Chapter 6

“Excuse me! What rules?” I sat down with my eyebrows raised and my ‘are you really going to go there ‘ look with my arms crossed.

He sat down and stared me in the eye “Rule 1. You are mine and will not touch another man or woman.”

“Hold on a second, number one, I am not a slut, so I wouldn’t anyway. Number 2, I am a very cuddly person, so yes, I will be hugging people, and number 3, it is my job to make sure there are no issues tonight, so if someone starts to struggle I may have to help hold them up and take them back to their room. And before you say anything, I will not be entering the room!” I didn’t say anything about the mine thing as that just confused me. Maybe he just meant while I was staying with him.

He studied me and narrowed his eyes. It took him a moment to finally start talking again.

“Rule 2. Lorenzo will attend the ball with you and must know where you are at all times. He knows how to blend in. If you go to the bathroom or anything where you leave the room, he comes with you. So, if you need to take someone back to their room, he will be the one to do it or he will get someone else to do it and you can keep a safe distance away. That is not negotiable.”

Really? Seriously, really?

“Rule 3. You will not take any drugs of any type or drink any drinks given to you other than what the bar staff give you.”

“Sorry I’m too square and don’t believe in taking drugs to have a good time anyway”, I glared at him.

“Good. Now I have organised the extra night on your room to be refunded to you and I want you to stay until Sunday. I will give you the email address to send your flight details to so they can change your flight.”

“Why?” this all didn’t seem real. A hot guy like him who I was surprised even gave me the time of day had now moved me into his penthouse suite, wanted me to stay an extra night and wanted to help change my flights. It didn’t make sense!

There is nothing special about me. What’s the catch?

Independent me wanted to yell at him saying ‘I’m not a child, you can’t order me around’, but seriously I was too dumfounded at the moment.

He raised his eyebrow and studied me again. “Why not?”

I took a deep breath not sure how to answer that, so I just stared back working out what to say without making myself sound like an insecure little girl.

He spoke before my brain could come up with anything “You’re going to be late, go and get dressed.”

“Wait, wait, wait! We are not even dating…” my brain started to wake up a bit.

“Yes we are,” he cut in.

“Since when? You mean like boyfriend girlfriend?”

“Yes, since last night” he stared me straight in the eyes the whole time.

He was serious! Actually serious!

“You weren’t even there this morning and you didn’t even leave a note or a text. Also, how are you my boyfriend, if you don’t even have my number?”

He grabbed his phone and started typing something before putting it back beside him and looked at me as my phone beeped.

It doesn’t! How could he have my number?

Yep, he has my number as I read the message ‘I apologise for this morning’.

“How?” I looked up at him and he shrugged.

“But we have never really talked. You know nothing about me.”

“I am taking you out tomorrow. We will talk then. Go get ready or you will be late.”

“Any other surprises before I get ready? You’re not pregnant are you?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Go!”

I studied him some more before nodding and getting up. I grabbed my dress that was draped on the back of the chair as well as my makeup bag and went to the bedroom. I didn’t have the time right now and I was still confused as to what was going on, honestly.

I quickly moisturised, got dressed, then went to the bathroom to check my makeup and hair one last time.

My dress was a gorgeous satin and lace fit a flare in a dark navy blue that complemented my eyes. I loved it but unfortunately it didn’t hide the hickeys!

I rolled my eyes when I could clearly see at least 2 of them, so tried to hide them with some make-up before I finally applied my lipstick.

I checked the time to see it was 6.40. I should probably go down early.

I walked back into the living area to find Lorenzo and Landon sitting on the couch with a sports game on the TV.

Landon’s hooded eyes looked me up and down slowly before he got up stalking towards me like a predator. I didn’t back up, just watched his every movement as he stopped in front of me.

He tilted my chin up with his fingers, “Tesoro, you look delectable.” He kissed me ever so gently as not to smudge my lipstick, but he still ended up getting some on his lips as he pulled away.

I just smirked and didn’t even try to wipe it away.

“Thank you secret boyfriend. Any more secrets before I leave?” I heard a small chuckle come from Lorenzo.

“Remember the rules. Anyone gets… handsy will be dealt with.”

“Yes, by me Mr Control Freak. See you later… boyfriend” I blew him a k**s and turned to walk out as he couldn’t help but smack my a*s. “You will pay for that later!”

“Counting on it” he chuckled as he sat back down on the couch as Lorenzo and I left.

It wasn’t just Lorenzo but 2 others that got into the elevator with us.

“OK, Lorenzo do we need to have a conversation about how this is a work conference and I can look after myself? I seriously don’t want or like being rude, but tonight is about my career and I won’t have anyone screw that up for me because I hug a work colleague or a friend puts their hand on my back or arm while talking to me?”

“As long as it isn’t inappropriate, you won’t even know I’m there.”

“You’re not just another guard are you? Cousin? Long-time friend?”

He shook his head and smiled “Step-brother.”

I let out a breath and grumbled under my breath “Yeah, no more surprises.”

“You asked” he chuckled as the elevator door opened.

“Yes, one minute I am not asking enough questions and the next too many. I can’t keep up!”

I walked ahead as Lorenzo and the 2 others fell back and disappeared into the crowd.

It was a good night. I tried to keep the shots and drinks to a minimum, but who am I kidding, I am a light weight when it comes to alcohol. I thought it was only a couple of drinks and shots, but I could only just walk and was giggling like a school girl.

Yes OK, I was being a very responsible adult and making sure everyone was ok by getting completely wasted! Way to go me!

What was that speech about it being a corporate event and I can look after myself?

I wobbled up to Lorenzo who was currently ignoring 2 girls trying to drape themselves on him. It was quite funny how he tried to blend in, but every single female found him instantly.

The smile on his face grew as he watched me make my way over to him. “Ready?”

I put my fingers together pinching them signalling just a little bit making him laugh and shake his head “You need any help to walk?”

“I’m fine thank you very much, I only had a few too many.”

He chuckled again, “Yes you did!”

He put my arm in his and walked me out. The moment we stepped out of the room there were 2 others behind us. “hey guys, are you having a good night?” I stumbled a bit as I turned to talk to them. Yep, I’m a happy chatty drunk.

They both nodded and tried to hide their smiles as Lorenzo stopped me from face planting.

“So Lorenzo, that’s a long name. What’s your nick name?”

“Lou or Louie?”

“Nice! So how are you stepbrothers?”

“My dad and his mum married.”

“Ah, when?”

“About 10 years ago.”

“You seem very close.”

“We already knew each other like brothers. Our families were already tight.”

“Oh, there wasn’t any cheating or anything was there?”

“No, they came together through grief. Well, that’s what they tell us. We don’t mind. Their happy.”

“Oh no, who died?”

“That is a story for another day. Did you have a good night?”

“Yeah, it was great. The shoes suck though.”

“Doesn’t every woman say that after a night out?”

“Yep, it’s mandatory. Part of the woman’s handbook.”

He chuckled “I might have to borrow the handbook.”

“Nope, sorry for women’s eyes only! Tell me, am I really Landon’s girlfriend?”

“Yes” his smirk grows into a full smile “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t think I’m his type or that he would date.”

“What do you think his type is?”

“Victoria Secret model!”

“You must not be looking in the mirror properly because you’re better than them.”

“Huh, whose drunk now!”

“And no, he has never had a girlfriend before.”

“What never? Ha, I was right! He’s just fooling around with the girlfriend thing then, isn’t he?”

“No and no. I can understand why too.”

“What? Why?”

“You are genuine and bring out a side to him I haven’t seen for a long time.”

“What side?”

“Fun.”

“Yeah, that’s what happens when you’re a control freak.”

“He is what he is for a reason, just remember that. He will protect and cherish you if you accept him.”

“And he is smoking hot, who couldn’t accept that body or smile.”

He laughs and shakes his head as he opens the door to the suite, letting me go in first.

We walked into an empty Living Room. I went to the couch and took off my shoes, letting out a big sigh of relief as Lorenzo went to the door to the side of the living room. I couldn’t help myself and got up and quickly follow him.

I was surprised to find a hallway. Ahead of us I could see a gym and to the immediate right was a doorway into an office.

Landon sat behind the desk typing away on his laptop.

Drunken me was not letting this hot bit of meat have a bit of personal space. As I walked in, Landon looked up and a massive smile grew on his serious face. He watched my every move as I rounded the desk , pulled his chair out and sat on his lap, curling my arms around him.

“Hi cute hot boyfriend”, I gave him a quick peck on the lips.

He raised an eyebrow while still smiling that mesmerizing gorgeous smile.

“Sorry, still getting used to it and waiting for you to say you were joking.”

“Did you want me to change it to Fiancé?”

I cracked up laughing “Aren’t men supposed to be allergic to that word? Don’t make me have a panic attack brat!” I shook my head.

He studied me for a moment. “Did you have a good night?”

“Yes and you already know that since Louie would have given you updates.”

He chuckled. “Go and have a shower, I will join you in a minute Tesoro.”

“What does that mean?”

“My darling or Treasure.”

“Good to know you’re not swearing at me” I ground my h**s on him for a second getting a growl from him before I gave him a quick peck and headed for the door. ”Night Louie, hope one of the hundreds of numbers you got tonight works out!”

He chuckled “Good night Kate.”

I had a quick shower washing off the disaster that was my makeup. I’m surprised Landon called me a treasure. I looked like a drunk i***t.

I climbed into bed naked to wait for my hot stuff boyfriend after getting out a condom and putting it on the night stand, yes very subtle of me!

I briefly remember being woken up to being told to drink something and take some painkillers, which I did… I think… before passing out again.

Luckily the conference didn’t start until 10.30 today. We wanted everyone to be able to have a little sleep in before a light day as it ended at 3pm.

I was actually quite surprised that nearly everyone turned up on time and were in relatively good shape.

The drink and tablets that Landon gave me really did the trick as I felt fine the next day, other than a little disappointed as I woke up to my alarm and an empty cold bed again.

I really can’t be that disappointed though, as we had a date tonight and honestly I think seeing me last night would have been a turn off.

Wait! Did I turn him off? Would tonight still happen?

CRAP!

Disappointment started to turn into sadness. Well, that had to be the quickest relationship I ever had and I didn’t want to be that girl that calls and texts asking where he is and seem needy.

If it’s over, it’s over.

I have work to do anyway. I had to help Karen track down all those that didn’t turn up and make sure they were still alive and not locked up. We went through the register and called everyone. Those who didn’t answer we went and knocked on their doors.

By the end, there were only 4 people missing.

I didn’t know them as they were from Sydney and Brisbane. We left them voicemails and messages under the door and would continue to call them throughout the day until all were accounted for.

I couldn’t help myself though as I checked my phone at lunch time. I hadn’t received anything when I woke up and left for the conference room, so I doubt I had anything now.

I nearly jumped out of my seat when I saw a text from Landon. It was a picture of a bunch of red roses in a vase in what I think is his suite with ‘Apologies. I will see you tonight Tesoro’.

I couldn’t get the grin off my face.

Maybe I didn’t scare him.

I held my phone and though of what to reply or if I should even reply. Should I?

I started typing, then deleted it, then started again and deleted it when I finally thought of the perfect reply ‘Will you now?’ I pressed send and finished my lunch.

I couldn’t help but watch the clock, which I swear was going backwards, until finally 3pm came. Finally!

Everyone was now accounted for as well, which was great, so we didn’t have to start the hospital and police calls.

We all said good-byes.

The butterflies started in my stomach as I walked to the elevators.

I certainly didn’t miss the 2 guards that suddenly appeared behind me “Howdy gentlemen”. They both nodded.

Trying not to get my hopes up that Landon would be in the suite, I tried to calm my heart beat and my nerves.

What I didn’t expect was to be pounced on by an immaculately dressed woman in I think her 50’s with 2 assistants as soon as I was in the door. They were all in black with perfectly manicured hands, not a hair out of place and their make-up was beyond flawless.

“Kate, Kate, Kate. Let me get a good look at you” she said as one of the assistants grabbed my bags from me while the other grabbed my hand and led me into the living room. “A beautiful and naturally curvy girl, yes! I have quite a few dresses that will work. Go and have a shower and come back out in nude underwear while we prepare. Do you have a strapless bra or do you need me to organise one as well?”

“Sorry can I ask what is going on first?” who and what the hell is going on?

“Oh I’m sorry, we are here to prepare you for your date.” What? He organised this for our date? “I have brought a collection of gowns, make-up and hair products. You will be perfect. Now chop chop we have till 5.30 and it is already nearly 3.30! Make sure you loafer and moisturise before you come out.”

I almost wanted to cry. No one has ever done anything like this for me. Most of the time I was happy just to have a door opened for me or receive a simple compliment!

After gathering myself, I smiled while nodding and went to go and have a shower. I, of course, didn’t miss the massive bouquet of roses on the dining table. They were bigger than the photo.

They were stunning!

I quickly grabbed my phone from my bag and sent a text to Landon ‘bribing me now are you? You know a simple box of chocolates would have worked. The flowers are beautiful as well, thank you!’.

I quickly got undressed before I could see the reply and jumped in the shower doing what I was told. I scrubbed from head to toe, shaved, then moisturised every inch of me.

I checked my phone to see a reply ‘what type?’

‘Too late. No taking back now!’ I couldn’t help the smile on my face.

I found my nude strapless bra and G that luckily I brought in case I had a change of dress for some reason for the ball. I got dressed, put on a robe and prepared myself to not fit properly into anything they had. I always found it difficult to find a dress that fit my curves.

2 hours later, I had been beautified and turned into someone who actually looked like they might have a date with Landon.

The dress was a stunning emerald green that was supposedly the colour of the season… I have no idea!

My make-up was flawless and my hair, well, it had never been styled to perfection 2 days in a row. It better not think this is the normal because I can’t afford that.