Chapter 20

" Do I have to wear make up? " she asks, sounding conflicted and against the idea. 

" Not really, you do possess an astonishing natural beauty but I believe that it would be much more efficient if you look like an actual bride. "

I can feel Arden's stare poking my back, and sweet little Layla bows her head to hide what I presume is a blush. And all I did was stare a fact that she must be aware of. 

She and Tasha both head into the washroom and I settle down at one if the seats at my desk. 

" I still can't believe you're actually doing this. "

Arden shrugs and sits upright, placing his phone on the desk. 

" I have to, otherwise I'll have no choice but to marry some spoilt rich brat who I'll be forced to spend the rest of my life with. "

" But I thought you didn't know the girl. "

" I don't, but I know the type. She's most likely a daddy's girl who only accepted the engagement because it will guarantee her a good life. And all she'll do is use my credit cards to shop for a thousand pair of shoes each week. "

Well that's quite the assumption he's made up. But it might as well be true. Neither of us believe in the very stupid institution of marriage, but if we were by any unlikely chance engaged to someone, we'd at least like it to be someone we personally chose. 

" And besides, this way I get to help Layla out. She's a nice girl. "

Judging by the way he said it I'm certain that he has no other intentions when it comes to her. And I'm greatly relieved. Because otherwise I would have had to do everything in my power to ensure that he didn't pursue her. 

I can't help but imagine her at this precise moment , and all I can do is picture her putting on the dress I had my personal shopper pick out. I imagine her taking off the clothes she had on. Though it would be much better if I could literally see her. 

Just the thought makes my cock throb. 

Tasha finally comes out of the washroom, still in the process of placing her things back in her kit. 

" My job here is done, she's all set but she asked for you to give her a minute first. "

She walks over to me and I hand her an envelope with her pay in it. 

" Thank you Tasha, and I appreciate you being able to make it here on such short notice. "

She smiles. Then looks from me to Arden. 

" Anytime Mr. Germaine. All you have to do is give me a call and I'll be there. "

Judging by her tone it's pretty clear that she's not only talking about rendering her professional services. And had it been another day I would have asked her to be waiting in my penthouse by the time I got off work. 

But the only person I can think about now is the girl inside that washroom. And why the bloody hell does she need a minute to herself? Wedding jitters perhaps? 

But that's completely absurd, it's not even an actual wedding. Or maybe she's not photogenic, one of those people who can't stand to have their picture take. I decide to give her two minutes to get over it. 

" Oh shit! I forgot to give this to her, " Arden says and I turn to find him holding a jewelry box. 

" What is it? "

He opens it up to reveal a rather priceless looking necklace. 

" I saw it yesterday and decided that it would look good on her. " he says while smiling. Then he stands up to go give it to her but his phone rings. And when I glance over I notice that it's his dad calling. 

" Oh, I have to take this. Do you mind handing this to Layla? "

He places the box on the desk and steps aside to answer his phone call. And no, I do not mind taking it to her at all. It's just the opportunity I was waiting for. I take the box and walk over to the washroom door where I proceed to open it. 

There's a turn before I get to the actual washroom so I walk cautiously. Once I get to the corner I stop. Not because I don't want to go near her, but because I suddenly don't have it in me to take another step

She looked too beautiful. Like a mythical creature of sorts, and I felt all the air get punched out of my gut. She was leaning over the sink, staring at herself in the mirror while trying to even her breathing. And she was doing a pretty good job until she saw me and her eyes widened in cute shock. One hand going to her mouth while the other, she laid on her chest. 

" My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you. "

I walk over to where she is, taking slow steps so that I have more time to assess just how affected she is by my presence. And for once her hair is up, as per the instructions I gave Tasha. I was tired of her hiding under the soft curtain of silk. 

Placing my fingers on her chin I lift her head up so that she can face me. 

" A little breathless, are we Layla? "

" What?... no, I'm fine. "

She wants to turn and face the mirror, and I let her. Then I shift to stand behind her and place my hands on either side of her on the marble counter of the sink. She sucks in a breath. 

" You look lovely. " Lifting my hand, I trace the tip of my finger along the neckline of her dress. She's almost trembling, and she smells so much like strawberries. 

I bloody love strawberries!! 

" Thank you, we should probably go now. " 

Standing up straight, she attempts to walk away, but I don't move an inch from where I am and she's forced to stay still. 

" Arden bought you this, " 

I take the neck piece out and place it around her long and delicate neck. But I dally a little before clasping it on. The clasp is child's play, I could do the task in the dark. But I want to linger on her skin, to feel her stiffen up when I lightly press her shoulder. 

" I'll do it, " she finally says as she reaches back. So I complete the task and she basically wants to turn and run out of there, but I hold her hand once she's an arms length away. Then I walk towards her. 

" What are you doing? "

Her voice is such a delicate quivering whisper. And if she truly wants me to back off then she ought to stop using it, because all it makes me want to do is more.... a whole lot more. 

" You look great in the dress, "

" Thanks, but you already told me- "

" But! " I cut off and she keeps quiet. Looking down at herself. 

" But what? "I inwardly smile as I stand in front of her. Then I lean in to her ear, it's so damn tempting that I can't help but bite her lobe. Then I gently graze my teeth against it. She shudders, but doesn't move away. 

" Your bra, " I whisper and I can all but feel her frowning. 

" Wh... what? "

" You need to take off your bra otherwise the dress won't work. " I lean back to observe her flustered face. Then her brows knit together and she shakes her head, clearly wondering what to say. 

" But I don't think that's necess- "

I shush her, then I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her to me. Her body feels so great next to mine. Such a perfect fit, but she's so tensed that all I want to do is make her relax. To feel her loosen up in my arms. 

" I'll help, " I offer and she looks up at me with those honey brown eyes. Her lips slightly parted in an innocent yet seductive way. She stutters, clearly her mind is not functioning right at the moment. 

Reaching back, I unzip her dress. Eye contact still maintained and her breathing still jugged. She reaches up and grabs the jacket of my suit. Then I rub my hand up and down her back and she flutters her lashes closed. Her grip on my jacket tightening. 

I undo the clasp on her bra. And although I want to take the dress completely off, I hold myself back. So I place my hands on her shoulder and pull the straps down her arms before taking a step back. And she seems to finally recall where she is. Looking around the room then down at herself, and she's on the verge of walking back and locking herself up in one of the stalls to finish the job. 

But with quick moves, I dip my hand into her dress and pull it out. 

" There, all done. " I say while smiling. She grabs the bra from me and holds it behind her and away from my view. 

" I could have managed that on my own, " 

" Why should you when I'm here? Now turn around so that I can zip you up. "

She shakes her head. Then says that she's capable of doing it. It's the first time I've seen and heard a defiance in her tone. And I like it. 

" It's just a zipper sweetheart, no need to make a big deal out of it.....here, "

Holding her by the shoulders, I turn her around and zip up her dress in one swift move. Then I walk over to the door because that shocked look she's wearing might just drive me over the edge.