Ruth drew out a sharp breath as the closeness and cologne of Orion congested her breathing.
" What - what punishment? "
She stuttered. His eyes fell to her quivering lips making him gulp.
His hand went to her throat in a grip which made her feel something. She shouldn't feel this way.
" You have to go to a party with me as my plus one. "
He husked in her ear making her knees go weak with a soft moan breaking from her lips.
His lips stretched in a smirk.
" Why would I do that? "
Ruth knew the party he was talking about must be a party with elites and celebrities with media covering them, she instantly shook her head in no.
She didn't want to be seen with Orion. The news would be a blast. But it will also give a boost to her shop. She could find many clients for her business. Before he could reason her why, she agreed.
" Fine. I'm okay with that. I will go with you. What could go wrong? "
Orion knew what she was thinking but was content that she agreed without putting up a fight.
" You will know there. "
He wanted to see how she would handle what was coming her way.
" What? "
Ruth asked, confused what he meant by that.
" Be ready at 7 I will pick you up. "
His hand were still on her neck , his thumb grazing her side sensually. She was so lost that she forgot what position they were in. Ruth pushed him back ,standing from her seat. How could let him do that?
She blamed her body which betrayed her. She was wet. Probably because her body has needs of its own but never she would let him take advantage of that. Ruth felt like she was a cheater. Technically she wasn't. She didn't want to let go of Sal.
Fuck! All because of his face.
She cursed. Orion was rubbing on her and it was not even a week she had met him. She feared for herself.
Orion was taken aback because of the sudden push as his mind was focused on her lips which were sinfully pink and luscious . He licked his own lips feeling thirsty for -
Giving her the last look he walked out of her cabin in long strides. Nor he knew what he was feeling neither Ruth. She didn't want to feel that way, it was wrong.
She called for Sara to handle the calls and emails for today. Sara complied. She ran to her home to prepare herself for the party. She had few hours to herself .
Unlocking the door she remembered that she didn't tell him the address of her place. How he was going to pick her now? She questioned herself.
Taking out the phone from her purse she texted him her address. However she doubted that he didn't know. Ofcourse he knew.
Climbing the stairs to her room she passed the one that she had locked . The room was not locked with only memories but also the old Ruth . Her steps halted there, touching the handle . Her heartbeat picked up remembering when it used to be their bedroom.
The ding sound of her phone broke her out of the trance.
' I know. '
Orion had texted her.
She sat on the floor, pulling her knees to her chest, couldn't muster up the courage to open the door. Ruth knew she would break the moment she would open the door.
" Please comeback Sal. I miss you. "
Running her fingers on the door she mumbled. Her tears ran down her cheeks.
" You know there's a man, Orion he reminds me of you, I hate him. I was okay living without feeling anything but he make me feel something I don't want to feel. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm cheating on you. "
She choked on her own tears.
" Please comeback to me. I would do anything to have you back. If you will see him you will know why I hate him so much. "
Looking forward to the door she chuckled dryly.
" I sound like a brat right? If you were here, you would have said that. "
Ruth lost the track of time sitting in front of the room.
Her doorbell teared her from her brown study. Wiping her tears away she opened the door, a man with a black uniform and black shades handed her a bag.
" Boss sent this to you for the party. "
His voice void of any emotion , she was sure his eyes were the same even when she couldn't see it.
He didn't even greet her. What a gentleman! His employees seriously needed a class for how to behave with a woman. She couldn't expect more from a man who had Orion as his boss.
She took the bag, thanked him and shut the door on his face. TIT FOR TAT.
After taking the shower she opened the bag. It had a a dress, accessories and heels. She slipped on the dress and mentally thanked him that it fitted her perfectly just how she liked it without showing much skin. It emphasized her curves pretty well and she didn't look like an attention seeker.
She put on a light makeup and set her hairs in a bun. Was it wrong to be excited, because a part of her was. Looking at the pendant she admitted he had a taste. It was a simple pendant bedded with shiny white pearls .
When she was done she came downstairs. Her doorbell rang indicating he was here. Taking a long breath she opened the door ready for her jaw to drop on the ground.
His muscular frame was cladded in black suit with red tie. His one hand in pocket and other one hung in the air. He had groomed himself nicely.
While she had her eyes set on his handsome face, his eyes were solely focused on her lips between her teeth.
Orion regretted the dress he chose for her. She was looking undeniably beautiful, she would attract unwanted attention of the males to her.
" Shall we? "
He offered his hand.
The ride was silent. She didn't know where they were going and it frightened her. It was like she didn't know what she was competing for.
" You have questions? "
Orion , on seeing her bouncing legs knew she was a nervous wreck.
" I'm just nervous. "
Ruth confirmed.
" Don't be. It's just a party , be on my side whole time. "
Orion said to ease her up.
If it was - just a party - why was he warning her to be beside him all the time?
He parked his car and opened the door for her. Her nerves picked up and her stomach tightened in knots. She never had been in a spotlight and now she was with a man who was known for stealing spotlight.
" Just smile. I will answer all of the questions. "
Was a suggestion or demand?
She complied his words anyway.
Several lights flashed before them with the questions which she ignored deliberately. His hands were around her waist and both of them smiled for the pictures. His bodyguards came escorting them to the hall.
The place was too blingy for her. It stung her eyes. Instantly they were welcomed by two men , both were in grey suit.
" I doubted you would come. "
One of them who had black hair said.
" And I'm surprised you came with a beautiful lady here. "
The other man with brown hair said, looking at Ruth, amusingly.
" She is a friend, Ruth. And they are Timothy Stanton and Tyrece Stanton. The owner of Stanton Towers."
Ruth had heard about that company. It was on the verge of bankruptcy because of their father but both the twins took over it and now it was one of the multi-leading company.
Timothy - the black hair one took her hands, kissing on the back of her palm , followed by Tyrece.
" Nice meeting you Ruth. "
Ruth and Orion were led to the drinks section. The two women there didn't looked happy seeing Ruth with Orion.
It spread like a wildfire that Orion came with a woman. It was first time he had brought someone as his plus one.
'Are they dating? "
' She couldn't match up with Orion. '
' Is she some escort. '
These were the lines women were saying on her back. Ruth, oblivious to all the scrutinizing eyes of others was enjoying her drink while other three men were talking about their business.
" Orion, you didn't even introduced your girlfriend to us? "
A woman dressed with a strapless brown dress, which popped her boobs, living nothing to imagination came, giving a fake smile to Ruth.
Girlfriend?
Before she could confirm for her that she was not Orion's girlfriend Orion wrapped his hands around her small waist and pulled her close.
" I didn't find any reason to. "
Orion said to the woman.
The color lost her face and she glared Ruth.
She squared her shoulders before introducing herself.
" Stephanie Meyer. "
Oh! She was the infamous model.
" Ruth Glatzel. "
" I'm sorry but can I ask you something? "
Before she could ask Ruth anything Orion dragged Ruth to other corner where Mark was sitting.
All the way to the table, all eyes were set on the pair.
" You knew it. "
Ruth accused Orion.