"Watch your back darling." Selene said winking at me before walking away, leaving me with knot forming in my stomach. I knew she was trying to intimidate me. But her words rang in my head. What was i doing here really? Playing cinderella with a dress i couldn't afford and a man who was way out of my league and was somehow involved with my manager.
"Don't let her get to you."
I jumped. Ethan was standing in the doorway now, his tie was slightly loosened, looking more human than ever.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough."He moved to stand beside me, closer than neccessary. One wrong move and we would be brushing against each other. I held still, trying to ignore how the closeness made me feel. "Selene is fond of making threats sound like she's giving friendly advice."
I still couldn't figure out what joined Selene and Ethan together because it didn't look like they were in a relationship to me neither did he looked like he was in one. Althought there were dating rumors about him but i would be stupid to believe any of them. But regardless upon still, she had like a claim on him. Not that i was really bothered by it but finding out just helped cleared things up. At least. I convinced myself that i didn't feel a thing for him. I was just attracted to his physical features and that was all to it. i hope.
"She just seems to have a claim on you.... you guys are together?" I asked as the words sprawled before my mouth before i could stop them
I prayed silently that whatever comes out of his mouth would somehow help me sleep better tonight.
Ethan jaw thightened. "Our families have been friends for years. Her father is a major shareholder of the company. So she considers herself the perfect match for me."
"And what do you think?"
He turned to look at me with those piercing brown eyes as intense as the moonlight. "It's my destiny. I prefer to make my own choices."
My heart was pounding so loud i doubted if he could't hear it. We were standing very close now. I could smell his cologne. It was intoxicating.
"Bella." he said softly as he lifted his hand to cup my face, looking down at me with warmth in his eyes, as he brushed some strands of hair off my face.
"Mr Ethan!" one of the board members called. "There you are, we need you for a photoshoot with one of the major donors."
The moment once again was interrupted as Ethan dropped his hand switching back to professional mode. "Alright, after you."
He glanced at me one last time before following the board member inside leaving me alone with racing thoughts and the cool air that now brought goosebumbs to my skin. After a while, i could hear faint sounds coming from inside.
I knew it was time for the dance as i walked past the doorway to be greeted by soft music playing and couples swaying to the music. It felt magical. Walking down the stairs, what i saw made me stop in my tracks. Few feets away from me was Selene and Ethan dancing closely with her arms wrapped around him. He was facing her but from his straight shoulders i could tell he was annoyed. They danced with precision as he turned and saw me. Something unreadable flashed his face. For me, that was it. I couldn't be swooning over someone else man who happened to be my boss. i didn't care about the story he told me because in this moment, he was hers. I gave him a small smile and was about to walk away.
"Hey princess, thought i would never see you again." Brane said walking up to me with a smile on his face. There was just something about him that appealed to me, in a good way tho. "May i have this dance?" he said with smile on his face that revealed tiny dimples on his cheeks. He looked cute and handsome at the same time.
Without much thought i gave in. I could use one to clear my head anyway. "As you wish, prince charming" I said with a smile taking his arm. Pushing Ethan away from my mind, I focused on Brane as he held my waist with gentle hands and careful movement as we swayed with the music. I soon forget about everything and relaxed in his arms. "Been a while i danced." Brane said staring down at me with his grey eyes.
"You're dancing as if you did one just yesterday" i chuckled lightly. "I can't remember when last i danced like this, if not for you holding me up, i would have tripped over this dress countless times."
"Did i fail to mention you look gorgeous tonight?" Brane said as staring at me with admiration in his eyes. "Your smile just sums everything up."
I tried to hide my blush but failed. "Thank youuu."
From the corner of my eyes i could see Ethan staring at me with a cold look that could kill without words. He looked like he could rip us apart he had the chance. Why was he staring at me like that? Was it now a crime to dance with someone? I held on to his gaze, meeting his stare head on. Selene seemed to notice the tension when she realised Ethan wasn't minding her at all, neither the dance.
"Concentrate on the dance." Brane said drawing me closer by my waist, using his shoulders to block my view like i shield i didn't know i needed.
"I'm sorry" i muttered quietly.
By the time the dance was over, Brane had excused himself saying he had something urgent to attend to but not before offering me a ride home which i declined apologetically. Now i was kind of regretting that decision when i felt a slight headache. I looked around and couldn't find Ethan. I sighed and headed outside, i just needed to be home.
I was about to order for a ride. "Ms. bella, Mr Ethan ordered me to take you home." the chauffeur said upon sighting me.
"Oh.. do you have any idea where he might be?" i asked bluntly
"He already left few minutes ago with a lady." he replied opening the door for me. I could feel my mood change as i slid into the car. I felt nothing but anger. How dare he leave me alone here without informing me? And why was he going home with her? Possible reasons played in my mind but none of them helped. I recalled the moment we shared at the balcony and my stomach did a litle flip.
And that was when it dawned on me that my job was about to get a lot more complicated than i bargained for.