Chapter 110
Chapter 110
Iris
Alice and I pull up to the event, which is situated in one of the historic halls in downtown Ordan. Glittering chandeliers hang from the ceilings, their glow reflecting off the polished marble floors. Ordan socialites from all backgrounds mill around in expensive gowns and tuxedos, sipping champagne as they view the art on display.
We make our way to the bar first, where we each pick up a glass of white wine. As we stand there, sipping our drinks and trying to get a feel for the place, my eyes catch a familiar face across the room.
Arthur.
Just seeing him, even from afar, makes my heart thrum with unexpected excitement. I have to give Selina credit- the tuxedo she picked out for him looks ravishing on his frame, the fabric perfectly hugging each contour of his muscular body.
And what makes him even more handsome is the way he’s smiling. That Alpha President smile of his is dazzling even from afar.
But of course, Selina is on his arm.
She, too, looks utterly stunning in a long red gown. The black fur stole around her slender shoulders stands stark against her creamy skin and blonde hair, the diamonds at her throat glittering beneath the flickering candlelight.
I knock back the rest of my wine and order another.
Alice shoots me a sidelong glance. “Are you gonna be okay?”
Nodding, I offer her a thin smile. “Splendid. I’ll just keep my distance.”
“Fair enough,” Alice snorts, then jerks her chin toward where Arthur and Selina are now standing on the opposite end of the room, completely surrounded by a group of men and women. Arthur is saying something that’s making everyone around him throw their heads back in laughter, but I can sense how fake it is even from here. They’re just trying to butter him up for whatever purposes they may have. “It’s not like you’ll get a chance to speak to him anyway.”
That’s a comfort, although suddenly, I feel a pang in my chest. I don’t want to admit to anyone, not even myself, that part of why I agreed to come was because I didn’t want Arthur going out alone with Selina—that a smáll, vindictive part of me, driven by our mate bond, wanted to step out in a glittering gown of my own, standing on my own two feet, and show him what he’s missing.
If we could only be together, for real, with no lies or hiding, he could be walking alongside me tonight. But he’s too scared to have a human wife, and that hurts.
“Oh my Goddess!” Alice suddenly exclaims, taking my hand and leading me over to a handsome man in a tuxedo who’s standing nearby. “I didn’t think you would be here! Iris, this is my good friend, Hunter Maverick. Hunter, this is my other good friend, Flora.”
The name makes me blink in surprise. Hunter Maverick–a name that I’m pretty certain is a pseudonym, just like mine–is a famous artist here in Ordan.
He smiles at me, extending his hand. “Flora,” he says, his fingers warm around mine as I return the handshake, it’s a pleasure. I’ve seen your work. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
I can’t help but blush. As if it’s not bad enough that a famous artist is complimenting my work, but the way his blue eyes lock onto mine–as if there’s no one in the room but us–makes my heart flutter a little.
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Chapter 110
“Likewise,” I reply. “It’s wonderful to meet you. I’m a big fan.”
I instantly cringe for calling myself a ‘fan‘, which makes me seem like some kind of a groupie. But if he notices, he certainly has the tact not to comment on it, and waves his hand good–naturedly. “Oh, nonsense. My work belongs on cereal boxes, nothing more.”
Alice rolls her eyes and smacks his arm. “He’s always pulling the ‘humble‘ card,” she says, glancing at me, “but 1 think he’s full of shit, and he knows it.”
Hunter’s eyes flicker mischievously, and then he shoots me a radiant smile. “Alice tells me that your recent body of work sold out in one night. I couldn’t make it to the art opening, so I’m intrigued. Care to tell me about the collection?”
My face warms, but I happily explain my last collection to Hunter as the three of us stroll through the space. He listens intently, never interrupting except to ask a question or chime in with an exclamation. At one point, Alice slips away to get another drink at the bar, leaving us alone.
The music shifts then, and couples begin moving to the dance floor. Hunter turns to me. “Care to dance, so we can continue this conversation?” he asks, extending his hand.
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Chapter 111
Chapter 111
