WILL YOU DO ME A FAVOUR

8. ACTING IN THE CHARITY EVENT

We entered the lobby of Le Pavillon cozy restaurant. I took a few minutes to stare at the interior design. The chandelier lamps added a special beauty to that place. It was truly beautiful with high roof ceilings, marble flooring and golden sparkling hanging bulbs sparkling chandeliers with the matte curve walls, the place looked maleficent.

Butterflies frantically took wing in my stomach as we entered the ballroom of the hotel. His eyes went in search of the auction board, I felt like he was planning to take part in the auction sale and took a step towards it but he guided me to the spiral staircase which led us to the next level, where I could just make out a few tables and chairs. The tables were covered with white clothes and the chairs were covered with red velvet clothes, adding the classy look to the room. I wondered whether that was where the dinner would be served.

Muted laughter and murmuring sounds, made it clear that the party hall was on the other side. I heard the classical music being played in the background. A lone male played soft light music from the grand piano. Most of them inside the huge classy room were dressed in tuxedos and gowns, much like Abir and I were dressed in.

My floor-length, light peach chiffon gown was sticking to my body like a second skin to me. Abir had tried giving me money to buy one, but I had refused and actually lied that I already had one. In truth, I hadn't wanted to take any cash from him to buy clothes. It would have felt weird and I didn't want him to spend money for me.

I'd originally intended to pin my hair up into an elaborate do, as many of the other female guests there had done. Abir had asked me to wear it down. When I'd asked why, he'd merely replied, "Because I like it down." Why should I dress up as per his wish? To be honest, I didn't like to change myself for anyone and I only preferred doing what I wanted. I'd been running late so I hadn't had time but still managed to tie a messy bun. When I sat beside Abir in his car, he instantly moved his hand towards my hair and as usual freed my hair from the clip which was holding my messy bun tight. Instead of walking inside the ballroom like a ghost, I should have listened to him and brushed my hair in the way he likes. I have only myself to blame here.

I clenched my satin clutch closer to my stomach. "There's a whole lot of people here." I spotted several of Abir's business associates. I spotted an English model's husband and also a car racer's wife. I had a doubt whether I deserved to be in this charity event. I don't even know whether my costume was something suitable to the environment. "See there's nothing to stress here. I can't see you puking your lips, Sweetheart." He looped his hand around my shoulder and whispered in my ears. Warlock...

Abir grabbed two champagne shots from a passing waiter and gave one to me. "Here."

"Thank you." I took a sip of the red colour liquid. "How do you people even drink this?" I questioned, moving away from him to dispose of the glass.

"Stay close to me" he pulled me on top of him. The glass fell down and my sharp nose landed on his chest. His signature cologne was sensual, mysterious, and powerfully masculine. It made me want to breathe against his scent till I let out my last breath. Will that happen? "Will do," I replied.

He adjusted my dress as I raised my face from his chest. He curled an arm around my waist and cupped my hip, making my pulse jump. "Should I start to act?" I asked, being a little curious to give a try for my acting skills. "Hmm" well I did expect that from him.

I wasn't entirely sure why I was so nervous. It was just a simple charity ball, for heaven's sake. But, to be fair, I was under a lot of pressure tonight. Our fake dates were easier when we were seemingly exercising subtlety. It was extremely easy because I just needed to act while entering inside the restaurant and exiting the restroom when people looked at us. But my job this evening was to convince people I was entranced with Abir and I had to be careful to not overdo it. I also need to stop my body from going into meltdown after a night of him touching me more openly than usually. Something's easy to say but hard to but in action. What will happen if I go on my knees for him tonight? Not fake but real. Before I could think about him slapping him, I thought about him not believing my words and I'm sure he won't like anything that clichè because he doesn't want a family.