36

LILLIAN

I stared at myself in the full-length mirror after slipping the dress on.

Even though I didn’t want them in the first place, staring at myself now, I’m glad Xavier didn’t listen to me and called the glam squad anyway because they did a phenomenal job.

My makeup was flawless, my gray eyes being accentuated with smoky eyeshadow that was lined with precision and my lips coated in deep red lipstick that added a touch of classic elegance to my entire look.

And my honey blonde hair wasn’t left out, styled in loose waves that cascade down my shoulder, a few strands pinned back with silver rose pins to show off my diamond drop earrings.

Everything perfectly complemented my skin tone and the color of my dress. It was a look that exuded both sophistication and allure.

I didn’t even think I’d look this good, but here I was.

My eyes travelled down my reflection as I slowly accessed myself in the dress, rubbing my hands over the material of the dress and feeling the luxurious fabric beneath my fingers with a smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

I just knew I made the right choice picking this dress.

The dress hugged my curves in all the right places with silver bead detailing catching the light with every slight movement of my body. The dress also had a little train that flowed elegantly behind me, adding a touch of grandeur to my silhouette.

Everything I had on matched, from the sleek silver clutch purse adorned with crystals and the silver open toe stilettos that added height and elegance to my frame, to the diamond drop earrings and matching bracelet.

I looked good—better than good, in fact.

And as much as I hated to admit it, I can’t wait for Xavier to see me in this dress.

Picking up my purse, I gave myself one final look in the mirror. Satisfied with the way I looked, I smiled and made my way out of the room.

“Okay, now I’m ready,” I announced, holding my dress up as I began to descend the stairs so that I won’t trip on it.
“Finally, I thought I’d have to leave without you—“

He suddenly stopped talking and I looked up to see he was staring at me… hard.

Oh, my… My heart picked up a beat against my better judgement.

His gaze was dark and intense, following my every step as I descended the stairs. His usually composed demeanor had faltered too, and I could see a flicker of something raw and primal in his eyes.

It was a look that made my heart race and my skin tingle.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I met his gaze head-on, feeling a strange mix of power and vulnerability. I watched his eyes roam over me, taking in every detail of my appearance with a heated intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

There was something almost possessive about the way he looked at me. It was like a silent acknowledgment of the chemistry between us that neither of us wanted to admit.

For someone that always spoke down on me and made me feel like I was nothing, he was looking at me right now like he wanted nothing more than to devour me.

And not in the bad kind of way.

For a moment, the world seemed to fade away. I could feel the electricity crackling between us, the silent tension that had always been there now slowly sipping up to the surface.

It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

“Well?” I held my hands out and gestured to myself.

Xavier blinked, like he was snapping out of whatever trance he was in. Then he cleared his throat, giving me another once-over.

“The dress looks stunning on you.” He simply said, and I wasn’t shocked that he was tumbling over his words or stuttering.

One think I’ve noticed about Xavier is that he never stutters, even when he is out of his element.

But I knew he was also playing it safe with that simple compliment he made.

“Is that all you have to say?” I asked, my lips tugged in a smirk.

“Don’t think you can get any more compliment from me, Lillian,” he responded, his tone firm.

I chuckled.

“For your information, I don’t need you to say it” I told him. “Your eyes did all the talking.”

He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Then he closed it, and that was when I realized that I just rendered the great Xavier Santos speechless… again.

This is just my night, isn’t it? I laughed softly before walking past him.

“You must think you are funny, uhn?” He called after me.

“Oh, I know I’m hilarious,” I called back. “And if it makes you feel any better, you clean up pretty nicely yourself.”

Xavier’s eyes followed me as I walked, and I could feel the heat of his gaze linger on every part of my body, even the parts that were fully covered.

The evening was just beginning, and I just knew it was going be one to remember.


****

The limo came to a smooth stop in front of the grand hall and I looked out of the tainted window to see where we were.

I was in awe.

The hall was a majestic blend of modern architecture and classic elegance, with people gliding up and down the red carpet in their designer gowns and tuxedos, catching the camera flashes from the paparazzi.

The atmosphere was electric.

Even with my experience with high-end events, this one was on another level entirely. The sheer grandeur of it all was overwhelming, and honestly, I was thankful that Xavier insisted on a new outfit.

The dresses I was seeing on others were exquisite, making my previous wardrobe choices seem subpar in comparison.

Xavier definitely didn’t prepare me for this.

“Hey,” his voice broke through my thoughts and I turned to look at him. “Are you nervous?”

“I’m never nervous.” I answered, trying to mask my unease with a casual smile. But Xavier being Xavier clearly saw through me.

“Whatever you say.” He chuckled.

I glared at him.

“Stay put.” He said to me before signaling to Castor who got down from the car and came around to open Xavier’s door.

As soon as Xavier stepped out, the paparazzi swarmed him immediately, their cameras flashing.

Castor guided Xavier through the swam of photographers and journalists till he circled around to my side and opened the door for me.

Oh shit!

The camera flashes nearly blinded me as soon as I stepped out, but I could see Xavier holding his hand out for me. I took it, and he helped me out of the car. Automatically, more bodyguards from our escort cars moved in to hold the paparazzi at bay, clearing us a path to the entrance of the hall.

“That was… a lot,” I said, slightly breathless when we finally made it inside the hall.

“I thought you were used to these kinds of events.” Xavier noted, giving me a side glance.

“Not on this scale.” I admitted.

“Well, let that show you how important this one is,” he said, his tone turning stern. “And you only have one rule for the night.”

Here we go. I rolled my eyes.

“Only one.” I said, skepticism dripping from my voice.

“Yes,” he replied. “You must stay by my side at all times and do not speak to anyone unless I tell you it’s okay to.”

So I have to ask him for permission to make a friend. Great.

“That’s two rules,” I pointed out.

“I don’t care,” he shot back, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Now, shall we?” He wasn’t asking, he was demanding, holding his hand out for me again. I rolled my eyes and looped mine into his, not bothering to answer him.

We had barely walked two steps when we suddenly heard Xavier’s name.

“Xavier!”

The both of us turned around to see Sarah walking toward us.

Oh shit!