75. The Red Lights

Dakota gracefully circles the car, making his way to the other side and as he settles in, his rich musky scent hits my nose, adding an intoxicating layer to his already enticing aura.
“Charlie. Take us to the event.” He announces in the air and pulls out his phone. His faces washes with the white light of the screen as he vigorously types, while I simply stare at him.
Though his hair is perfectly styled, a few rebellious strands fall out, and a sudden urge within me rises to eagerly sweep those rogue locks from his forehead.
“Am I looking too delicious?” Dakota asks me, setting aside his phone as he senses my gaze on him. His dimple deepens as he meets my eyes, confirming his suspicion.
“Who told you that, your fan club?” I scoff playfully, averting my gaze.
“Fan club, mirror, same thing.” He retorts confidently.
“You are so full of yourself.” I chuckle, amazed by his jovial attitude.
“Did you say, I am full of sexiness?” Dakota whispers and suddenly raises his finger, as if he remembers a thing. “Which reminds me, I got something for you.”
I watch him with fascination as he pulls out a fancy black box from his suit’s pocket.
*What is it?* My curiosity asks me.
In a second, his fingers open the box, revealing a stunning rope of white pearls.
“Wow! Are they real?” I blurt out, causing a brow raised at me.
“Of course!” Dakota replies with a hint of jutting pride. “I don’t deal in fakes.” He picks up the shiny pearls, then pauses glancing at me. “May I?”
I look at him surprisingly, taken aback by his request for my permission as if he has never touched me before asking. *That’s certainly new!*
I turn my back to him and lift my wavy hair. Warm fingers lightly graze my skin as he places the pearl choker around my neck with gentleness.
“I thought it would complement the dress.” He whispers, fastening the clasp. His warm breath tickles my neck, causing a sudden rush of blush to my skin.
“It does. And it’s very beautiful.” I respond, admiring the necklace.
Green eyes linger on the pearls adorning my neck, before meeting my hazel orbs. There is a brief softness in his expression before he conceals his features and looks away.
“I know. After all, it’s my choice.” Dakota states, fixing his bow tie as we approach the venue.
“Show off.” I roll my eyes at his arrogance.
“It’s called style, you should have some.” He comments, finally sweeping up those rebellious locks as he sets his hair back to perfection.
“You are such an arrogant ass.” I complain.
Dakota smirks, clearly enjoying the compliment. “That’s debatable.”
*I can’t believe this insufferable man!*
I look outside the window, watching the line of expensive cars lined up ahead of us, leading to a huge impressive dome structure.
“What kind of event is this?” My curiosity asks him. *Seems like a big one!*
“Automobile.” Dakota replies, before changing his tone to an executive. “If someone asks about you there.. in relation to me, what would you say?”
“I’ll tell them.. Hi, I am Emara, Dakota’s hostage.” I retort mischievously, only to get a sharp butcher stare from him.
“And I’ll also mention that I am a child, but then people will know you are a pedophile.” I taunt him, watching his jaw clench in vex.
“Go ahead. Say that.” Dakota challenges me with his piercing I’ll-stab-you-with-my-fork gaze. “But remember, you are coming back home with me anyway.”
*Oh damn, I forgot, he is a psycho!*
“Well, I could always run away.” I mutter slowly, half-jokingly.
“Not faster than me.” Dakota reminds me in his supreme tone. “I’ll catch you without breaking a sweat.”
“I’ll scream and tell everyone that you have kidnapped me.” I threaten him playfully.
“Then I’ll shut your mouth and throw you in the trunk.”
My jaw drops down at his calm warning. “You can’t do that!” I gasp in shock.
A sly smirk curve his lips up as he says, “Try me, love.”
“If you call me a kidnapper, I might start behaving like one.” He adds, explains his roleplay theory.
“And if I call you a cheese ball?” I pout, batting my lashes.
A genuine smile takes over his features and he leans a little closer to my face, whispering, “Then I might just melt under your touch.”
Butterflies flutter in my stomach at his words and his closeness that seems to warm my cheeks up. *He is too good at flirting!*
“What if I call you devastatingly handsome, then?” I ask him with a curious glint.
Dakota smiles, further leaning in. I feel the warmth of his breath against my face before he speaks in a husky tone, “Then I might tell you the truth, that you look exactly like my dream girl.”
*Sexygoatsinmaxi! WHAT?*
I feel his hot lips brush against my cheek ever so gently and instantly entire zoo becomes alive in my stomach, thrashing and jumping as he pecks me a kiss.
I blink at him with raised heartbeats and flushed cheeks. His gaze travels down to my lips, then back at me, before darting away to the window and a look of slight irritation reaches his eyes.
“Stay.”
Dakota whispers against my face, before stepping of the car. I sit there in a cloud of confusion, trying to decode why he kissed me and what exactly he meant by ‘Stay’?
*Stay as in stay for life, or just stay frozen here?*
I look through the car’s tinted window, and my social anxiety comes alive as I notice the number of people outside, exchanging greetings and posing for the cameras.
*Oh God!*
I watch Dakota among a flurry of flashes and paparazzi. He navigates the media with a practiced ease before returning to my side to open the door for me.
My heart races as I glance at his outstretched palm and then at the affluent crowd behind him, causing my anxieties to take the front seat.
*OMG! There are so many people.*
“Emara.” Dakota calls out to me, capturing my attention.
My hand trembles as I place it in his, and gather myself to step out in his world. My foot catches on my dress and suddenly time runs slow as I start to tumble.
*Oh my Aunties-in-Panties!*