I turn off the shower and I gently wrap a towel around my wet body. I quickly blow dry my hair and I rush back into the room. I smile again at the sight of the beautiful dress. I get dressed and then I glare at myself in the mirror. I smooth out my dress and I think that I don’t look - all bad. The light pink tone of the dress complements my graceful, golden skin. My hair is thick and curly as it hangs down by my face. I reach over to the dressing table and I gently lift the necklace that Adrian gave me. I slide my hair forward and I hang the diamond necklace around my neck. I gently stroke the letters as I think of Adrian. He is amazing and I love him so much. I cannot think of my life without him and I am annoyed with myself for dreaming about Michael. I have everything I could ever want here with Adrian so why must I insist on thinking about Michael. His behaviour the last time that I saw him was out of order and I was furious with him. However, there is something about him, which makes it impossible for me to stay mad at him. I stare into his ice blue eyes and I lose myself every time. I wish that I did not feel this way and I hunger to lose this feeling of need. However I know that is unlikely that I ever will, Michael saved my life and I feel even more connected to him than I did before. I wish that all I wanted was Adrian then I would not have this ordeal. I slightly jump as I hear a knock at the door. I quickly adjust myself and I turn to face the noise.
“Come in,” I say smoothly. The door pushes back and in walks Adrian. I slightly stumble as take in his demeanour. He is dressed heavenly in a black Armani suit; his long slim black tie is woven onto his crisp white shirt. His hair is fully greased back and there is not a strand out of place. I notice that he has not shaved and I must say that I like his little stubble. My heart flutters and I can hardly breathe.
“Baby, you are breath-taking.” He says as he walks over to me. He gently caresses my hair as he leans in and kisses me. He pulls back and he holds out his arm. I link into him and I cannot tear my eyes away from his beauty.
When we arrive at the event, the media is there to greet us. Adrian holds me tightly as he escorts me into the venue. I adjust my eyes to flashing bulbs and I am relieved when we enter the soft-lit ballroom. I smile at Adrian as we make our way through the crowd. I glance around the room and I take in its beauty. The tables are filled with people as they dine on elegant meals. The bar is buzzing and champagne dominates the surfaces. People are dancing to slow music and I smile at the sight of them. Adrian slows down his walk as we approach a group of people. They look welcoming and Adrian certainly knows them. A tall, blonde-haired man quickly greets Adrian with a firm handshake and he makes a brief nod towards me.
“Mr Black it is nice to see you again and who is this lovely lady?” He says in a strong American accent. Adrian glares at him and he quickly responds.
“Chris, this is Alanna.” I smile at the man as he awkwardly takes my hand, he leans down to my level and he gently places a kiss onto my skin. Adrian’s eyes are raging and I quickly pull back from the man. I turn to Adrian and I gently grip his hand. He gazes down at me but he does not say a word.
“Now, we have many things to discuss, come on I will buy you a drink.” Adrian immediately turns to me at the sound of Chris’s words.
“Baby will you be okay on your own for a little while?” I stare up at him and I know I that I have to be okay with this. Adrian is here on business and I felt guilty knowing that I was keeping him from his work. Therefore, I need to understand that Adrian has to mingle with his colleagues tonight.
“Of course, I will be fine.” I say as I smile up at him. He briefly glances towards Chris and then he turns back to me. He slides his hand onto my waist and he leans in and places a soft kiss onto my cheek. He pulls away from me and I watch him as he heads away with Chris. I let out a sigh and I decide to make my way over to the bar.
“Miss, what can I get you?” The bartender asks as I approach. I gaze at him as I take a seat at the bar.
“Champagne, please,” the bartender quickly pours me my drink and I take a slow sip as I gaze around the room. I take in the people and the sight of them brings a gentle smile to my face. I glance out again and this time I see Adrian. I watch as he talks intensely to Chris. His face seems very serious and I cannot help but wonder if everything with Adrian’s business is okay. The company has to suffer when its owner abandons it and I feel terrible about keeping from his work. I take another sip of the champagne and I jolt forward as I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. I quickly turn around and I am shocked when I see Michael. He gazes at me with a wicked smirk on his face. I glare back at him and I wonder what he is doing here.