CHAPTER 80: Reflections

　　Anxiety slammed into me with the force of a speeding train as Alexander stepped into the confines of the dressing room. The space, once merely cramped, now felt suffocatingly small. My heart hammered a frantic tattoo against my ribs, an adrenaline rush coursing through me.

　　Perhaps, I thought, I should have just waited for Ms. Duval or one of her assistants as I realized that the reason for my anxiety had everything to do with the sudden throbbing between my legs.

　　"Maybe," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper, "maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

　　Alexander, however, seemed unfazed. He leaned against the opposite wall, a hint of amusement dancing in his blue eyes. "Helping you out can never be a bad idea, love," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "You look stunning. So what do I do to help out?"