CHAPTER 15

Daniel is grinning at me with a contagious smile as I turn to gaze at his face. He smiles back at me and leans in to tell me I look lovely. I smile and bit my lip as we proceed down the red carpet together. Barbra Palvin is on Robert's arm when I turn to face him again. He gives me a sneer before focusing on Barbra as she speaks with a reporter. She blushes when he kisses her on the cheek.

I have to will myself to look aside because something is making my stomach twist uncomfortable. I won't even try to lie. He is extremely fortunate to have Barbra with him tonight. She appears gorgeous beyond belief. To be with him, I suppose you would have to be a supermodel. I suppose I won't soon be one of those gals.

Daniel pauses to answer a few queries. Reporters enquire about our relationship, who I am, what I'm wearing, and how perfect a match we would be. The prospect of being Daniel Olivia's girlfriend made me flush every time I was asked if I was his girlfriend. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Robert kissing Barbra's cheek as we pose for a few pictures.

I feel Daniel's lips close to my mouth, which quickly dispels the jealousy that is swirling around inside of me. I smile broadly as I close my eyes. I open them to find Robert staring at us in a fury. Fuck him, that's what I say. I smile and give him a wink before turning away to face the cameras. He won't be able to sour my evening. It's the evening I've been anticipating ever since I started doing business with Daniel.

As we proceed further down the red carpet and into the reception, Daniel grabs my hand. Everything appeared to be wonderful. On the roof were diamond chandeliers. There were tables set up all around the dance floor, a stage where a podium was now located, and images of several charities to donate to were displayed on either side of the room.

Before strolling hand in hand with me approaching some significant individuals, Daniel clasped my hand and gave me a cute smile. If it were up to me, I wouldn't bother, but my mother will be furious if I don't have some tedious chats tonight.

I chuckle, "Oh, we wouldn't want that now, would we?" He chuckles and calls me a smartass just as we are about to address a few influential individuals. Daniel engages them in conversation for a bit while rubbing my hand's back with his finger. Being thus close to the child has set my cheeks on fire. I grin at her entwined hands and scan the space. 

Everyone in this room was obviously important and extremely wealthy. Everyone was incredibly well dressed and was wearing beautiful clothes that I could never afford.

My hand is pulled back to reality by Daniel. He smiles, "Wanna go get a drink from the bar?"

I smile back, "Yes, please." Daniel waves goodbye to the scary men in suits before accompanying me to the bar hand in hand. Before he asks me what I'd like to drink, he makes sure I'm safely seated on the stool. I timidly smile and say, "I'll have whatever you're having."

"Well, I can't drink much tonight, so I'll have a glass of champagne please," he says to the bartender. He turns the stool to face me and sits down, saying, "Oh and make that two for the woman.

"So, Mr. Olivia," I sneer mockingly.

He chuckles sweetly while shaking his head. "I swear, IsaBella, if you don't stop calling Mr. Olivia, I'll fire you."

I smirk, "Then I'll report you for unfair dismissal."

He turns to offer me our drinks while biting his lip to contain a smile. "Cheers," he says with a smile.

We exchange beverages and start talking about our likes and dislikes. I discovered that Star Trek was his favorite film. He laughed at me as I fangirled over how attractive Chris Pine was in that film. Additionally, I found out about his family and how chaotic his home life is. Victoria is a real b*tch. He is closer to his father, but I will also use the phrase "manipulative bastard" to describe his father. The one person he has always felt close to is his sister, and he loves her with all of his heart. Knowing him better has made me appreciate how kind and considerate he is. I prayed in my head that his parents wouldn't damage him.

I laugh and say, "Hey, Ben & Jerry's ice cream is life, okay? Don't hate."

He chuckles while leaning his head back. "Yeah, and so is lemon sorbet."

I chuckle, "Agree to dis agree, okay?" I scan the room of affluent snobs to find one in particular. He cast a glance at me over the rim of his whisky drink. I'm not sure if he was listening to Barbra as she spoke in his ear as her hand was resting on his chest.

Daniel yells, "IsaBella?" I turn back to look at him and see that he is standing up with a man standing next to him. Mr. Johnson extends a warm smile and shakes my hand, saying, "This is Mr. Johnson."

He prods Daniel, saying, "You really did hit the jackpot this time, Daniel." She is stunning.

Daniel acknowledges that she is, but regrettably she is not mine.

His comments make my heart race, so I had to turn away from Mr. Johnson. He winks at me and says, "Uh, well you better catch her before someone else swoops in and steals her."

Let's go talk about this business agreement, you perverted old man," Daniel chuckles. I'll swear I won't be gone long, but would you mind if I went outside and spoke to Mr. Johnson for a little while?

"Of course not," I reply. "You two go, it's all right."

Before leaving the premises, Mr. Johnson gives me a kiss on the hand while grinning. Daniel approaches and gives me a cheek kiss. I promise to return as soon as I can.

I see his attractive form vanish as I turn around in my seat while nodding helplessly. I turn around and sigh contentedly toward the bar. "May I have another glass, please?"

The bartender winks, "Anything for you, gorgeous." I chuckle as I advance my cup.

An icy voice from behind me says, "How about you do your job instead of flirting with customers." I tense up in my chair and stifle my breathing. He cannot be behind me, not at all. Has he arrived to speak with me? He most likely only came to fetch a drink for himself and Barbra, though. Yes, that is all. He probably frightened the bartender by placing an order. He had no reason to be bothered if he was flirting with me. He is with Barbra here.

He apologizes, "Sorry sir. I didn't know she was with you," sounding terrified.

I add, "That's because I'm not. "Don't apologize, love; I appreciate the beverage."

Before the handsome devil behind me wipes away his fleeting smile, he cracks a little smile. To appear busy, he dashes down the bar and begins to wipe cups. Stupid kid.

As the icy wine slides down my throat, I take a sip and close my eyes. He whispers in my ear, "Did you miss me, Ms. Jones?" I look up at the mirror on the bar wall as soon as my eyes awaken. Robert is standing in front of me dangerously close.

When I don't respond, he smirks and moves my hair, revealing my left collarbone. He puts his extremely soft lips on my smoldering skin and gives me a gentle, electric kiss. He opened his eyes and turned to face the mirror, which was reflecting us. I returned his gaze. He looked at our mirror for a second, then turned his head to look at my neck.

He closed his eyes as he placed his forehead on the side of my head and kissed me below the ear. The sensation of his lingering gentle lips on my skin caused my eyes to flutter shut. Being so close to him raised my heart rate. It wasn't until now that I realized how much I missed him.