X: Command Me through Alexander's Eyes - Geneva Lee Page 0,42
under this sexy dress. I want it to be ready for me if I need it.”
“It will be.”
I could linger here with her like this forever. She’s so vulnerable and small in my arms. When she comes, she is a queen, and I’m her servant, driven to give her pleasure. Now? I’ve weakened her right before she’ll need her strength the most. I help her adjust her dress grudgingly, stealing kisses as I do. It’s a reminder that we’re on our way to the ball. I won’t be able to control what happens there. No one can control the press or my family.
“Stop, you fiend.” She smacks me playfully, reminding me that right now, everything is perfect. Especially her.
“I can’t help it. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
“I’m not wearing underwear,” she reminds me. “You don’t have to work so hard.”
“We’ll see about that.” If she only knew. I sit back, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Her cheeks are flushed. She’s so alive. She’s nothing like them. She’s nothing like me.
Clara checks her make-up. It’s unnecessary. She’s lit up from within. I did that.
What’s going to undo it? Why did I bring her here? Why am I putting her through this? I take her hand, knitting her fingers through mine, and silently vow to keep her safe from the poisoned hearts waiting for us.
“Are you ready?” I ask. She stares at our hands before finally nodding.
When we arrive, I circle the back of the car slowly. Opening her door, I give her my hand again. I won’t let her go until I have to. I do my best to shield her from the paparazzi. But it’s no use. Cameras flash. The crowd shouts. Her eyes are wide and startled as she takes in the scene around us. I smile, hoping she finds it reassuring before I lead my lamb to the slaughter.
Chapter Fifteen
I slip into my shell as we make our way through the lobby. There are friends and family and the bloody paparazzi everywhere. Keeping Clara’s hand tightly clasped in mine, I weave through them. I don’t bother pausing for photo ops. No one wants those pictures of us. They’ll publish whatever they take that looks scandalous, not some poised photograph of a happy couple.
Why the hell did I bring her here?
There’s some relief when we reach the ballroom, but it’s short-lived. I survey the people gathered there. It’s the usual crowd—dignitaries and four-times removed cousins and politicians and celebrities. All here to pretend my father isn’t a giant bastard for one night. I can’t help wondering who picked the safari theme or how much it cost. Jungle ferns and birds flying overhead? It’s beyond ridiculous.
“Are you okay?” Clara murmurs in a low voice.
“I’m fine, Clara,” I say, spotting Norris. “Excuse me one moment.”
My goal this evening is to keep Clara at a distance from my family. She’ll have to meet them, of course. I can’t get around that, and it was the point of bringing her here. I chose a public event on purpose—there’s less chance of a scene.
“Alexander,” Norris greets me coolly. He stands casually, but I have no doubt he’s sweeping the room for security concerns. The man never rests.
“Keep an eye on my family, and I’ll keep an eye on her,” I say. “It’s best we control all interactions.”
“And do you know where she is?” he asks, each word as sharp as a knife’s tip.
I turn to my side, my stomach flipping over when I realize she’s not there. I turn and stare at the crowded room, searching for her. I left her. I remember now. What am I doing? How am I fucking this up already? I can’t think clearly when she’s near me—that point’s been proven again and again—but this is a new low. “I told her I’d be right back,” I say wildly.
“She’s not a dog, Alexander. You can’t expect her to stay put,” he advises me quietly. His chin tilts to the corner. “She’s with her friend.”
I follow his gaze to find Clara laughing with Belle and another woman I don’t recognize. Clara obviously knows her, though. The sickening pit in my stomach shrinks. I know it won’t be gone entirely until I have her within reach again.
“I won’t let her out of my sight again,” I mutter.
“Is that wise? There are a few warnings you should deliver yourself,” Norris says. “You can’t expect everyone here to behave without a little incentive.”