I stand at the foot of the stairs, holding the bouquet of her favourite fire lilies and golden striped lilies and I look up at Greta comes down, teary-eyed. My heart stops as I watch her walking down the stairs looking like a river goddess, wearing a dress like the lilies I brought her and I swallow the lump in my throat. She stops in front of me and I stare at her in awe, frozen in the wonder of her beauty.
'Oh la la, mon cher. You are breathtaking,' Louise says and she giggles as he kisses both her cheeks and I want to throw him off her even though he's been a father figure to me. He wriggles his eyebrows at me and I look back at the belle in front of me. I clear my throat to catch her attention and gently hand her the flowers, watching the blushing smile blooming on her face.
'You seemed upset when you left my office so I thought I'd bring you these. They suit your dress ironically,' I try not to ramble and she closes her eyes as she smells the flowers.
'Let me go put them in a vase for you, dear,' Greta offers, and Claire hands them over after taking one lily. I stay still as she comes up close and gently pins the flower to my suit blazer. She smiles up at me and my heart thumps wildly.
'Now I'll be able to find you amongst all the suits,' she says and I suppress the blush rising up my neck. I offer her my arm and she gently rests her hand in the crook.
'Have fun you two,' Luke calls out as I lead Claire out to my Lamborghini and I open the door for her, making sure her dress is all tucked by her feet. I get in on my side and start driving towards the event which happens to be at my best friend, Blake's, house. I notice her fidgeting and biting her lip.
'Nervous?' I ask, glancing at her and feel her looking at me.
'Only slightly, but I'll have you by my side,' she says and I chuckle, nodding.
'No one will dare step out of line while I'm with you. If anyone bothers you, come find me,' I say, and she nods, looking at the scenery as we drive up Blake's estate. I wonder if she prefers the light, roman style of his mansion over my dark manor and I frown to myself.
'You know, if you don't want to be here we can always go home,' she says and I glance at her.
'What makes you think I don't want to be here?' I ask and she chuckles, gesturing at my face.
'You've got your grumpy face on. Something bothers you,' she states and I sigh as I stop the car at the entrance. I get out and walk around, opening her door for her, drawing the attention of the other guests. She looks around at the architecture and chuckles, shaking her head.
'What?' I ask and she smiles at me as I lead her inside.
'The owner obviously enjoys flaunting his money. I prefer the stonework of the manor. It's cosier,' she says and I smile, nodding, ignoring the onlookers.
'Blake has never been one for subtlety, speak of the devil, here he comes,' I warn her as the familiar Italian man comes towards us with champagne flutes.
'Dommy, my man, you made it. And you brought a stunning woman with you. You must be special if he brings you to these events of mine,' Blake studies Claire as she blushes from his compliments and I gentle place a reassuring hand on the small of her back.
'Blake, behave. This is Claire. I brought her to learn some of the usual faces in our circles,' I introduce then as he hands us champagne and Blake's eyes widen.
'This is Claire!? My god, you're the girl he-,' I step in quickly.
'Have been caring for, yes,' I give him a pointed glare and he chuckles, nodding. Claire frowns at our exchange and raises a sharp eyebrow at me, making me gulp.
'Well, I'll be taking her off your hands. Don't you have to butter up Monroe?' Blake says, taking Claire out of my reach and leading her away to some people. I sigh and decide to keep an eye on her as I talk business with some colleagues, but my mood drops as I see her laughing and enjoying Blake's company.
Claire's POV
I laugh at Blake's story and feel a familiar brooding gaze. I look around and find him looking away as he speaks to an older looking man with salt and pepper hair. I frown at his slightly clenched hand, wondering what is angering him and Blake follows my gaze.
'oh dear, I must have kept you from him too long. He's probably jealous. Go to him,' Blake shoos me in Dominic's direction and I calmly make my way towards him, smiling at the people Blake introduced me to as I go. His gaze snaps towards me as I come closer and I give him a gentle smile, hoping it calms him that I am here. I stand next to him and smile politely to the man he is speaking to.
'Sorry for interrupting, I am Claire Willows,' I introduce myself and the old man smiles, shaking my hand.
'Harold Monroe, a pleasure to meet you. Dominic is this your date?' he asks and I blush as Dominic chuckles.
'I do have the pleasure of Miss Willows company tonight, but she is a new employee of mine that I am introducing to the business circles,' he says, and Harold nods, but seems to have a different opinion on the matter.
'Willows. You're not by any chance related to the late Richard Willows?' he asks and I swallow the lump nodding my head, feeling Dominic's comforting hand on my back.
'Yes, he was my father,' I say and his eyes widen.
'My condolences, he was a great man,' Harold says, and I give him a small smile, nodding.
'It's alright, Mr. Monroe. If you'll excuse me, I need to go to the powder room,' I excuse myself and quickly walk away, in search of a quiet place. I sense Dominic behind me as I walk out into the garden and he sits next to me on the stone bench.
'Want to go home?' he asks, and I rest my head on his shoulder, smiling.
'I'm glad I have you, Dom. You've always been there for me,' I whisper, and look up to see him staring down at me.
'Always will be, little one,' his deep voice rumbles back and I can't help but watch his lips move.
'Claire?' a voice behind Dominic asks and I look away from Dominic to see a dirty blonde man my ages.
'Lukas?' I say in disbelief and stand up to get a better look. I frown at the new bulky version of Lukas and the confident smile.
'You've changed,' I state and he chuckles, gesturing to me.
'So, have you? I never thought Clumsy Claire could become this striking woman,' he says, and I feel a hand on my shoulder and I look at Dominic as he glares at Lukas. Lukas looks between us and chuckles.
'Surprised you didn't sleep with our professors if you're into older men, CC,' I swallow the lump in my throat and my eyes widen as Dominic's fist slams into Lukas' nose, making him fall on to his back.
'Older men know how to respect women, something you need to learn, Moretti,' Dominic sneers before leading me back inside towards Blake and he frowns as he sees us.
'We are leaving. Moretti junior is bleeding on your lawn,' Dominic tells Blake and leads me out. We get in the car and I stay silent as he drives towards the manor. I sense his tension and see his knuckles turning white from gripping the wheel to hard. We arrive at the manor and he parks the car in the large garage, getting out before I can speak to him. I slowly make my way upstairs and decide to give him some space. I dress into my silk pjs before walk towards his door and open it to reveal him walking out of his bathroom with only a towel around his waist. I gulp as he looks at me and I hug myself as I look at my feet.
'I wanted to clear things between us,' I whisper and feel him slowly approach me.
'Clear things?' his voice sends shivers down my spine and he lifts my chin so that our eyes meet.
'I never slept with my professors. I would never embarrass you in such a way,' I say and he searches my face.
'That's all? He did say you are attracted to older men,' his words cause me to blush and he looks down at my lips.
'I never slept with anyone. I'm a virgin,' I whisper and his grip on my chin becomes a little harder. I shiver as his hand slides down to my neck and I gasp as he squeezes it slightly, but my eyes never leave his.
'Have you been saving yourself for someone?' he asks huskily, and I lick my lips, his dark eyes follow the movement.
'I'd want it to be with only one man,' I say, resting my hands on his chest and he gulps as he watches me.
'I want to kiss you. Will you allow me?' he whispers, and my eyes widen at his question, but I give a small nod. His right hand circles my waist to rest on the center of my back and his left slides front the front of my neck to the back. My breath hitches as he leans closer and my eye flutter closed as his lips touch mine. His tongue gently slides over my bottom lip and I blush as a moan escapes my throat. His grip stiffens as he deepens the kiss and my hands slide up to circle his neck. We pull away slowly and my eyes flutter open to see him watching me. I bite my lip and he gulps as he watches the action.
'I think we need to stop before I lose what little control I have, little one,' he says, and I look down shyly and gasp as I see the tent form in his towel. I cover my eyes and he chuckles at my reaction. I blush as he uncovers my eyes and he leans in again, taking my lips. I moan and he pulls away.
'I love your little moans, but right now they are far to tempting,' he says and I nod, pulling away.
'Goodnight, Dom,' I say as I reach the door and look back at him.
'sleep well little one,' he says and I walk to my room, closing my door. I touch my lips where his were and giggle as I blush. I lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling, replaying the evening in my head until sleep takes me.