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“I’m going to the bathroom,” I announce, already walking away from them.

Adonis catches my arm in time to pull me against him. “You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I inhale just to get some room from his chest pressed against mine.

Every woodsy, amber-laden note of his cologne wafts into my nose as his gaze lights me on fire.

A swarm of conflicting emotions dance in the depth of hisstare before he breaks the eye contact, letting me go. “Victor is going with you.”

And I know from the way he says it, it’s an order, not a request. I back away from him on shaky legs and find Victor near the door, already waiting for me to walk out of the ballroom.

My steps quicken when all the water I drank today catches up with me.

Victor trails me to the ladies’ room and posts up on the opposite wall while I walk inside.

After using the toilet, I make my way to the wall lined with individual sinks and gold-gilded mirrors. My heart is racing after fighting with my dress to hold it up before nature called, and I smile at my reflection, the goofy lift of my mouth making me smile harder at myself.

“Your dress is stunning,” a voice calls behind me.

A moment later, a gorgeous woman dressed in all red appears at the sink beside mine. Her matte ruby lips part and showcase bright white teeth.

“Thank you,” I accept on a whisper, my voice fading as I look her over.

Dark ebony skin contrasts beautifully with the rich pigment of her red gown, her black locs are fashioned in an updo to showcase the delicate composition of her face and her near-onyx eyes have a gleam in them that stops me in my tracks.

She’s stunning.

On a level I can’t explain.

To top it all off, she smells like vanilla and roses.

“You look…gorgeous,” I try not to gush.

“Thank you.” There’s a southern lilt to her words that even those two words sound like an endearment. “I saw you arrive with Adonis.”

Pulled out of my fog of admiration, I nod, wondering how she saw me, but I didn’t notice her. It’s impossible not to notice her. Then again, I haven’t noticed much outside of Adonis and the way his hands felt on me all night.

“What’s your name?” The woman asks me, beating me to the punch.

“I’m Delilah. Adonis’ date.”

“Nice to meet you, Delilah.” Her smile seems genuine as she turns away from the mirror to face me with her hand outstretched. “I’m Chiara. His fiancée.”

Chapter 32

The Gala Pt. 2

ADONIS

Where the fuck is Delilah?

Twenty minutes ago, she left to use the bathroom.

Ten minutes ago, I noticed Victor back in place at the edge of the ballroom.

Which means nine minutes ago, Delilah should have reclaimed her spot by my side.

And yet, she’s nowhere near me.