Don't Slip Up

"All the details on production team of Blue Ocean in two days," Valerie texted to a number before placing her phone in her pocket. Just then the car stopped in front of the venue.

Lucian then flashed one of his devilish smiles at Valerie and said, "Ah, I forgot to bring along the bodyguards today. Since you are my assistant today, I have to count on you to protect me."

A hoard of fans and reporters— many holding a camera— gathered beside Lucian's van. However, the number didn't falter Valerie's cold and composed bearing.

She nodded her head.

She already knew this would be her job description when Lucian didn't have anyone else, other than her and the driver, with him in the car.

Valerie opened the door and stepped outside first. The squeals of the fans reached her ears, and following that was the sound of the camera taking snaps when Lucian stepped out.

The corner of his lips were slightly curved up.

Most of the fans were respectful and didn't push. However, the inconsiderate ones amongst the mob didn't care about being forceful. Valerie had a hard time managing the crowd but persisted. Behind Lucian was his driver.

Subtle creases appeared between her eyebrows when someone stepped on her feet. Nevertheless, that didn't make her stumble. From the corner of her eyes, she spotted a woman extending her hand towards Lucian.

Her eyes turned dark as she reacted fast. Holding on to that hand, Valerie twisted it and pushed the woman back. The woman was about to shout at Valerie when that intimidating presence of Valerie shut her up.

Valerie looked upset.

She had her emotions going unstable at the aggression and energy shown by the mob to molest Lucian or catch his attention. She hated this and badly wanted to protect Lucian from his harassment.

The security around the venue noticed the rowdiness and hurriedly rushed over to the scene. They began to drive away the crowd. As for Valerie, she was greatly dissatisfied by their lack of professionalism.

They should have paid more care.

As they entered into the venue, Lucian's eyes fell on Valerie. Back there, she was very much serious in and determined to protect Lucian. Even he didn't think she would place that much dedication.

Nevertheless, to his pleasure, Valerie was disconcerted. Although that wasn't prominent, the frown that settled on her face had a lot to say on that. This excited his spirits.

Valerie, on the other hand, was concentrating on getting her emotions in check.

Because of the lack of time, Lucian was hurried to be dressed, and Valerie followed. Standing outside, she took out her phone and sent a message.

"Get the CCTV footage of Fernsby Park at these coordinates, and fire the security team that was responsible for guarding today."

Valerie recalled the faces of those who wanted to force themselves upon Lucian, and a glint appeared in her eyes. There's no way she would easily let go of them.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Lucian stepped out of the dressing room. Once the make up and styling was done, he looked impeccable. Valerie forgot to breathe for a second there.

His hair was pushed back with few strands falling on his forehead. Those lips of his were in a shade of pinkish-red, drawing her eyes to them. He wore a crimson red tailcoat suit matched with black vest and had a cravat tucked in. A fancy jewel sat on it.

The Victorian age aristocratic look suited him well, enhancing his charms.

Lucian stared at the frozen girl, and amusement crossed through his eyes. Arching his brows, he asked, "Do I look that mind-blowing?"

That drew Valerie out of her daze, and she commented, "Not very efficient considering the time taken."

Valerie had no intention of igniting Lucian's ire with those words. The stylist indeed took quite an amount of time, and in her opinion, Lucian deserved better staffs.

"I am thirsty. Get me a bottle of strawberry flavored sparkling water," he ordered.

There was no stores close by, and Valerie couldn't assure there would be strawberry flavored sparkling water present them. Therefore, she responded, "That would take a while. Stick with plain water if you are feeling thirsty."

Lucian brought his face close to hers and said, "Did I ask for your comment? Just do as I order you."

Lucian considered himself to be a magnanimous person, but when it came to Valerie, he had the constant urge to bother her. There was an incomparable thrill in pushing her.

"I understand," Valerie replied.

°°°

It took Valerie about half an hour to find the sparkling water. Her cheeks were flushed red due to how she rushed and forehead was soaked with her sweat. Taking out a tissue, she wiped away the sweat before her eyes fell on Lucian.

The pillar he leaned against had arch of flowers. The creepers dotted with red flowers fell on his shoulder. There was languidness in his eyes, resembling a hedonistic young lord. The sensuous charm he naturally had amplified, alluring the crowd.

Valerie couldn't move her gaze off of him. The man was captivating. It wasn't just her; everyone felt that way about Lucian. Simply by a mere stare he had the power to claim ownership over one's heart.

Her heart started to beat rapidly.

The man was brilliant. His talent shouldn't be hidden away, but deep inside, Valerie hated this. She wanted the man to be all for her to feast upon and admire; her desires made her wish she could lock him up. No one deserved to be graced upon by his radiance.

Valerie knitted her eyebrows and turned to face the other way. She patted on her chest, reminding herself that it was wrong to feel this way.

She couldn't let those dark thoughts of her take control. She decided to protect Lucian and that dazzling smile of his; there is no way she will be giving in and ruining that. Lucian should have the freedom and opportunity to whatever he wanted.

After all, he appeared the best not locked up in the cage but when he was allowed to fly freely, expanding his wings across the vast sky.

She promised herself to remove all the obstacles in that path of his to let that flight of his go smoothly and without any deviation.

'Don't slip up, Valerie. You can't.'

"What an irresponsible assistant."