103.A Gentleman Tonight

Just as Dakota said, right at the stroke of 5 PM, Charlie, the chauffeur came to pick me up.

He drops me at Antonio, and instantly I am taken by two makeup artists, who right away start doing their magic on me.

“Your skin is so perfect, it’s making the foundation jealous.” Leo comments, blending away. 

“Um.. Thanks, I guess.” I smile, and suddenly his hand pauses dramatically in the air. 

“You guess?” He blinks at me, raising his pink trimmed brows. “Honey, in the world of glamour, there is no room for guessing. You own it!”

“That’s right!” Mickey, who is busy styling my hair, jaws in. “When someone compliments you, take it, eat it, devour it completely and let it fuel your soul, so that it dazzles so bright that people need glasses to withstand your glow.”

I smile at their attempt to puff me up. “Thanks, but I am just not used to getting compliments.”

“What kind of envious bitches you live with! I mean, look at these cheekbones. They could cut the glass!” Leo exclaims, brushing golden dust on them and making me smile.

It somehow reminds me of Ana, my soul-sister in the form of a friend I had years ago. After that fight night, she didn’t talk to me again, and I never really found any excuse to contact her back. 

*I really miss her!*

After an entire hour of painting my face, we finally get down to dressing up. Black velvet dress easily glides on and hug my figure like a possessive boyfriend I never had. 

“Wow! I really look hot.” I admire, watching my siren shape in the mirror, and my baddie makeup on top.

“Darling! If hotness was a picture, it would be your face right now.” Leo chimes and I smile, gulping my insecurities and like they said, own the compliments. 

I lift myself up in the five-inch heel, and take a shaky step. One wrong step and I’ll lose my front teeth. 

“Walk boldly, like you are stepping on the throat of your haters.” Mickey advises me and I grin, trying to catwalk in them, until I smoothly carry myself.

“Now go out there and slay! Be sexy, be fierce, and most importantly, be a Queen, who doesn’t give a flying lipstick to anyone.” Leo says with a sassy snap of his fingers.

“Have fun and don’t trip.” Mickey warns me as he escorts me to the door. “And even if you do, make it the most sexy fall in the history that Henry Cavil comes rushing to pick you up.” He winks at me before letting me go.

I laugh. *These two are too much!*

But that’s exactly what I need in my monotonous life. *Too much fun! Too much drama! Too much excitement!*

Yet, I feel a kick of nervousness as I walk out of Antonio’s showroom, and spot the sleek black car waiting outside, especially the man beside it.

Dakota is standing by the car, deeply engrossed in a serious phone conversation.

The night seems to amplify his already striking silhouette as he stands there impressively in a fitted tuxedo. Black jacket clings to his strong and square shoulders, hiding their actual strength.

And his face.. *Oh god!*

His million dollar face is what truly captivates. The way his black hair is perfectly glued to the sides, highlighting his sharp features and strong jawline, something moves in me.

He looks so neat and untouchable.

Time slows down as Dakota lifts his gaze after finishing his call. Our eyes meet and I feel a thud in my chest, almost like I got hit by a car.

Green eyes pause, taking their leisure time to absorb my tiny frame, which is literally quacking under the spotlight of his gaze.

My heart flutters, clenching and unclenching as he walks towards me, talk and dark, like a mysterious knight in the night.

“Ms. Stone.” Dakota greets me.

“Mr. Black.” I play along. 

A mesmerizing smile surfaces on his face, like sunlight piercing through dense clouds. Our hands meet, and I watch him carefully as he brings them to his forbidden lips.

“You look breathtaking in this dress.” His deep voice sends a shiver runs down my spine as he presses a soft, lingering kiss on the back of my palm.

*Quite a gentleman tonight!*

“Thank you. And you look.. Okay-ish.” I flash him a playful smirk. 

Dakota narrow his eyes at my teasing comment and in a swift motion, he jerks my hand, causing me to trip over in my towering heels. 

I gasp, falling against his chest when two strong arms encircle my waist, holding me securely against his body. 

“Careful, Ma-*damn*.” 

I hear his deep voice ringing through my bones as he whispers in my ear like a warning. “Don’t fall in okay-*ish* hands.”

I raise my eyes and meet those diabolic green orbs that glaze of mischief and arrogance.

“Too late. You should have advised me seven days before.” I tell him, standing straight on my heels. 

“I actually did.” He replies, guiding me towards his car. “In fact, three years ago.”

*Oh yeah.. He very well did!*

“What can I say.. I am pro at making bad decisions.” I respond, walking by his side to the awaiting vehicle. 

“In that case, you are lucky.” Dakota smirks, closing the distance between us with a step. “Because I am pro at making bad decisions feel incredibly good.” He whispers in my ear, causing my cheeks to heat. 

“Aren’t you extra cheesy tonight, Mr. Black?” I tease as he opens the door for me. 

Dakota pauses, raising an eyebrow. “I was expecting something like devastatingly handsome, than being labeled as a cheeseball.”

I burst into laughter at his response. “But I like cheese balls.” 

Without missing a beat, Dakota leans against the car. “Aren’t you extra hungry tonight, Ms. Stone?” A playful smirk dances on his lips. 

“Please, I am always hungry.” I comment, only to watch him laugh in return. 

“I am right there with you.” His rich and warm voice reaches to me and I smile along, before sliding into the car. 

*Wait.. Did I just hit on him? Or was he hitting on me?*