Devotion

Chapter 2

ARES

I've been looking for Leomi all night ever since she left me to mingle with everyone else. I didn't say anything to her when she walked away, but I noticed her absence as soon as the warmth next to me vanished.

I'm not usually one to get lost in a woman's beauty, but hers was captivating, leaving me no choice but to stare. Leomi has rich brown skin and tight coily curls. Her deep brown eyes are fascinating and captivating. She has a small beauty mark on her nose and by her left eye.

Her heart-shaped lips have a slightly darker upper lip that resembles a natural lip liner. Leomi is slender yet curvaceous, with long legs. Her smile is infectious, and she tends to talk a lot when she's nervous, which I find endearing.

I was furious when Larry placed his hands on her soft, gentle skin. Everything about her reminded me of a rose-her scent, her eyes, her gentle smile, and those lips.

I grew increasingly frustrated with the people who kept interrupting me every time I tried to reach Leomi. I barely registered a word they said; I had to get back to my Rose.

I find her at a table with the other girls, her head down as she stares at something. Her pale pink dress, with delicate designs at the top, transitions into a corset and then flows into a graceful, flowing gown, making her skin pop.

Leomi stares at me from where she's sitting. I pull the chair next to hers to take a seat. Her eyes widen a bit when she realizes what I'm doing, and I suppress a smile at her adorableness.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I thought you could use some space," she explains even though I know she didn't mean anything by it.

"That's fine. I thought we could get to know each other," I say, reaching out to grab my wine from the table. Her eyes follow my hand as I take a small sip before setting it back down.

"Yes, of course. That sounds great," she agrees, licking her bottom lip nervously.

I gaze at her for a moment, and she meets my gaze, starting to squirm slightly. I suppress a laugh when I realize how nervous she is.

"Did you want me to start?" She asks, and I nod.

"Um, okay. Well, my name is Leomi Louis. I'm nineteen years old and originally from Haiti, but I've been living in New York for the past decade. I'm an only child, and my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends." She continues talking, and I listen attentively, but then something changes in her expression, and she pauses for a moment. "And that's me. Now it's your turn," she says, demanding with a smile.

"My name's Ares Archer. I'm twenty-two years old. I was born here, but my parents are from Italy and Greece. I have two older brothers," I say, sharing more about myself. She listens intently, her eyes occasionally drifting to my lips, then meeting my gaze.

We continue talking, asking each other questions throughout the night. I find myself laughing with her often, and eventually, I lose track of the event around us because the only person I see is her.

"Why do you want to be an actress?" I ask after sharing details about my latest project.

Leomi smiles, but I see a hint of surprise in her eyes at the question. She bites her lip thoughtfully before answering, "I used to be a model when I was a kid, before my parents passed away. One day, I told them I wanted to pursue acting instead, and they always encouraged me to follow my dreams. When they were alive, they supported me in every way to improve. I landed my first acting gig four years ago, but after they passed away, everything changed. Acting felt like something I shared with them, so I gave up on it. Then, one day on my way home, I stumbled upon a theater filled with people dreaming of becoming actors, like me. My friend Ari, whom I met there, encouraged me to join, and eventually, I fell in love with acting all over again."

"I'm sorry for your loss," I tell her gently as I notice tears welling in her eyes. She closes them briefly, and when she opens them again, she offers me a smile.

"It's okay. I mean, it's not, but it's life," she says with a shrug, though I detect the emotions behind her eyes that she's trying to conceal. Not wanting her to dwell on sadness, I change the subject.

"You're going to be an amazing actress."

"How do you know that?" she asks, her usual cheery voice returning.

"I've seen your audition tape, like I said. I do my research."

"You have?" she asks, sounding shocked, and I nod.

"Wait, how did you find it?"

"I have connections," I simply respond.

"Can I see yours?" she asks, a devious look in her eyes. I pretend to think about it, though I already have my answer.

"Sure," I agree, pulling out my phone to find the video. We move closer together as I show it to her.

She watches in amazement. "Wow. That's beautiful. I'm going to cry."

"Thanks."

"I need you as my coach," she says earnestly.

"I don't mind."

"Haha, I'm kidding. I can't afford you, and you're not a coach."

We laugh, and eventually, the event is over. As we say goodbye and exchange numbers, I couldn't wait to see her again.

We walk outside, and she waits for her limo to come. Mine is already here, but I didn't want to leave her by herself.

"That's him. Thanks for waiting with me," she says with a smile before waving goodbye.

My bodyguard opens my door, and I step inside. He takes the passenger seat, and as I gaze out the window, I silently look forward to the next time I get to see my Rose.