a split second, I forgot about hospitals, debt collectors, and our arrangement.
Then reality slapped me in the face.
No matter what I do or don't do with him, I'm his escort. There isn't any way to get around it. We'll go to the event tonight then I'll be his to command. He's paying me to do so. Will it be at his house or the club or somewhere else? I don't know what he has planned, but all his kisses did was show me how much power he has to hurt me.
I don't want to be a blip on his radar or his fuck toy to pass the time. But I'm some sort of challenge to him, and I need to keep feelings out of this.
No more kissing. No more falling apart or under his spell. From here on out, I do my job and go home to Abby as soon as I can.
I straighten my shoulders, clutching my phone. I curse myself for not letting Bree show me accessories. But I won't go without my phone, so I guess I'm holding it all night since my ten-dollar purse isn't going to match.
When I step out of the bathroom, all the pep talks in the world can't stop me from holding my breath. My heart pitter-patters.
Colton's in a black tux. His bowtie and handkerchief match the red color of my dress. Like his suits, this tuxedo appears to be made especially for him.
"You look beautiful," he says. His eyes are full of fire. It's the same lust I saw last night at the club. But something else is there, too. I'm not sure what, but I see it.
I wish I didn't feel excitement when he shows his attraction toward me. Nothing good can come of it. But every look, compliment, and touch lights me up. I smile. "You look nice, too."
He suddenly shifts on his feet, as if nervous.
I raise my eyebrows in question.
He turns and picks something up off the bed. "Bree said you didn't pick a bag. Do you want this for tonight?" He holds out a matching red clutch with a tiny bit of bling on it.
"Yes. Please! Thank you!"
His lips turn up. "Glad I got it right." He winks.
I freeze. "Colton."
"Yeah?"
"I got things wrong. Your gift was nice. If things were different...well..."
"It's okay. You know, if you ever want to tell me what's going on, I've been told by a select few people I'm a good listener."
I softly laugh. "Only a select few?"
Something passes in his eyes. Is it grief? As soon as it comes, it goes. "Yeah. I'm normally giving orders."
I bite my lip. "I can see that about you."
He runs his hand through his hair. "I have something else for you. But if you don't want them, it's okay."
"What is it?"
He steps aside. Three boxes are on the bed, filled with diamond jewelry. Each piece is expensive and real but not over the top, which is what I would have expected him to choose. Everything from the private club and spa, to the stores he sent me to shop at today, represent a world I don't live in. A world that screams "flash your money," and I expected him to only select jewelry in the same way.
Maybe I'm wrong about him?
"Wow. Those are gorgeous."
"You like them?"
"Yes. They're exquisite," I admit.
"They reminded me of you." His eyes are full of sincerity and show no sign of his typical cocky expression.
Earlier in the day, I didn't want anything to do with jewelry. But something about the fact he picked them out for me, and the glaring ugly scene I made about the spa, makes me push my thoughts about how expensive they are out of my mind. I reach up and put my hand over his heart. "Thank you. Will you help me put them on?"
"Sure."
I hand him the necklace box and put the earrings on. He stands behind me, moves my hair to the side, then secures the cool metal around my neck. "Hand me the bracelet."
I obey.
He circles his arms around me, and I lean back into his hard frame. Everything about him feels safe and good. I hold my wrist up, and he snaps the bracelet in place.
He leans into my ear. "Mission accomplished."
I inhale his sexy scent and spin. "What is this event for tonight?"
His face hardens. "It's a fundraiser my company put together. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes."
He leads me out of the bedroom and through the penthouse.
"Your home is lovely, by