," Laurent murmured as he carefully brushed out my damp hair.
"I'm sure you tell all your clients that," I replied, trying to hide the flush creeping up my neck.
"Oh no, my darling. Have you seen some of the women in the family? I don't think they've been able to smile since they were children. They look like the Kardashians, all plastic and filler."
A look of disgust crossed Laurent's face, causing me to laugh and feel at ease in his presence.
"What made you decide to work with The Kings and the other families?"
"Ah, that's quite the ghastly tale, Ms. Grey. One that I don't think you want to hear."
"I would love to hear it if you feel comfortable telling it."