𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ✔️

♡ Chapter 10 ♡

July 10th.

Nic doesn't seem to understand that it takes me longer than 10 minutes to get ready.

He stands, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. I avoid his eyes as I exit my room and sit on the couch, knowing that if I looked at him, he would just complain about how long I was taking.

Turns out, he still complains even if you avoid his eyes, "We're nearly late to this dinner with Hans and his wife."

My white dress hugs my body tightly. My black hair is wavy, with two front strands braided. 

I leaned back on the couch, "If you have a problem with how long I'm taking, then come put my shoes on for me."

I was just kidding, but Nic didn't take it as a joke. He crossed the room, picking up the strappy pair of heels that were scattered on the ground in front of me. 

I lift my right leg up. His hand holds my ankle in place as he slips the shoe on, doing the straps up after. My head tilts and a mischievous smile forms on my face as a thought comes into my brain.

He releases my leg. And then, I raise my left one. I move it to the side slightly, giving him a glimpse of the lace underwear I had on underneath. He held my ankle, slipping the shoe on, and I saw him fighting a mental battle to not look.

He did the strap up, keeping his blue eyes off of it. He looks at the ground and releases my leg, while moving his hand toward me to pull me off of the couch. But I press the bottom of my heel against his stomach, making him freeze.

This time, his eyes wander. 

"Something wrong, Nic?" my head tilts, and I look up at him innocently. His eyes remain on my underwear for a second longer, before he snaps them up to look at me. 

He tightens his jaw for a moment, "Careful, Celeste."

I remove my shoe from him, and stand to my feet. I look up at him, "Or what?"

He takes a deep breath, while I keep my innocent expression on. 

"You don't know what you're doing," his stone-cold expression matched the tone of his voice. 

"I'm getting ready for dinner," I state, my lips nearly touching his. "And now, I'm ready."

I step around him, and he stays in place for a moment. 

I smile to myself as I open the door, and exit the room.

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

The hotel restaurant was extremely busy. But Hans had the best table rented, in a secluded area that the hostess led us to. 

Hans rose to his feet the second Nic and I approached. He smiled, "Welcome!"

"It's nice to meet you," I smiled at him. "Thank you so much for having dinner with us, too. We find your work incredible."

That was the story. This guy produces artwork. We're posing as big fans of his work, in order to get close to him and spend time with him.

"Oh, please," he made a dismissive motion with his hand.

We all took a seat. I sat across from his wife, and Nic sat across from Hans. 

"So, Nic and Celeste, is it?" Hans asked. 

I nodded, "Mhm. We're here for our honeymoon."

"That's great! California is a great choice," Hans smiled.