Hawke Pov
I was waiting by the door for Emily to come in, when I was called away. Imagine my surprise when I walk back into the atrium and see her talking and looking at the auction table. That red dress was so her. Strong, edgy, sexy, sensual and unique.
When I asked to talk to her for a moment in private, the looks Nathan and Owen gave me were not strange. I am used to people challenging or doubting me.
After Emily agreed to ride over to the after party with me, I asked why she was with them. She told me it was not my concern. When Nathan placed his hand on her hips, I instantly saw a dog pissing on my tree. I was not about to let them take what I want. To let them all know I was not about to stand for the insult, I told him it was not over as he whisked her away.
On the short ride, we went over her opening act and I have to admit, for her to dance can be used to highlight the Community Center since that is where she teaches. I wonder what she has decided to do now that she closed her business. You would think people would support her, not condemn her because her parents were assholes.
The door on the left opened up and drew me out of my internal rant. Emily stepped out in a forest green and red belly dancer's costume looking alluring and dangerous. The bra and skirt have a subtle flame motif across the front, with two interlocking circle cut outs over one hip. The sleeves are attached at the shoulders, but look like they can easily be removed, and it has a hip strap on the right side. She has a matching belt and necklace with a veil over her arm and a long, curved sword in her hand.
I look her up and down and notice she has a natural manicure and pedicure. I always thought feet were sexy and I want to lick her from her feet to her head marking her as mine. Her voice breaks me out of the dirty thoughts that are running through my head.
"How do I look? Do you think it's too much?"
"No. I think it's perfect for what you are planning. You look sexy and deadly."
"Good. Are you ready?"
"Yes, I will lead you to the stage. I love that costume on you. You will wow the crowd tonight," my voice sounds husky even to my own ears.
"Thanks. I'm ready when you are, Hawke."
"Alright, let's get this started."
She nodded and I walk out on the stage. I can't wait to see her dance and bring the house down.
Luke POV
I watched Emily walk out on the stage and listen to her talk about her teaching classes for the Community Center and giving back to the community. She was heart warming. I am glad I grabbed my phone to record this. Watching her belly dance is mesmerizing and I had no idea she could move like that. Her moves are so graceful, sensual and amazing. She shimmied, moved her hips and danced on stage with ease to the beat and rhythm of the music.
Then she leaned to the left, placed the curve of the sword on her right hip and lifted her hip and started to roll her hip. She moved her arms like a snake while moving in a circle doing hip drops all the time the sword did not fall from her hip. Her stunning beauty as she danced is the most powerful spell of all and the most dangerous.
I see why men used to say the onlooker may be so captivated as to fail to notice the dagger in her hand, or the sword she is reaching for. I understand now how the magic of beauty is what led to the Sultan's madness in Arabian Nights, for he feared that a woman's beauty would be used to get close enough to cause him harm.
I am under the same spell as him. The way the lights hit her costume while she danced and the stage effects caused it to look like she set the stage on fire.
I know she has lit a fire in me and I know I want her. I was unsure at first, but not anymore. I know this is something I will want to remember. As she bowed, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw Margie.
"Hi Luke. What are you doing back here?"
"I wanted to be the first to congratulate her."
"Well she is not done yet. Wait until you see the second part." Margie smiled and walked away.
"Don't tell her you saw me."
"I won't. In exchange, you owe me a slow dance tonight."
"Deal."
Curious to see what she meant, I watch Emily walk off the other side of the stage and step behind a sheet. I moved further back in the dark corner and watch as the girls from her club/hip hop dance class take the stage.
As the music starts, Emily stepped out in classic grey and white Nike hi-tops with the white swoosh, baggy grey sweat pants with what looks like a band of black, grey and white shorts underneath that say D & G, and a white crop t-shirt that said crème de la crème in grey on the front.
Her hair is down and she is wearing her rings and bracelets from her belly dance performance and a long slim silver necklace. She looks tough and sexy. As the song began, the women start performing and the party began to hype up. People start cheering them on and it's great to see the ladies from the dance class showing off their dance moves and having fun. I enjoyed watching them and was sorry to see them finish. After three songs, they all lined up to take a bow.
Hawke walked on the stage, put his arm around Emily and kissed her on the cheek. From my view, I could see her stiffen and look at him in shock. He just smiled down at her and introduced the main act.
While this was happening, the ladies walked off stage passing me and saying hello and giving me hugs. Emily turned and saw me and said she would be right back after she changed her clothes.
As she left Hawke approached her, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and ushered her off the other side of the stage heading towards her dressing room; his two body guards following close behind them.
I texted Kota about what was happening. He replied to follow and stay outside her dressing room as Owen and Nathan were on their way.
As soon as Hawke walked into her dressing, a sick feeling hit my stomach. They had better hurry up. I need to know what's happening in that room.
Emily POV
I thought to myself what fun I had had and how I love to lose myself in the music. The guy's reactions to me when the light hit me was priceless; Kota in particular I think as I go to change my costume.
After dancing with the ladies from my dance class, Hawke walked out on stage and kissed me. It was a total shock. I tried to keep a straight face, but I know I tensed up. He had the nerve to look down and smile at me like he wanted to eat me alive. Alec was right, he still likes me for real.
Turning to leave I spot Luke standing back stage and asked him to let the guys know I would change and be right there.
Then Hawke came putting his arm around my shoulder and ushered me towards my dressing room. Once we were in the hallway, I shrugged his arm off me and ran to my dressing room.
I am so angry right now, I can't shift the words from my head to my mouth. I enter the bathroom for a quick shower deciding to speak to him about this after I shower and change. Moving back out of the bathroom I don't see my dress hanging on the back of the door. Just then the door opened. Hawke walked in and locked it behind him.
Pulling my towel closer around me I yelled "What the hell are you doing in here? Get Out!"
"I wanted to talk to you in private."
"Have you lost your cotton pickin mind? Get out of here, I will talk to you when I am dressed."
"You will talk to me now! You're not getting your dress back until you do."
"You have some nerve. How dare you?"
"I want you Emily. I have since I saw you at Damien's club."
"Hawke, I am in a relationship with the Blackbourne Team. I...."
"Stop! I don't want to hear about them. I am not sure why the hell you would want to be with them. They left you high and dry for their dead ex-girlfriend."
"You don't know what you are talking about."
"I know they left you and have treated you like shit since the party."
"I don't want to talk about this. I want you out of my room."
"You still owe me a favor and I am cashing it in. You are dancing with me twice tonight and when I come for you, you will dance with me. You already know how well we work together. Once you are in my arms, you will see how well we fit."
"I don't want to dance with you."
"Are you afraid I am right and now you are going back on your word?" he questioned raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms.
"No. Fine. I will, but after that, you do not have any more favors from me. I know what you are doing Hawke."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"Oh, yes you do and I advise you to get out of my room now and leave me alone before they find out you were here."
"Emily...." he pleaded to me as he reached out and grabbed my arm.
"Let me go."
Just then the door opens and in walked Nathan, Luke and Owen. I tried to yank my arm free from him, but he just held tight.
"I believe OUR woman said let her go" Nathan glared at Hawke.
"You should not be in here. Go, before I call security." he yelled at them.
"Let her go. We won't ask again." Owen stated, as he looked between Hawke and I. His voice was so cold and demanding, It made me shiver and not in a good way. Hawke released my arm and I clutched the towel closer to my body as a shield.
"Trust me, you will see my point of view. I will come for you at the first slow song of the night." he stated before smirking at Nathan and leaving.
Remembering I am just in my towel naked as a jay bird and I have three hot guys staring at me, I blush as the door closes with a soft click.
"Sugar. Are you alright? Do I need to call Doc for you?" Luke rushed up to me.
"Puff-Puff, where are your clothes?" growled Nathan.
"Emily, would you tell us what happened?" questioned Owen.
"I am fine, Sweetie." I shudder, as I turn around and quickly walk over to my bag.
"Annie always said bring a backup outfit because you never know what may happen. I am glad I listened to her. My dress is gone but I have another outfit in my bag." I called over my shoulder. Thank goodness he did not take this or I would be up the creek without a paddle I thought as I went behind the changing screen and change while I tell them what happened.
They take it all in as I check myself in the mirror and remember my motto for tonight as I slip on my dark grey sling back pumps. I look in the mirror and decide to leave my hair down. I am wearing a backless sequinned dress in black with dark grey sequins that form a show-stopping chevron pattern. It has capped sleeves, and a plunging V front that's mirrored at the sexy open back. It's short and the fitted skirt finishes off the classy look.
I stepped out from behind the screen apologizing for holding them up and ask if they are ready to leave. I looked up and they all just stare at me. Owen looked me up and down as he approached me. I looked into his eyes and I can see the appreciation and attraction there. Its then I realize my dress match his eyes.
"Phoenix, you take my breath away. I thought you looked beautiful before tonight, but now, you look...Well, there are no words to describe how good you look right now." he murmured, as he took my right hand in his and kissed the back of it.
Still caught in his eyes, all I could do is nod and say "Thank you Owen."
"Alright, let's get you back to the guys before they make their way back here."
"Yes, I am ready to party." Luke smiled, as he started to dance his way out the door.
I just laugh as Nathan and Owen place my arm in theirs. I can't wait to dance and have fun with all the guys.