Chapter 21: The Valor Luncheon

Dimitri

People dispersed from her room, but none of them were her. I was nervous about tonight. Tonight means everything, and she has to not only look the part, she has to play the part. We both do.

I paced the hall for her to make an appearance. I realized how I would look when she would enter. I grabbed a seat in the oversized lounge chair, which gave me front row seats.

Seraphina stood at the top of the staircase and my eyes found her, the glass I was about to drink from frozen part way at my mouth.

God, she’s fucking beautiful.

I rose up from my seat, walked over to my fiancée and took her in like a long pull of a cigar. My cock jumped as she bit down on her luscious bottom lip.
She spun around to show off the back of the dress. “Do you approve?” she whispered.

Do I approve? If I didn’t, my cock sure as hell did. She was going to give every woman in the room a run for their money. Her beauty was regal and unmatched by any woman I’d ever known.

I placed my hand onto her back and was greeted by the heat of her bare skin. She shuttered against my touch. “I approve.”

Following her to the door, opening it for her, she exited to the awaiting limo. It felt as both of our nerves were getting the better of us.

After a brief ride we arrived at the luncheon late but with her on my arm I’m sure they will cut us some slack. Seraphina accepted my extended hand, allowing me to assist her from the vehicle.

Arm and arm we stood ready to walk the red carpet that would lead us indoors to the guests. Seraphina’s arm tightened around mine, causing me to look down at her to calm her nerves.

“Stay by my side and remember we are to appear happy and in love. No one will tell you’re not head over heels in love with me, got it?” she let out a sigh and then nodded.
I placed a sweet kiss to her temple, and a flash took us both off guard.

“For the newsletter.” a thin man spoke with his camera still over his eye.

We entered the hall, and all eyes fell on us. People screamed and cheered happy birthday as I scanned the room looking for the one man who I would need to see her on my arm, my father.

“Happy birthday Dimitri.” Constance said, reaching up to kiss both of our cheeks. “You look stunning Seraphina.”

“Thank you, Constance, you look lovely.”

“It’s about time you two showed up.”

“Good evening Thomas, are you here alone?” Seraphina inquired.

“I would hate to have brought a date only for her to become insecure once you arrived.” Thomas said, kissing her hand and eyeing the ring on her finger.

My hands gripped her waist tighter, pulling her into me more. They were flirting in my face as if I weren’t here. I felt the need to let it be known she was mine, and no one else’s.

“I should let you two mingle after all, you’re the guests of honor. Be sure to find me later.”

“Of course we will.” I said begrudgingly.

“Are you ok?” she inquired, looking up at me with a curious look on her face.

“Splendid. There’s my father, let's go say hello.”

We made our way through the crowd, but I stopped dead in my tracks when I heard a familiar voice penetrate my ears. I turned to find the redhead woman I’d been avoiding. Nicolette was here, and I knew I would have no patience for whatever game she came to play.

My father and my stepmother were approaching us.

“Happy birthday son you’re getting up there with your old man.”

“Thank you.”

“Happy birthday, Dimitri,” Beatrice said as she placed a kiss to my cheek. “And who is this gorgeous woman on your arm?”

“This is the lovely Seraphina.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you two.” Seraphina said while extending her hand that was adorned with my ring.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“Yes, this exquisite woman agreed to be my wife.”

The change in her expression caught me off guard as I stared down at her and surprised at my words.

“How could I say no to the man of my dreams?”

Seraphina’s gaze was transfixed on me and for a moment I almost forgot this was a-rouse. She extended her hand to my cheek, and I kissed the inside of her palm. If my father hadn’t cleared his throat, I would have taken her mouth.

“When is the big day?” he inquired.

“We’re still in the early stages of planning.” seraphina replied. “Hopefully soon. I can hardly wait to share his last name.”

“It’s yours and anything else you wish for.”

“Come Seraphina, let’s let the men talk.” Beatrice said, pulling Seraphina gently by the elbow.

Before she left, she placed a sweet kiss to my lips.

“Wow son, I knew the woman you’d marry would be beautiful, but I never pegged you to get married so soon.”

“When you know, you just know.”

“I can see I’ll have grandchildren pretty soon and beautiful ones at that.” He said before taking a sip of his champagne.

“Well, we have to get married first.”

“She’s quite the catch. Look at her brightening up everyone she comes into contact with. Including you, son.”

I watched as the group of people surrounded her and I recognized the familiar glow. There was a trail of warmth that ran down my spine. My father left me watching my soon-to-be wife, and for a moment I could see how any man would love to have her as his bride.

“Happy birthday, amore.”

“Nicolette, what are you doing here?” I scanned the room to look for Thomas, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Is that her?” Nicolette inquired as she sized up Seraphina.

“You shouldn’t be here.” I said as I took a champagne flute from the server.

“So when do you two plan to share your nuptials?”

“You won’t be on the guest list so there’s no need for you to know.”

“I never pegged you as a man who would choose a secretary as your wife.”

“Then again, you know nothing about me.”

“Oh Dimitri, I think you forgot the night we had in San Jose.” she replied, licking her lips. “I know how you like to fuck.” she said whispering in my ear. “When you’re done playing with your assistant, you know where to find me.”

As she left Seraphina was approaching.

“Who was that?” she said watching her walk away.

“The competition.”

“Mine or yours?” She replied with a raised brow.