✿ Reid's POV

I smoothen my hands down the jacket of my tuxedo as I traverse the pathway to Aileen’s front door. Then I take a deep, calming breath.

Both in high school and in college, I’d been facing down huge, scary motherfuckers on the football field, and I couldn’t remember ever being this nervous. Not because I was worried about Lee’s reaction. No, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to control myself, and the second I saw her, I’d drag her gorgeous ass up to her bedroom to explore all of her mouthwatering curves.

But no.

“This is all an act” I whisper to myself and push the doorbell.

When it opens, my jaw drops.

Sweet Jesus!

Aileen looks amazing in a figure-hugging gown that makes me want to hide her away so no one else can see her spectacular curves. Her long and dark curls float softly around her head with one side held back by a sparkly clip. She’s done her eyes in a smoky style, and her plush lips are painted deep red.

I immediately can't help but wonder if it is the type of lipstick that would stay on or leave a ring around my cock when she sucks me deep into her mouth.

Not the time or place to go there, I tell myself sternly.

Aileen’s smile is almost shy as she opens the door wider and steps back to let me into her house.

“Oh you look fucking gorgeous, angel” I lean in and brush my lips along her cheek.

She looks at me in surprise for a moment, then shakes her head before doing a quick scan of my body.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she quips as a beautiful smile spreads across her face.

I pretend to be relieved, then wink at her.

“Thanks. You’ll outshine me no matter what I’m wearing. But I wouldn’t want to look like a slouch with someone as exquisite as you on my arm.”

Aileen chuckles and shakes her head.

“I doubt I’ll outshine you in your signature suit, Mr. Dalton.”

Her comment reminds me of the present I got for her.

“Of course you will. But I’m going to make sure of it.”

I withdraw a long, skinny box from my coat pocket, then a smaller square one. A small table is in the entry, so I set the square box down. Then I turn the long one to face her before opening it to reveal a string of diamonds set in platinum. The designer had assured me that the jewelry she’d picked would go with any of the dresses Aileen chose.

But the one she’d picked... the one I really wanted her to pick... highlighted her elegant neck and the necklace would look amazing.

She's undoubtedly going to stand out among all the others.

Aileen gasps and covers her mouth with both hands. Then she drops them and shakes her head.

“It’s beautiful, Armani. But I can’t wear that.”

“Of course, you can. I got it for you. It’s perfect for you,” I assure her as I remove the necklace from its velvet bed.

“No. No, Armani. I can't accept that.”

“Lee...”

“No, Armani. What if I break it? Or lose it somehow?”

I shrug and cup one of her shoulders, urging her to turn around.

“Then I’ll buy you a new one.”

After I clasp it behind her neck, she faces me again, and the corners of her lips curl down. Her fingers absently ran over the gems.

“You can’t just go around spending— I don’t even want to know... or think... how much— on me.”

“Why the fuck not?” I grunt, a bit irritated that she's still against me buying her things that would fit her.

Part of the ruse or not, Aileen was mine. And it was my job to make her happy. If she wanted something within my power to give her, she would have it.

No questions asked.

“I can't, Armani” she sighs. “It's all too much.”

“Oh for the love of baby Jesus. Stop being a stick in the mud and try on the earrings!”

I glance over Lee’s shoulder to see a girl with long brassy blonde hair woven with bright streaks of pink and blue walking toward us. Her brown eyes sweep down Aileen’s figure approvingly.

“Don't hide all this. You’re always beautiful, Lee. But there are no words for how incredible you look right now.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” I say, my gaze locked with Aileen’s.

Pink dusts her cheeks, but her smile is now bright and confident.

“Thank you. Um, Armani, you remember Tracy, right?”

I flick a glance in her friend’s direction so I won't seem rude, but I can’t keep my eyes off my fiancée for long. I pick up the other jewelry box and flip open the lid before handing it to her. Inside is a set of two-carat diamond earrings.

Tracy whistles while Aileen gapes at the sparkly studs, a tortured-like look appearing on her face. After a minute, Tracy grabs the box and removes the earrings, handing them to my girl with an exasperated sigh.

“Get a move on, Lee. We’re growing old waiting to see the full effect.”

I chuckle. Lee’s friend was a spitfire.

Good luck to the man who falls for her.

Aileen snaps out of her shock and quickly dons the earrings.

“Just perfect,” I murmur with a smile.

She blushes again, and I decide not to put her on the spot anymore.

“Are you ready to go?”

Lee nods and grabs a small black clutch off the little table. I hold up my arm, and she slips hers through the crook, placing her hand on my forearm. Like the last time she had her hand on me, the warmth from her skin permeates the layers of our clothing and I'm dying to feel the heat between us when we're finally skin to skin.

Worried that my physical reaction would become obvious soon, I led her toward the door.

“Oh wait!” Aileen glances up at me. “Sirius. We didn't say goodbye to him.”

And I can’t help chuckling at how cute she looks.

“Sirius?!” She calls out loud, “C'mere boy.”

Tracy sighs as Aileen says goodbye to the dog and then returns to our side.

“Take care of him, okay, Tray?” she instructs and I sigh this time before resuming guiding her to the door.

“Have fun!” Tracy calls out, giving Sirius a few careful scratches. “And remember, your fairy godmother will be seriously annoyed if you aren’t out past midnight.”

Aileen laughs a little.

“And do everything I would do!”

“No I won't!” she calls out and shuts the door behind us.

Once we're outside all alone, I'm tempted to push her up against the wall and kiss the hell out of her. However, she's so beautifully done up that I don't want to risk ruining her look or making her angry. I knew I'd never be able to keep my hands out of her gorgeous hair, and it would be a miracle if I didn’t rip off her clothes and fuck her right then and there.

No, Reid. Cut it out! I scold myself again.

Instead, I try to keep myself distracted until we reach the street. I gesture to a black limousine idling on the curb. Aileen's eyes go round as saucers, and her mouth forms a cute little O.

“I’ve never ridden in a limo before, Armani,” she breathes with excitement.

“Well I’m glad I get to be your first... at everything,” I say, a little tongue-in-cheek.

Aileen gives me an odd look— one I have no idea how to interpret. But she doesn’t otherwise react to my double entendre. I open the door and help her in before scooting onto the bench seat beside her.

Being alone with her in these small, private places is testing my control.

I just have to make it through the night, I remind myself over and over.

Steeling myself against the urge to draw her onto my lap and ravish her mouth, I lace our fingers together and kiss the back of her hand. She smiles at me.

“Even though you... suffocate me... Armani” she says with a playful eye roll, “I’m glad you're back.”

She missed me.

“Calm down, Armani. I didn't miss you, okay? This is me just being nice.”

I chuckle.

“I am too,” I say with a sigh. “It was a long trip, and while I love to travel to get work done, it’s always nice to come home. Especially if you're going to be there.”

She smiles a little and turns away from me to face the windows.

“Do these open?” she taps on the windows with her free hand.

“Is the air conditioning not working for you?” I ask, “I can turn it down to make it colder.”

“No, no. It's not the air conditioning, Armani. I just want the windows opened, please.”

I'm about to question her but when she looks back at me, she looks flushed. I immediately nod.

“Don?” I call out to my driver, “Turn the AC off and lower the windows will you? The sunroof too” I say, worrying the wind might mess up her hairstyle.

“Right away boss.”

When the windows are opened, the unmistakable sigh of relief I hear from Lee is alarming.

“Hey, are you okay?” I ask as she slides away from me to stick her head out the window for five seconds.

When she looks back at me, she's flush-free and back to the Lee I know.

“Better than ever” she grins, taking my hand to give me a light pat. “Okay, so where's this charity gala being held, anyway?”

“Kensington” I reply.

She straightens her back.

“Kensington? As in Kensington Heights? The Kensington Heights?”

I nod.

“Wow,” she chuckles. “We tried to book Bonita and Papi a room for their honeymoon... same with their fifth anniversary but we were flat-out denied. I hear the president even has a hard time getting booked. So how'd your family manage to host a charity gala at Kensington?”

I shrug.

“Are you saying you're more important than the president of America?”

I chuckle.

“No, we're not. And I'm sorry about Hank and Bonnie's honeymoon and anniversary.”

“So? How'd you manage to get a booking huh? Tell me.”

“Well for starters, there's nothing to tell” I smile.

“Ohh” she rolls her eyes.

“That... and we own the place.”

I literally hear Aileen's breathing cease. She slowly turns her head to meet my eyes, still not breathing. And I find myself equally holding my breath.

“What?” she finally lets out.

I slowly nod, resuming my breathing.

“You own Kensington Heights?”

I nod again, watching her tortured look return.

“Lee? Are you okay?”

She nods, fanning herself.

“Would you like some water? A snack?” I try not to laugh at her reaction.

“No, no. I'm good” she mutters.

“Are you sure?” I press, “Just tell me what you want and I'll get it done for you.”

She looks at me.

“If I asked you to turn the car around and take me home, would you?”

Because you found out my family owns Kensington?

“No,” I tell her.

She nods.

“Yeah, I figured” she begins fanning herself again.

“Lee—”

Then she pauses.

“You know, on second thoughts...” she reaches for the ice bucket and plucks out the champagne.

I reach out to grab a glass for her and she shakes her head vigorously at me.

“No need, Armani,” she tells me and brings the entire bottle to her lips.

“Lee.”

She holds her finger out to silence me.

“You own Kensington freaking Heights. How did Google fail to mention this?”

“You googled me?” I ask like I already didn't know.

“Of course, I Googled you, Armani. But nothing prepared me for this. Not a thing” She shakes her head and downs a bit more champagne.

“Okay, that's enough,” I take the bottle from her.

“Hey but—”

“Shhhh” I hold a finger up, “We're here.”

✯✯✯✯✯✯

✿ Aileen's POV

I still as we turn off the street, heading toward the well-lit building. A milling throng of people surround the entrance that is full of luxurious cars and I tense up even more.

“Oh God” I whisper.

I think I'm going to be sick.

I press a hand to my stomach and Reid reaches over to squeeze my leg, forcing me to relax. I grab my purse beside my feet.

Kensington Heights.

The limo pulls to the entrance of the building and slows to a stop, then I hear the chauffeur get out.

“Oh second thoughts, Armani, I think I'll stay here and wait for you,” I say.

Reid makes a face.

“We’re already here, Lee. Why would you want to stay behind? If you need time to get the nerves under control, that's okay. I'll stay here with you till you feel okay. Then we go in together. I'm not leaving without you, okay? We're in this together.”

And something about his little innocent speech makes the nerves scurry off. I close my eyes and take in deep breaths, Reid never letting go of my hand for a second.

“Better?” he asks after five minutes.

I nod.

“Yeah. Much better. Thank you for doing this, Armani” I smile softly at him.

He smiles back.

“Anytime. Now you ready?”

I nod.

Showtime, I say in my thoughts, my hands wringing my purse.

The door opens, and Reid emerges first, holding out his hand as I scoot toward the car door. Lights flash as I step out, very conscious of the dress and high heels. Reid’s arm is solid as he guides me effortlessly through the line of people, giving me a firm ballast to which I cling.

While I knew how to walk with heels, the attention we received had me feeling like a bumbling idiot. I focus on not falling or otherwise making a fool of myself and breathe a relieved sigh when we reach the entrance and the cameras and babbling press fade into the background with the help of the bodyguards that came out of God knows where.

Once we enter the building, I'm blown away by how luxurious the decoration is. On a normal day, it was elegant. But tonight... oh my...

The chandeliers on the ceilings in every part of the ballroom we enter are dazzling and illuminate the entire space. I smile at the tiny lights fixed into the ceiling to make them look like stars.

I didn't need to be told the guests were big shots in high society. They were clad in extravagant and glamorous outfits. And as Google predicted, the wealthy ladies had gathered in circles and were chatting elegantly.

I take a quick peek at the events schedule pressed into my hands at the entrance of the ballroom.

“You didn’t tell me there was going to be an auction,” I say, scanning the scheduled events.

Reid lifts one shoulder in casual dismissal.

“Surprise” he smiles, “Now, c'mon. Let's socialize” he kisses the back of my hand before guiding us into the central area.

A classical band plays music at the far end next to the stage, and a few people sweep across the dance floor, but most clusters in groups spread throughout the room.

“Ah, there he is. I’m glad you could make it, my boy” A short balding man steps toward us, and grasps Reid’s hand in a vigorous handshake.

He's wearing a tuxedo, complete with a bow tie, and has a strong French accent.

“I trust you it's been a good year?”

“Hello Pierre,” Reid says in the way of greeting, a small smile playing over his lips.

His approval seems genuine. He obviously had a fondness for the Frenchman.

“Thank you for being here.”

Pierre laughs.

“Forever modest, my boy. Even though we see each other only yearly. It's good to know that little boy is still in there.”

I blink and slant a look at my fiancé.

He must have known Reid since he was a child.

“Who is your lovely companion tonight?” Pierre asks, drawing my attention back to the present. Then he narrows his eyes a little before breaking into a grin. “No, no, wait. Don't tell me, boy” he laughs. “That's her?”

Reid smiles proudly.

“Yes. May I introduce Aileen Wilmore, my fiancée. Darling, this is Pierre Montrose. My grandmother's right-hand man. And the person partly responsible for this whole affair.”

“Enchanté, mademoiselle” Pierre takes my offered hand and lays a light kiss on the knuckles.

I feel Reid’s hand on the small of my back clench, fingers digging into the fabric of my dress.

“Enchantée, monsieur,” I greet in return, then gesture to the large room. “Cette salle est merveilleuse (This place looks marvelous)”

Pierre’s face lights up.

“Ah, mais vous parlez un français! (Ah, you speak French!)”

“Juste un peu. Je suis au Québec pour le travail. Mais ce n’était que pour une courte période. En fait, je suis hispanique. Moitié portoricain et colombien (Only a little. I've been in Quebec for work. But it was only for a short while. I'm actually Hispanic. Half Puerto Rican and Colombian)”

“Ah, a rare breed” Pierre beams at me, obviously pleased, and I return his smile. “Well, it's finally nice to meet you, mademoiselle. Welcome to the family.”

I can feel the weight of Reid’s gaze, but I ignore him, scanning the schedule.

“Ah, look. I see your parents” Pierre announces. “Let me just go say hello. I'll be right back. Excuse me.”

His parents.

“You never told me you spoke French,” he says once we're alone.

“I don't” I reply, “I pre-googled it. It's the only French statement I memorized.”

He chuckles.

“I thought I asked you not to research.”

“Well this research just helped me make a good impression and not embarrass you so you're welcome” I hiss at him.

He smiles.

“Okay. Turn it in.”

“What?”

“The flashcards. Or whatever French phrases you've written down.”

I frown.

“No way.”

“Lee...”

“What? I can't turn them in here.”

“Why not?”

“Because they're...” I lower my eyes subtly to my chest.

Reid frowns and I do it again.

“What?”

For how dirty-minded he was, he was making this very hard.

“They're in my... area.”

Reid frowns in confusion then pops his eyes in under two seconds.

“You put them down there? What were you thinking huh? Do you have any idea how harmful paper and heat down there can be to you?” he frowns. “You need to get it out of there, now. And I'm not taking no for an answer, freshie.”

“Relax. They're secured. They're not going to fall out.”

“You don't know that” he frowns deeper. “Can you even walk properly? My God.”

“Of course, I can walk. Why wouldn't I—”

Then it hit me that we were talking about two different locations. My eyes widen.

“What? What is it? Is it slipping? Is it stuck? Do you need me to—”

“Woah there” I stop him.

Nice try, Mr.

“It's not stuck. Neither is it slipping” I say, “And when I said area, I didn't mean down there. I meant my chest area. Like in my bra pockets.”

Reid opens his mouth, then shuts it, then opens his mouth again.

“Oh,” he lets out before clearing his throat, “My bad.”

I sigh.

“It's okay. And I wouldn't be able to stuff my underwear with flashcards because I'm not wearing any—”

Shit!

Reid's eyes widen at my face before they drop down as if to see if I wasn't wearing any underwear like I blurted out. And in that moment I wish the earth would just open and swallow me whole.

But before he can say whatever it is he wants to I spot his parents.

“Incoming” I mutter.

Portia Dalton is in a purple dress, arm in arm with a Eros in a black suit. Her hair is plaited into a complicated but good-looking braid, that hangs down on her bare fair back.

Her makeup is light and delicate and in that long purple diamond-decorated dress, everyone can tell that twinkling dress is pricey.

The Daltons make a beeline for us and draw everyone's attention. Reid plucks two flutes of champagne from a waiter passing by and hands me one.

“Drink. We get through this night without a hair out of place and we have the conversation about what just happened.”

“Deal” I whisper back and we clink our glass together before downing the bubbly.

“Ben.”

Just in time.

“Mom, Dad. It's good to see you.”

“You too, son” Eros Dalton grins. “Hello, Aileen.”

“Mr. Dalton” I smile.

“I thought we agreed on Eros last time.”

I simply nod.

“Right, right. It's nice to see you again, Eros.”

“That's more like it.

I glance at his wife.

“Mom” Reid moves over to kiss her cheeks.

“Hello,” she says stiffly.

“You look wonderful.”

“When does she not?” Eros dots over her and it gets her to smile.

A genuine smile.

And for a fraction of a second, she doesn't seem that awful. But she notices me staring and a scowl meets me.

Aye.

Portia Dalton eyes me up and down.

“Hm, at least you can dress the part.”

I bite down my nasty reply when I notice Pierre walking our way.

“It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Dalton.”

She smirks.

“That's right. I'm Mrs. Dalton. You're never going to be called that.”

“Mom, can we please not do this now... or anymore?” Reid cuts in.

“Do what? I'm just stating the very obvious fact here son. You're never going to marry her. Your father and I will never give you our blessing to do so. She doesn't deserve my son. She doesn't deserve to bear our name. She doesn't even belong here, Benjamin. If you were so desperate for a date, couldn't you have simply told me? I would have found you someone much more... appealing to look at. Not this—”

“That's enough, Portia” Eros Dalton takes her by the arm. “We're in public. And even if we weren't, this isn't the way to speak to this young woman. She's done nothing wrong if you ask me. Her only mistake would be having fallen in love with our son.”

“But Eros—”

“Come now” he cuts her off again and begins to lead her away. “Ben, may we have a word with you?”

I look up at Reid who looks like he's about to refuse his father's request but I touch his arm just in time to stop him.

“Go on” I whisper.

He frowns.

“I'll be right here, okay? Just go on” I stop him before he speaks.

“Lee...”

“Ben?” his father pauses and calls out to him.

“Go,” I say again and hold his gaze until he closes his eyes and nods.

“Alright. But don't move, okay? I'll be right back.”

“And I'll be right here.”

He nods and leans in to kiss my temple before stepping away, the uneasy look still on his face. I sigh as he disappears through the cluster of guests with his parents.

“Wait right here he says” I mutter to myself and exchange my empty glass for two flutes of champagne. “It's going to be okay, he says” I down one glass and discard it on a table nearby. “But guess what? It never is.”

“Aileen Wilmore?”

Hearing my name startles me out of my thoughts. Looking around to see who had spoken, I saw a dark-haired woman in a long yellow gown approach me. She seems familiar, then a surprised smile tilts my lips as I recognize her.

“Bow?”

“Oh my God, it is you!” The smaller girl claps her hands together in delight, beaming at me. “I thought I saw you come through the doors, but couldn’t be sure until I got closer.”

Still amazed to see someone I actually knew, I throw decorum to the wind and pull the girl into a quick hug, carefully not to spill my champagne.

Rainbow shared dorms with Sophie for our first two years of college. And while we hadn’t seen much of each other since she was pre-med, Sophie pre-law, and I tucked away in culinary school, we’d still hung out on weekends.

“What are you doing here?” I exclaim as we part.

“I’m here with Dom actually” Her big smile widens in pride. “We help run a clinic down in Caldwell and he’s here trying to raise donations.”

“You two finally got married?”

When she nods and flashes me her wedding ring, I just grin. Bow and Dominic had been high school sweethearts when I met them through my visits to Sophie in college. Both had big dreams of saving the world, and they seemed to be on their way.

“So you’re both doctors now?”

“No, I actually switched to business when Dom went into med school. It worked out well as I now help him run the business side of the whole operation. I get to be out in the field with him anyway, so it works great for me!”

That's so sweet.

“That's good. I'm so happy for you” I smile.

Then she steps closer to me, a wider grin on her face.

Oh, here we go.

“So spill. Was that really Reid Dalton with you at the door?”

I flush at the question.

There’s no reason this needs to be awkward, I admonish myself.

“Yeah. That was really him,” I reply, shrugging my shoulder as if it's nothing.

“Oh my God. Wait so are you two...?”

“Yes, we are,” I say between a forced bright smile and flash my fake ring.

“Holy...” she gasps and brings my hand up to her face to take a closer look. “Damn Lee. You really hit the jackpot with this one. Wow! Look how it shines. Can you move your hand?” she chuckles. “Oh, I'm so happy for you, my friend. Congratulations.”

I smile.

“Thank you, Bow,” I say, then to change the subject I look around behind her. “Where’s Dom?”

“Out in the crowd, mingling with the rich folks and trying to get more donations. Our presentation didn’t net as much as we needed, so he’s trying to get a few more sponsors.” She rolls her eyes. “He’s so much better at that than I am. It’s weird walking up to a stranger and just asking for money.”

“Funny,” Anika's voice says nearby, “As this is what I see in front of me.”

I look over to her standing beside me, eyeing Bow with smug superiority. I had no idea how long she’d been standing there, but when Cherise’s face falls my free hand curls into a fist.

“Excuse you,” I say bluntly, indignant at her treatment of my friend, “What do you think you're doing?”

She turns her cool gaze to me, blue eyes giving me a quick once over.

“Saving you” She studies her nails. “After all this is a position with which I am well acquainted.”

A scoff leaves my lips.

“I doubt that Nikki,” I say, “After all you were only the girlfriend. I'm the fiancée. So there's a difference... in position I'm afraid.”

She scoffs nastily to try and hide her anger.

“So if you’ll excuse me, Ms. Woods, I was already talking with—”

“You will find that when you're with a wealthy man like Reid Dalton, people will selfishly approach you only for your contact” Anika gives Bow a condescending glance. “And so you must guard yourself against even such clumsy attempts.”

Beside me, Rainbow stiffens at the veiled insult.

“This is a charity function if you haven’t noticed,” I counter, coming to Bow’s defense. “If she wants me to help her raise money, it’s my choice to do so. You have no business in this conversation.”

Anika lifts a shoulder.

“Well, the venue only legitimizes the petty begging attempts.”

My whole body tenses in outrage, and I'm set to go off on the haughty, brunette woman when Bow backs away from us.

“If you two will excuse me,” she says stiffly, “I need to get back to my husband.”

As she turns to leave I reach for her arm.

“Rainbow, wait...”

“It’s okay Aileen. I’m so happy to see you but...” my friend gives Anika an uncharacteristic glare, “... when your business is done with this... this woman, come find us,” she says before walking off, head held high.

I scowl as a small laugh reaches my ears.

“Why did you do that?” I demand, rounding on the beautiful brunette woman. “She was a friend.”

Anika shrugs, but her cool eyes seem amused by my anger.

“She means nothing to me. I'm only here for you.”

“What do you want?”

“To talk.”

“Well too bad, Nikki. But I have no desire to even be within two feet of your nastiness” I tell her and turn to my heel.

“Don't you dare walk away from me when I'm speaking to you, you filthy peasant!” she hisses, yanking me back.

And in that moment my skin begins to crawl. I don't care that I'm surrounded by strangers and in a foreign environment. I don’t even care if I draw any undue attention to myself. I turn around, twisting her arm as I do, and pin it to her back.

“Ow! Let me go!” she hisses.

I smile at a few people who pass us by and when they're gone, I frown at her.

“Don't you ever speak to me that way, you overdressed ostrich.”

She opens her mouth to say God knows what but I give her arm another twist and she hisses in pain.

“Never, ever, in your miserable life, try that with me again. And if you ever, in all your days, touch me... ever again... I swear on my parent's grave...” I lean closer to her, “... that I will break you limb from limb. Est-ce que tu comprends? (Do you understand?)”

She whimpers and I let go of her.

“Good” I smile and down my drink before pushing the empty glass into her chest, “Au revoir! (Goodbye!) Puta (Bitch)”

Thank you for reading!
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Ciao
~the_atticwriter