Chapter 37: Soul (Evelyn's POV)
I was standing there while Chloe paced in front of me, describing the kinds of dresses she likes so I could understand her taste and preferences a little better.
I rolled my eyes, getting tired of her blabbering. I straightened up, feeling arms wrap around me from behind.
"Hi," he whispered in my ear.
I put my hands where he held my waist and looked back at him. Chloe was too focused on her rambling so I was able to steal a kiss.
"I just came here to let you know..." he paused. "We have a date tonight."
"What?" I chuckled, keeping my voice down.
She's so clueless.
"Mr. Albert is hosting a party to announce that his daughter is about to have a baby. He invited all of us, I just happened to not tell anybody," he mumbled the last bit.
I chuckled, listening.
"So instead of everyone, you and I are going. It's fancy so, I'm sorry in advance for the heels, don't worry, you'll walk just fine in them."
"Yeah, Caroline gave me a few lessons," I laughed.
"We'll leave at seven, hmm?"
I nodded, looking back at him.
"Can I steal you?" he whispered, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
I shook my head, smiling to myself.
He sighed in defeat, pecking my cheek and then leaving.
I looked around, hoping no one saw that but the backyard was open and Lucas was right there working on the rose bush near the door. I know he saw it because of the look he gave me. Like he was disappointed. Like I was doing something wrong. I didn't pay much attention to it and got back to Chloe with her sweetheart necklines.
.·:*¨ ✘♚✘ ¨*:·.
I stared at the two dresses that Caroline and Mila had recommended. Apparently, Archer had told them to cover for us at the table so they knew and were eager to help. "Red is classic," Mila argued.
"But she's not meant to be looking merely classic, the rose gold silk is perfect!" Caroline whined.
I sighed, hanging both the dresses back up and grabbing the black one that had initially caught my eye. Apparently, it was too simple but O think they're forgetting that I'm not going to a ball, I'm going to a party. I don't have to look fancy, I just have to look good.
"Evelyn!" they whined in sync when I pulled out the black dress.
"Black is always reliable, all right?" I waved them off and hung up the dress on the closet door before throwing my hair up.
"Can I do your makeup?" Caroline asked, grinning at me.
"And I'll do your hair," Mila offered.
"Okay, go ahead," I chuckled, sitting at the vanity in my bathrobe while they both started working their magic.
I was mumbling to myself, thinking about how tonight would go. He's taking me on a date to a party as his date. Does that mean we're together together? I don't know.
I checked myself in the mirror and made sure I was set for the night before spraying perfume, the vanilla one he likes, all over myself and then flicking the lights off, opening the door to my room, smiling when I saw him standing right there, ready to knock on my door.
"Hi," I smiled.
"Hi..." he said absentmindedly, his eyes traveling up and down my body.
"Do I look all right?" I asked, wiping my clammy palms on the dress before straightening it out.
"You look beautiful," he said, his voice coming out breathy and low. "My God, you look amazing," he said, his eyes snapping up to mine.
"Thank you, you look very handsome," I chuckled, dusting off his blazer.
"I can't wait to be head over heels in love with you, nonetheless," he said casually with a shrug before taking my hand and leading us downstairs and out before anyone could realize. He opened the car door for me and helped me in before getting in and starting the drive. It was no longer than a fifteen, maybe twenty-minute drive so, on the way, we just talked about trivial things.
Now, Mr. Albert doesn't live in a palace, but it is most certainly a freaking mansion.
We headed inside and he grabbed my hand, linking my arm through his. "Ready?" he asked.
I nodded, taking in a breath before we entered the mansion.
There were people scattered through the entire ground floor, some going out into the backyard, mainly men going to smoke. The women were all standing around with glasses of wine, chattering to others. This is the first public gathering I'm at with Archer as his... I don't even know what he's going to introduce me as. Either way, this is my first time facing such a large crowd of rich and royal people altogether. And I am anxious and intimidated, to say the least.
"Archer!"
Both of our heads snapped forward upon hearing Mr. Albert. I spotted him quickly, making his way over to us with his wife on his arm wearing a gown I remember packing for her personally. They greeted Archer and he greeted them just as politely before they turned to me.
"I'm sure you already know her, but this is Evelyn," he chuckled.
I got a quick hug from them both and then Mr. Albert turned to Archer. "And how come you are attending with Evelyn?" he asked with a knowing smile on his lips.
"I'm not supposed to say, I'm sure you know why," Archer nodded with a small smile. He lowered his voice, "But she's my girlfriend."
My head whipped in his direction while I stared at him, dumbfounded as I processed it.
"I am so glad he suggested you speak to her," his wife chuckled. "You're such a beautiful girl, perfect for him," she grinned at me.
"Thank you," I smiled, laughing softly.
"Perfect to keep him in check, I agree," Mr. Albert nodded.
Archer playfully rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance while I laughed along with Mr. Albert who found his own joke very amusing. "You two enjoy the party," his wife smiled before they left, continuing to greet other guests.
After no more than thirty minutes, everyone was ushered to an open area and told we had to dance. It wasn't a choice, we had to do it. Not that I mind.
"I'm hungry, when are they setting up for dinner?" I mumbled to myself while Archer pulled me to a free spot, pulling my arms around his neck and putting his around my waist.
"After the dancing, they'll start serving dinner," he chuckled, pulling me closer, my body pressing into his.
I looked up at him, my eyes locking with his. My lips broke out into a smile instinctively. "You look very pretty," I chuckled softly.
He grinned, stealing a kiss from my cheek discreetly. He pulled back, staring at my lips.
I shook my head softly. "Don't. People will know," I whispered.
"I couldn't care less," he mumbled. "I feel like I'm on fire, being so close to you," he added.
I watched him silently.
"Like my soul is on fire."
"Continue," I grinned.
He chuckled.
"Your soul, huh?"
He nodded. "You set my soul on fire," he said, narrowing his eyes at me slightly.
"Thank you," I laughed. "For quoting Tom and Jerry."
"I was hoping you'd catch it," he grinned, leaning in slightly.
I thought I shouldn't lean in and I should keep the distance between us tolerable, but my body had a mind of its own. I leaned in, the urge to kiss him hitting me with an overwhelming amount of power. I held my breath while he leaned in. "Don't do it," I mumbled, stuttering over my words.
He smiled, leaving a kiss on the tip of my nose.
I chuckled, putting my head down on his shoulder.
He grabbed my hand, pushing me out before rolling me in, my back going against his chest. He rolled me out again while I started laughing and then he pulled me closer, spinning me around once. "You know what I think, Evelyn?"
"What?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him.
"I think you're falling in love with me," he smirked, mocking my words.
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head with a smile. "Don't be stupid."
"You don't be so naive. You are falling in love with me," he smirked.
I laughed humorlessly, getting closer to him. I leaned in, my lips barely brushing against his, clearly catching him off guard.
"Are you serious?" he mumbled. "Are you trying to make me lose my mind? Because you really are teasing me."
I chuckled, taking a step back because it was too risky and too dangerous. Someone here could easily see us and then tell the queen, especially the council members. And then I would probably be thrown out because even if he wants me the most, as he says, I know we're not supposed to fool around and get so intimate. And that is exactly what we're doing.
"Evelyn," he mumbled.
I raised my eyebrows at him inquisitively.
He jerked me closer and crashed his lips on mine. And I froze. We are so dead by tomorrow.
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Chapter 37
Ladies, all my brown girls
who is your favorite Bollywood actor? I'm curious
next chapter: disgrace