CHAPTER TWO
Natalie's POV
I turned to see a broad, suit-clad chest and backed away slightly, unaware that he'd been standing so close. Was everyone in this place a giant? As if being well over six feet wasn't enough, he had an imposing build that sent a slight shiver down my spine even though I did my best not to notice. My eyes travelled up his impressive chest and paused on his face.
He was a thing of beauty, this man, a spitting image of masculinity that I found hard to resist.
He has a strong jaw that looked chiselled from marble with only a faint trace of stubble on his chin. His eyes, a striking, piercing blue roved over my body in a way that was far too possessive to be proper and I shuffled nervously.
Jet black hair with streaks of silver at his temples was carefully groomed and slicked back to lay immaculately atop his head. I found myself staring so much that I missed the
first words he said.
I blinked and flushed in embarrassment when he raised an eyebrow at me. "Sorry." I muttered, not completely sure why I was apologizing but flustered enough to do so anyway.
"Mr. Remington! I'm so sorry for the disruption. I was just handling things here."
The attendant said from behind me. Gone was her prissy irritated voice, replaced with a reverential, sugary sweet tone that I found rather sickening.
To my glee and chagrin, he completely ignored her, his attention directly focused on me.
"Miss. I asked if everything was okay." A fresh wave of embarrassment washed over me, a slight blush on my cheeks bearing witness to it. I didn't need someone like him getting wind of what was happening here. It'd just cause more trouble than it was worth.
I opened my mouth to politely wave him off but the attendant beat me to it.
"Of course it is sir. She's fine, we were just having a little discussion that's all. We treat all our paying customers with care and respect." I didn't miss her emphasis, further adding to my shame. Even though I was offended by her words, I found myself unable to defend them in front of him.
So, as she bent over backwards to reassure him, I ended up agreeing with her, just to end the conversation. "Yes, everything's fine." I choked out, just wishing I could scurry away and hide somewhere. I mean, seriously, the man's diamond-studded cufflinks could probably buy every item in my closet; add in his Tom Ford shoes, Armani suit, and spiffy rolex watch, we'd be able to buy the house ten times over.
"Are you sure? Is there something wrong with the dress?" He was asking me, but she cut in to reply, not giving me the chance to speak.
"of course not, Mr. Remington. I assure you that everything's fi—" He cut off with a single glare and she fell silent immediately. If I wasn't so distraught myself, I would have snickered. He turned back to me with an expectant look and I did my best to stammer an answer.
"It's fine sir. I was just leaving anyways." I concurred and he raised a brow "Oh? Not on my account I hope." Was it money that made people speak so smoothly? Was that why I could barely let out a word without stammering? I shook my head in reply to his question, cursing myself for not being able to respond like a normal person. There was something about his aura that made any attempt to speak to him so nerve-wracking. He was a man who carried power seamlessly and it showed. I was just… a nobody married to another nobody.
"I see. Well then. At least let me leave you with a gift, yes?" He snapped his fingers casually at the attendant, a man very used to giving orders and a sour look appeared on her face as she roused to attention. "Sir, there's no need for—"
"Ring up the dress for her." He said, ever so polite even as he made his demand and my eyes widened. I hadn't seen the actual price, but it was sure to cost a pretty penny. He couldn't possibly be serious. One look at his face, somber and free of any teasing smile assured me that he was.
"Sir, I can't possibly—" I broke off as he raised one elegant brow, the sight making my stomach flip flop with nerves and something akin to excitement.
"Please. You have a good eye. It would look marvelous on you. The cut, that color is a match made for those eyes."
He murmured, a hint of a smile forming on his full lips and I neigh trembled. There was a heady scent emanating from him, masculine and so intoxicating and before I knew it, I leaned into him. I was too enraptured in his presence that I didn't even notice the attendant had left until she returned. She hissed something under her breath that suspiciously sounded like 'hussy' while she held out a bag for me.
I immediately snapped out of it, staring at the shopping bag with horror. What the hell was I doing? I was married. To Nick. I shouldn't be here drooling over this man's dominating aura. Or even considering allowing him buy me a dress.
Straightening my back, I shook my head and crossed my hands over my arm, pointedly angling my fingers so my ring would show. "I appreciate the offer but it's not necessary. Now if you'll please excuse me, I need to get back to my husband." I said hurriedly, almost tripping over my sentence. I saw his brows fly up at the word husband but didn't care to pause to see how he took it. Instead, I made my escape, moving past him and out of the store as quickly as possible. I nearly ran into a group of sedately suited men I could bet my week's paycheck were with him and after muttering an apology, I all but ran from the scene. As much as I tried, I couldn't resist the urge to glance back and nearly faltered in my steps when I saw him looking at me. He did so intently and unashamedly with such a hungry expression on his face that it made me shiver. Turning my head pointedly forward, I hurried over to the casino, hoping for my dignity and marriage's sake that I never saw him again.
I caught sight of Nick at the roulette table and he seemed to be waiting for me because he stood to the side, anxiously looking around until he spotted me. A wide smile bloomed on his face and he waved, as if to get my attention, calling me over to him. Unlike the rest of the time he smiled, I didn't return it, still agitated from my encounter with Mr. Remington. Somehow, I had a feeling I knew that name, but I didn't dare ponder upon it— and him— long enough to find out.
"Hey babe." Nick said pressing a kiss to my lips. "What took you so long?" He asked and I froze. "Well… um…" Thankfully, he didn't wait for me to finish.
"I got three hundred worth of chips. I saved the rest for our hotel fee and gas money back to Cali. I picked roulette. You mind?" He asked and I shook my head, mind and heart still far behind in that store.
I shook my head and tried to forget about the enigmatic Mr. Remington and the delicious hunger in his eyes when he'd looked at me. "Not at all. Anything you want." I chirped with extra effort, roving my eyes over my husband just to remind myself who I was happily attached to. "You okay?" He asked, a small frown on his face "You seem a little flushed." He observed and I snapped my face away, embarrassment causing my cheeks to turn an even deeper shade of red.
"I'm fine. Just a little overwhelmed by the place that's all. Lot's of rich, powerful people here."
Nick chuckled "Oh yeah, we definitely stand out like sore thumbs. If not for Pete's cousin who works in the hotel, we would never have gotten past the front door."
I nodded, relieved when Nick turned back to the table, seemingly accepting my explanation. Guilt welled up in me, hot and hard. He trusted me so much, we trusted each other. I knotted my brows, even more determined not to let some dark-haired god— I mean prick— come between that. I smiled when Nick put his hand around my waist and crossed my fingers as the dealer took our lucky numbers a
nd the wheel started to turn.