I received a text from Violet, stating that Estelle and some other guests would be helping with her make-up tonight. Reassured, I proceeded with getting myself ready.

In my flowy, cream-colored dress, I twirled, admiring myself in the bathroom mirror. The fluorescent lights brought out the reds and violets in my hair, and drew out the specks of green and gold in my eyes. But my skin—heavens, my skin wasn't looking so good, and I knew it was due to all my stress.

I dug through the makeup bag I'd brought with me, and found my moisturizer and powder, but I'd apparently not taken my foundation—and I needed that foundation to cover up my redness and dark circles.

"Shit," I said, after spreading the cream over my cheeks, biting my lip as I realized I'd also forgotten my brow pencil and blush. "I won't be in the spotlight tonight, but still; what kind of planner would I be if I didn't plan my own makeup?"

I needed to borrow stuff, and fast—and the only person I knew who was always prepared for these kinds of emergencies was Chi. Which meant I needed to hunt down Chi, who was likely still camping out with the bridesmaids.

The idea of getting anywhere near those pompously sophisticated women was unpleasant...but I was desperate. To show up at a revised rehearsal dinner looking haggard would ruin my reputation almost as much as being caught with Axel.

Barefooted, I snuck out. Axel was in the bedroom, on the phone, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. Once out of the suite, I headed towards the other end of the floor. All was calm and quiet.

At the door, I lifted my knuckles to knock. I considered running back to Axel's room and asking him if he somehow had makeup in his bathroom somewhere. Anything to avoid stooping this low.

But I took a deep breath, gathering my courage—

The door opened before I could knock, revealing Maisie. Her nose wrinkled at the sight of me at the threshold. "Yeah?"

My spine arched and I did my hardest to hold in my thoughts. "Is Chi still in here with you all?"

Maisie eyed my dress from top to bottom. "Pretty. You asked for Chi?" She moved out of the doorway and waved me in, spinning to where Chi hovered around one of the bridesmaids, applying eyeshadow to her eyelids. "Your boss is here," Maisie said, prompting Chi to look up and smile.

"Vivi," they said, tapping the makeup brush to rid it of excess powder. "What's up?"

I half-expected Chi to groan about getting reprimanded earlier, but they were in their zone—they loved makeup artistry and using their talents on others.

"I need, uh...your help." I raised my meager makeup bag and shook it. "Turns out," I lowered my voice for only Chi, "I wasn't as prepared as I should have been."

One of Chi's eyebrows quirked. "Oh, really? And you came to me because you thought I was more prepared?"

I cleared my throat. "You always have extra stuff in all shades, you told me so yourself."

The room was quiet as Chi stared at me, and I stared at Chi. We assessed one another as if meeting for the first time, determining whether the other was trustworthy.

Then Chi cracked a grin, and any tension in the room melted. "Sit your butt down and I'll work on you next."

I posted myself on one of the king-sized beds and crossed my legs at the ankles, looking into my lap. I didn't want to be there, surrounded by these catty, uncaring ladies that I didn't think deserved to be bridesmaids. Not that Violet was a wonderful person, but tomorrow was her special day. The women she'd chosen as her bridal party were frigid, selfish people who'd spent all their time away from Violet, leaving her to fend for herself. That wasn't how these things worked, and it irked me to my core.

"I think I have a foundation in the same shade as your skin," said one of the women, who'd been lounging on the opposite side of the bed. "You can borrow it, if you'd like."

I spun to offer her a weak smile. "I appreciate that."

"Hey, you're doing the best you can," said another—at this point, I couldn't remember all their names. "This shit-show of a storm fucked everything up, and you can't control the weather." This one had been sitting on the floor, trying on pairs of shoes. "Chi told us how stressed you are."

I glowered at Chi, who flushed, but they didn't break their concentration as they continued their work on another bridesmaid—Madison, I believed.

"It's definitely not ideal," I said, shifting uncomfortably on the bed. I'd have preferred to borrow a few supplies and go do my own makeup—but arguing with Chi in front of this audience wouldn't be a smart idea. These women were gossips, and they'd blabber to everyone how the wedding planner and her assistant weren't getting along. And that news would get to Violet, then to Axel...

No. Shut your mouth and get through this alive.

What felt like ages later, Chi was ready for me. They sat me on a chair near another mirror encircled by fluorescent lights, and tipped my chin this way and that, scrutinizing me.

"Well, at least you moisturized," they said, making me close my eyes so they could apply eyeshadow primer. "But all this stress is fucking with your skin, Vivi." They leaned in closer. "Among other things fucking with you."

I smacked their arm and growled.

Thankfully, they made no other comments alluding to my secret situation and continued my makeover in silence.

The bridesmaids, however, were far from quiet as they bumbled about the room. Some of them glared out at the ongoing rain, some lamented over all the expenses this wedding had cost them. I held my tongue, knowing full well these women had paid little to nothing for any of this, in truth. Their complaints weren't founded.

I did my best to tune them out. By the time Chi was applying the finishing touches, I'd found a sort of peace within me, a rhythm in the bridesmaids' moans and grievances.

That was, until Maisie, who'd been strangely untalkative until then, opened her mouth again.

"Mr. Levine is looking fine, though, despite all this shit," she said, day-dreamingly gazing out the window. Where others were startled by the downpour and lightning, Maisie was transfixed, absorbed in the weather. From time to time she sent a scowl towards me—for no reason whatsoever—but otherwise kept to herself, letting her friends babble on.

"Oh, he is," said Charlotte, ogling herself in a mirror as she tossed her curls. "His serious face is so sexy."

"What a great man he is, putting this on for his sister," said Megan, who was smacking her lips after applying a heavily glossed red lipstick.

"Yeah," Maisie snorted, "but he's doing it for clout. Don't be fooled." She pressed her back to the wall, and started sliding down slowly, sensually. Were she anyone else, I might have thought her to be sexy; but she was Maisie, the lazy maid-of-honor with a foul mouth and no care for the bride.

Chi's eyes connected with mine; a look passed between us, and though I hadn't confided everything about Axel, I knew that Chi knew the truth. Axel Levine was a kind man, and he certainly hadn't paid for his sister's wedding for his own reputation. He didn't need the clout—he was a renowned philanthropist and preferred to stay out of the news. Why would he want everyone to know he was doing this for his spoiled sibling?

"And also, don't forget..." Maisie straightened up and marched past Chi and I, purposely knocking into Chi's back as if to mess up their progress with my face. "He's mine. You can chat about how hot he is all you want, but ultimately, I'm the one he's going to hook up with during this trip."

My blood boiled, and I sensed my cheeks overheating. Chi blew over my skin, subtly shaking their head as if to remind me to keep my cool, to not out myself as Axel's current conquest.

Current conquest? Was that what this was? Three times I'd slept with him, and something in me told me it would happen again. Something about this man made me throw caution and rules to the wind. When I was in his arms, I forgot I was the planner, and he was my boss. I forgot we couldn't be together.

And fate wanted us stuck together; fate wanted us to have sex.

Gritting my teeth, I avoided looking at Maisie as she pranced about the room, continuing her tirade about Axel. I should have let Maisie go for him. There was no risk for her—Axel wasn't paying her, Axel wasn't her employer. Maisie's life and job wouldn't be in jeopardy if anyone found out about her fucking Axel; she wanted everyone to know about it, and was proud.

No matter logic and safety, no matter my conscience telling me to back off, I couldn't help but snarl whenever Maisie's back was turned.

If I couldn't have him, neither could that witch of a maid-of-honor.

No, Maisie, you will not be fucking Axel this time around, sorry.

***

Once my makeup was done, I returned to Axel's room to finish getting ready, and found the door propped open. I crept in, peering around the darkened area, unsure why the suite would be unlocked. Maybe Axel had to leave and didn't want me locked out. And he wasn't able to make a key, since that machine was downstairs...

I threw my shoes on, slipped my things into a clutch purse one of the bridesmaids let me borrow, and hurried out of the room, unsure whether to lock the door behind me.

One floor below, at the restaurant, things were in full gear. Tables had been pulled together to create one long, silky cloth-covered area. Tall white candles were spaced out in the middle, sending soft glows over the rose-gold china and silver cutlery. Bread bowls and small platters of cheese and charcuterie were set up, along with wine and champagne glasses lining every plate. Clusters of pink roses and white lilies decorated any empty spaces, and a delectable scent of rich sauce and meat filled the room.

I approached as waiters were depositing pitchers of water, red and white wine, and what appeared to be whiskey, between the candles.

It wasn't exactly what Violet had requested, but considering the short-notice and lack of supplies, Axel's staff had pulled out a beautiful table. I could already tell by the mouthwatering smells that the courses would be beyond delicious.

"Looks exquisite, doesn't it?" The deep, somewhat raspy voice came from behind me, prompting me to turn around and nearly bump into Axel.

"Oh, uh," I heated up, "hi. Yes, this is perfect."

Axel stood before me in a dashing beige suit—a color that almost matched my dress. He'd trimmed his scruff, but still had enough to tempt me into wanting to graze my hand along it, to get that scratchy feel on my skin. His usual spicy aroma poured into my nostrils, and I held my breath to not inhale too much of it at once—it would make me dizzy.

He didn't smile, but his eyes creased as he leaned in close enough for me to hear him speak. "You look ravishing," he said, before pulling away and peering at his watch. "I wanted to let you know before I have to start putting on my act."

Before I could reply, he winked at me and meandered over to the bar, where he ordered a drink, and sat with his stool twisted towards the entrance. Folks began to arrive—Reece and his parents first, followed by two of the groomsmen.

Under the circumstances, I took it upon myself to guide guests to their seats. There weren't a ton of people—the bridal party and a few VIPS staying at the hotel—but the room filled up quickly, and grew more animated as Violet arrived, squeezed between Estelle and Harvey, Mollie trailing along behind them.

Violet wore the tiniest, tightest dress of white with roses wrapped around her like a sash. Her strawberry blond tresses were tussled up and bouffant. Though her makeup was radiant, there was something hesitant about her demeanor as everyone applauded her arrival.

Reece hurried over to plant a soft kiss on her cheek and she lit up for a moment, before her gaze landed on me.

I gulped. This wasn't the rehearsal dinner Violet had ordered. She'd wanted white roses, gold candles, rose-gold cloth and napkins. She'd wanted diamonds sprinkled over the table, red rose petals near plates, ruby-encrusted napkin holders. A view of the forest, a table set up outside to take in the evening scents, then a walk around the gardens to admire the sunset on the horizon.

I thought that, considering our predicament, Axel's staff had done an incredible job. But would Violet feel the same way? Notorious for tantrums as she was, and with her current demeanor hard to decipher, I had no clue what was about to happen.

I tensed as Violet strolled up to me. I sensed a presence behind me, and side-glanced to see Axel coming up at my side, his warmth doing nothing to settle my nerves. Was he there to defend me? Or to help Violet break me down?

Everyone else had been guided to their seats, and Chi was loitering near the bar, speaking with a bartender. All eyes were on me as Violet approached; and on Axel as he made to step between the two of us, prepared for an explosion—

But to general surprise, Violet threw her arms around me. "It's beautiful," she said, sobbing onto my shoulder. "It's so, so beautiful."

I cringed, half-shocked, half-suffocating as I patted the young woman's back. "We did our best with what materials we had upstairs," I said, sending another side-glance at Axel. "But I didn't—"

Axel swept in before I could admit I hadn't done anything. It was all him, his phone calls, his pull, his position as CEO of the hotel group that got this rehearsal up and running.

As he took his sister in his embrace, he gave a quick shake of his head at me, shutting me up. "Vivienne did a remarkable job, and because of that, I made a bit of an executive decision," he said, voice low enough for only Violet and I to hear. He gestured towards the table. "I'd like Vivienne to sit with us, instead of having to nibble on leftovers later. With all she's done for you, for our family, I think she deserves a break, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but Axel's eyes grew dark, adamant on me remaining quiet and letting him handle things. I crossed her arms, expecting Violet to tell him to go fuck himself—but for the second time that night, Violet surprised me.

She twirled around and took hold of my shoulders. "Of course. Please, be our guest of honor tonight. Is there room for her?"

Axel slid his arm under Violet's, leading her to her spot near Reece, at the head of the table. "Already taken care of."

I stood still, observing the situation unfold in slow motion. Reece pulling out Violet's chair, Violet taking her seat with a wide but worried smile, Axel returning to me and reaching out his hand—

"You didn't have to do this," I whispered, as Axel accompanied me to the table.

"I did," he replied, leading me towards where Violet sat—the head of the table. "If you're stressed, you won't be clear-headed, and you won't pull off this wedding. You need this win, don't you?" He squeezed my arm, leaving me at a chair two spots away from Violet.

I peered down to find a name-card with my name on it. And beside me, to my right, between Violet and I...was Axel's spot.

I bit my tongue to not scream out Chi's name, to beg for help. But Chi was occupied with the staff, and other guests were sitting down, throwing their napkins in their laps, pouring drinks, chatting agreeably.

"What are you doing?" I asked Axel, my voice a hiss as I lowered into my chair, pulled out by him.

He blinked at me as he dropped next to me. "What do you mean?"

"Why am I," I jammed my thumb into my chest, "sitting here," I tapped a finger to the table, "and beside you?"

He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing as he splayed out his napkin over his thighs. "Because that's where I wanted you. And I get what I want."

I chewed the insides of my cheeks, struggling to perk up, to not slouch in defeat, in panic, in confusion. How was I supposed to put on an act and pretend I wasn't developing some type of feelings for Axel if I had to sit next to him during the entire rehearsal? Would he stand by me in the ballroom tomorrow, too? And why did he keep giving me credit for everything he was doing?

I didn't want to be sitting there. Front and center, where everyone could pick up on the sexual tension between Axel and I. It was electrifying—every inch that separated us was charged with an energy that poked into my arm, my stomach, my legs, making me want to be even closer to him. His scent intoxicated me, his voice enraptured me. His every word and motion reminded me of things we'd done to each other—in bed, against the window, on the kitchen counter, in the bathtub, on the couch.

Was no one noticing how beet-red my cheeks were?

An appetizer of leek soup arrived, followed by an order to start helping ourselves to the cheese, charcuterie, and bread. As everyone loaded up on food, Reece stood up, clinking a fork to his glass, readying to make a toast—

The power went out.

☼☼☼