Page 3 of The Last Call
Istumble, hypnotized by Julius’s burning gaze. Mesmerized by his dominance. His commanding persona invading the room. His broad stance. His demanding tone. His imposing confidence.
Thankfully, Arthur curls me closer to his bony body. Always such a gentleman, he wraps a protective arm around me, preventing me from tumbling forward and embarrassing myself even more than I already have.
“Are you okay, Sydney?”
Worry deepens the heavy creases that already line his broad forehead. So much for the poise and grace I try to exude. I meet his anxious eyes and offer an apologetic nod. “Yes, I’m sorry. My heel must have snagged on the carpet. But I’m fine.”
“Good. I’m glad.” Thin, dry lips brush my temple, although he doesn’t release me. “I didn’t mean to walk so fast, but Robert wants to meet with me before my presentation, and I’ve got to put my note cards on the lectern…”
Smiling in agreement to the words tumbling out of his mouth that I can’t really hear or understand with my heart thudding so hard in my chest. Which is crazy. I’m with men all the time. Hell, I fuck men all the time. But something about Julius…his possessive touch…rages an inferno through me that I’ve never experienced before. With anyone.
Especially an arrogant prick like Julius. I mean really. His ego’s so huge I’m surprised he even fit through the door. He probably thought I was going to drop to my knees right in front of him the way he?
“What do you think?”
Arthur’s exuberant tone yanks me out of my thoughts.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
With his white bushy eyebrows lifted, he looks at me expectantly, and I have absolutely no idea what he just said. Fifty-fifty chance, but I guess I’ve never been a woman afraid to gamble. Please God let me be correct. “Yes, I would have to agree.”
A satisfied laugh blows on my cheek, and he squeezes me again. Still chuckling as he nuzzles my hair. “I knew you would. You’re a very smart lady.”
Thank goodness. Luck might be with me, but I refuse to risk another faux pas. I’ve got to focus on Arthur. He deserves my full attention. He pays for my complete devotion.
To reconnect with him, I tug down his tweed jacket, hanging on his wiry frame. Poor guy. Never clues into the hints I make about the professional image he would convey in a well-fitted suit. Oblivious to my suggestions with his mind too deep in his research to worry about his appearance. Maybe our next date can be to the tailor. “Thank you for inviting me tonight. I’m excited to celebrate with you. It’s wonderful to finally see all of your hard work paying off.”
He beams down at me, his pale face flushed and shiny. Genuinely happy. I won’t ruin his evening with my distraction. I refuse to minimize his exhilaration
“Ready?”
No. “Yes, let’s go.”
With my confirmation, he grasps my hand and leads me to the lobby. One foot in front of the other for a nice evening that he’s paid a lot of money for. That I know I’ll enjoy too. That I should appreciate as an easy job. That I should be grateful for and not be distracted. By Julius or the strange sensation of loss rippling through my chest from walking away from him. That I don’t like or understand.
“I told everyone you’ve been out of town visiting your sister who’s been ill, and that’s why you weren’t at the last event.”
A sudden shyness overtakes his tone, pink circling his gaunt cheeks from his admission. While a flicker of guilt heats my own heart. He worries his co-workers will figure out I’m not really his girlfriend. But I’ve played this role before, and know just how to appear dedicated but not disingenuous. A very fine line to be convincing. I entwine his sweaty fingers tighter with mine. “Luckily, she’s all better now, and I’m happy to be back home with you.”
I play along, not even saying the words to him admitting that I’m an escort. No chance of anyone overhearing or intensifying his embarrassment by discussing our arrangement. We took care of the business side of things for rates and agreements a long time ago. Now we’re just a couple enjoying his awards ceremony.
Last minute preparations bustle in the banquet room, with a tall blond lady wearing a headset directing two young men in black suits where to place tall vases overflowing with yellow and purple hydrangeas, the corporate colors from Arthur’s pharmaceutical company. While an older woman in a charcoal dress uses a ruler to ensure the silverware stems lay in perfect alignment.
Arthur ushers me to the round table closest to the stage, and I offer him a reassuring smile to ensure him I’m fine alone. I actually prefer to be solitary. Pleased to see a steak knife in my place setting. Arthur thinks my appetite is sexy. Always amused I’m not too shy to skip the salad and decline the chicken and go right for the good stuff. Although I can only allow myself a few bites, I know they will be amazing. The chef here really knows how to grill a filet. My stomach already growling as I glance toward the service door.
Julius.
Another arrogant expression lights up his face as he strides toward me. I hop up trying to cut him short. To keep him as far from Arthur as possible. Warmth flames through my body that’s not just from worry when we’re only a few inches apart. “What are you doing?”
His demanding gaze bores into me despite my terrified whisper. No mercy at all for me or my fear.
“I have business to discuss with you.”
A violent shudder vibrates through me from the way he says ‘business.’ In the six years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never been confronted. Maybe suspicious inferences or doubtful expressions. But not once actually discovered to be anything other than what I claim to be for the evening. That cannot change tonight. “Not here.”
“Then later.” He slides out his card and grasps my trembling hand. Caressing my thumb with an intimacy I haven’t experienced in a long time before he forces the thick paper into my palm. Curling his strong fingers around mine to make a fist. “Call me when you get home.”
As terrified as I am, I refuse to let him see me as weak. No man will make me do something I don’t want to ever again. My head shakes as I match his stare. Just as defiant as mine. “No.”
