Chapter 10: In Which He Threatened to Kiss Her

Aurora gaped at the ugly red splatter on her dress. That dumb b*tch had just thrown red wine on her!

Aurora flew into a rage. She’s had enough of this vile woman and her petty tricks. This time, she would get even - an eye for an eye.

Her eyes quickly located a glass of wine and she was about to reach for it when someone came up behind her and chided her attacker in a low, deep whisper.

“That’s enough, Audrey.”

Aurora lifted her gaze and met Theo’s eyes. He took one look at the angry red patch on her dress and her damped face and knew what happened. Without another word, he took off his jacket and draped it over her.

But Aurora tried to pull the jacket off. “I’m alright.”

“You’re not,” Theo muttered angrily. He replaced the jacket on Aurora and wrapped an arm around her. In a whisper meant only for her, he said, “Let’s get you out of here first.”

As they turned from the nasty scene, Audrey rushed forward and grabbed Theo’s arm. “You don’t have to leave Theo. I’m sure Madame Zoya can take care of herself.” She looked at Aurora with her usual smirk. “Right, Madame Zoya?”

Keeping a firm grasp on Aurora, who was trying to nudge away, Theo cast a disapproving glance at Audrey’s hand and then at her face. “Her name is Aurora. She’s my guest, Audrey. And you’re being rude.”

Audrey shook her head in denial, her eyes turning red and moist. “She started it!”

She’s gonna start a tantrum, Theo thought wearily. His ears caught the rising murmurs in the gathering crowd and he said in a harsh whisper, “You make a scene now, Audrey, you’re going to ruin Kate’s big day. So stop it. Go.”

Pursing her lips in resentment, Audrey shot an angry look at Aurora that said this is not over and stormed off.

As Oscar helped to disperse the crowd, Theo pulled Aurora towards the restroom.


******


“Stop.” Aurora halted and spun around. “Just stop. I can handle this.” She untangled out of Theo’s arms and stepped towards the restroom.

But Theo wouldn’t have it. He shouldn’t have left her alone. He thought she’d be safe with the Edwards and left briefly to congratulate Gill. On his way back, he saw Audrey looming over Aurora like the jealous lioness she'd always been, and hastened his footsteps.

He grabbed Aurora’s elbow and turned her around. “You’re not leaving me out of this Aurora. Let me help.”

“I’m fine.”

Theo’s gaze fell into a dark glare. “If you won’t let me help you, I’ll kiss you right now.”

“What?” Aurora was in shock. Is he kidding? She backed away.

But Theo was faster. Swiftly, his arm went around Aurora’s tiny waist and he pulled her forward. The feel of her soft breasts against the hard muscles of his chest and her soft gasp sent his heart pounding like a madman. He was mad for her.

Staring into her enchanting eyes, he whispered, “What will it be, Aurora?” He lowered his lips slowly.

D*mn, he was serious, Aurora cursed and panicked. She tried to move her limbs but couldn't feel them. D*mn it! Couldn't he pick a better time and place for this? His lips came dangerously close when she found her senses again.

Squeezing her eyes tight, she surrendered. “I’ll let you help!”

Theo paused and pulled back slightly, then chuckled. She looked like she was about to get kissed by a dirty old man. “I’m not going to kiss you.” He sighed and released her as she slowly opened her eyes. “And frankly, I’m quite hurt by your reaction.”

“You startled me.”

“For a good cause.” Theo shoved both hands into his pockets and beamed proudly. “You need to let the ones who care for you help you out, once in a while.”

He cared for her? Aurora furrowed her brows in a thoughtful expression. Did he just say that he cares for her? She wanted to ask but Theo was making a call to someone, and it caught her attention.

“Who are you calling?”

He glanced at her. “Zia. To get you a new dress.”

Aurora snatched his phone. “No! We can save it. Just get me a rag, detergent and baking soda.”

Theo stared at her as if she had gone crazy.

“Trust me. I’ll clean this up. It won’t be like before, but it can survive the rest of the ceremony.”

“Alright.” Theo left hastily.


******


“I’ll call zia to bring over a new dress. It’ll be done in a jiffy.” Theo’s voice boomed into the ladies’ toilet from outside.

Aurora wasn’t sure if she should laugh or cry. She wanted to laugh because Theo was guarding the women’s restroom like a concerned but helpless teenage boyfriend. Then she felt the tears welling up in her eyes because some idiot had just ruined a Liv Accardi design.

Pressing the rag soaked with detergent and baking soda onto the red spot, she was relieved when the redness started fading. Now is the time to count your blessings, Aurora mocked silently at her reflection.

“Is everything alright in there? Talk to me, Aurora.”

Aurora stiffened, suddenly aware that she was only in her bra and underwear. “Y- Yes, everything’s under control.” Aurora winced. Under control? Are you a cop?

Theo chuckled. “Roger that.”

Soon the blasting of the hand dryer echoed from the toilet and Theo chuckled at the carpeted floor. Aurora didn’t whine or cry. Instead, she was cool and collected. She treated that unfortunate splash of red wine as a problem and proceeded to solve it.

When Aurora emerged from the toilet, she looked just as before, except for the extra light pink spot on her chest. She had let her hair down and the orange-red waves now cascaded off shoulders like a waterfall of fire.

Hell, Theo groaned silently, clutching his fists once more. God help him.

“Here’s your jacket.”

Theo took it and put it on again. “Are you sure you don’t need it?” He pulled on the sleeves of his white shirt to straighten it.

Aurora shook her head innocently. “I’m not cold.”

Theo laughed at her timely sarcasm.

“Did we miss the ceremony?” Aurora suddenly looked concerned.

Theo flashed one his grins as he offered his arm again. “Just in time.”


******


And they were.

Once they sat, the doors opened and the bride entered with an impressive rendition of the Canon D played by the live orchestra.

The rich and famous do things differently indeed, Aurora thought as her eyes sailed across the room, taking in the audience seated in colorful clothes amidst the magnificent fairytale setting. The aisle was lined with columns covered with white Ranunculus and Sweet Peas.

Stretching her neck, she watched the bride step towards the groom, and then her eyes met Audrey’s fuming gaze. Aurora looked to her side just as Theo looked away. Why is he staring at my face? Was there something?

Theo looked at her again and saw her feeling her face aimlessly. “What’s wrong?”

“Is there something on my face?”

“Yes.”

Aurora was frantic. “What?”

“Beauty.” The impish grin was back. Aurora shot him a joking glare and nudged at his arm.

The couple was exchanging rings.

Aurora smiled weakly at the sight as pain from the past rose in her chest. She turned from the loving scene to blink away her tears.

When she looked back, the couple was already sharing a kiss. Audrey was at the side, still staring at her; this time, she had a new smug on her face.

Just you wait, it warned.

The hall roared with applause and the orchestra sounded with greater enthusiasm.

“I have something to tell you.” Theo bowed and whispered in her ear.

Aurora looked up, half-expecting another flirtatious remark from the master of charm. “What?” She felt a giggle surfacing.

“I’ll tell you later. I'm starving.”

Habitually, Aurora fished out her phone and checked for messages as she tailed Theo. There were a few from Trish - asking about the wedding ceremony - and then one from Madame Zoya, giving her the instructions for tomorrow.

Then, she saw the text from an unknown number. Could it be a job interview? Aurora grinned with nervous anticipation as she opened the text. She might not need a job from Theo after all!

The text read: Why didn’t you tell them your last name?

Aurora stared at it, dumbstruck.