Masquerade Ball
A few weeks later...
August 31st
Saturday
7:55 pm
Amira's Pov
"Lara, I know you've been joking around on finding yourself a sugar daddy to sponsor the shop but I didn't really expect you to push it to the limits." I said worriedly as I stared on my best friend change into a seductive black, glittery, thigh-length halter dress that compliment her long, straight dark hair and caramel skin tone.
Her evening makeup was perfect for that outfit and even I fell on her captivating black double-eyelid eyes and soft contour, oval face. Her nose is just about right height, a perfect balance with those plump reddish lips.
"What? Just because the potential guy was known for being a Mafia Boss doesn't mean he's all bad. Besides, those types have the deepest pockets out there and we can get free bodyguards as well if this shit works out." She spoke confidently and winked at me on a mirror reflection.
"But it's not always rainbows and unicorns. What if he's some sadist and... and... he'll... you know, um, hurt you..."
As much as possible, I want to convince her out of that arrangement, however, she's being stubborn about it.
"Ami, I feel like this is our only chance." She grabbed my jaws and looked straight into my eyes. "We won't be able to enjoy living if our wallets are dying. Please don't worry okay? If he's a creep, I'd leave him right away and find a new one."
"Fine." I sighed in defeat. "But you gotta promise or else."
"God is my witness, I promise you I'll be careful. Okay?" She squeezed my cheeks and I nodded.
"I'm curious as how how did you even manage to know about this mysterious billionaire slash Boss of everything illegal?" I asked as we walked down the staircase. I'm really confused on how she even got the information about a gang leader when we're almost inseparable.
"I got a call last night stating I have to come to a specific ball and that's it."
I was still in awe when she took her red purse over the counter near the double door and bid me goodbye. I forcefully tagged along, using an excuse of driving her to the location.
"Your high heels can actually get you or someone else killed in a car accident. Let me bring you there and fetch you afterwards if you want." I fixed my black and white rubber shoes on, then followed her to the pick-up car parked in-front of the small, two story antique shop.
"Nah. Just leave me there because we don't know what's gonna happen. Daddy might ask me to stay for the night, you know."
She grinned and ran her teasing gaze from my head to toe.
"Besides, people will suspect you're a stalker of some sort with that pair of black hoodies and skinny blue jeans if you sleep in a parked truck."
"Alright. I will." I smiled just to end the conversation before she ends up getting late. Though contrary to my sworn statement, I made a U-turn once I saw her enter the tallest five-star hotel in the city.
Then I left the car at a convenience store nearby and sneaked past the guards at the back of the eco-friendly fifty-floor tower, full of hanging greenery at every floor.
"This place doesn't scream shady to me at all but it could probably be just a front." I muttered under my breath as I dashed into the available elevator and pressed the door shut, before the scary blonde muscular man standing near the reception notice my presence.
I contemplated for a few seconds if the button with a golden letter P on it will actually take me up or trigger a siren once I press it without a keycard.
"Ahem. Excuse me."
I almost jumped back out in surprise hearing that deep male voice from behind. My heart was still pounding hard when he smiled softly as if he's amused at me.