Ryan’s Pov
I stepped into the room, my eyes still fixed on Aurora. Something was off, and I couldn’t just ignore it. She wouldn’t talk, wouldn’t even meet my gaze.
I took her hand gently, trying to get her attention. “Aurora, what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice low, soft, trying not to push too hard.
Her cheeks turned pink again, and she looked down quickly. It was like blushing was her default reaction, especially around me. Not that I didn’t know how I affected people. Aurora especially.
She slipped her hand out of mine and turned her back to me. That was when I noticed her dress. It was a simple brown gown, but it fit her perfectly, hugging her curves in all the right places. For a moment, I just stood there, admiring her, but then my eyes caught something that made my throat go dry.
Her zipper was undone, and I could see her inner wear, a soft brown color that matched her dress.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my thoughts in check. What was she trying to do to me?
She turned her head slightly, her hair brushing over her shoulder as she said, “Can you help me zip it? My hands are too short to reach.”
Her voice was soft, almost shy, and it was enough to snap me out of whatever spell I was under.
Was this what bothered her? She’s going to make me lose it one day.
“Sure,” I managed to say, stepping closer.
I raised my hand and slowly zipped up her dress. My fingers brushed against her warm skin, and I heard the way her breathing quickened. Her heartbeat sped up too. I could hear it like a drum.
My own self-control was hanging by a thread. She was right there, her scent wrapping around me, her skin so close to mine. My pants tightened uncomfortably, but I forced myself to stay composed.
“All done,” I said, my voice hoarser than I intended.
“Thank you,” she replied, glancing at me over her shoulder with a soft smile.
I cleared my throat and asked, “Ready to go?”
“Almost,” she said, turning to the mirror. “Just need a little lipstick.”
I watched as she pulled out a tube of lipstick and started applying it. Everything seemed to slow down. The way she tilted her head slightly, the soft glide of the lipstick against her lips. It was mesmerizing.
And embarrassing.
Jealousy stirred in me, and I couldn’t believe it. I was jealous of her lipstick. It got to touch her lips, and I couldn’t.
When she turned back to me, her lips perfectly painted, she caught me staring.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.
“No,” I said quickly, looking away and clearing my throat. “Nothing at all.”
We left the suite, and as always, I told my driver to stay back. I wanted the quiet. I wanted to be alone with Aurora.
The drive was short, and when we arrived, I turned to her. “Are you okay?” I asked.
Her confidence surprised me when she said, “Yes, I’m fine.”
I liked that. She was nervous but still managed to hold her own. That was my little one.
We walked into the building together, and as usual, the board members rushed over to greet me. But this time, I made sure they greeted Aurora too.
She deserved it. She deserved to be noticed, to be acknowledged. And I wasn’t going to let anyone overlook her.
****
The meeting began with Mr. Clyde Marks talking about the main topic. He was a millionaire with big ideas, and today’s plan was about expanding the company to more parts of the world. For me, it wasn’t about the money. I had enough of that. It was just something to keep me busy.
But even as Clyde spoke, my mind wandered. I glanced at Aurora sitting next to me. She was so focused, writing down notes quickly. Her eyebrows pulled together when she was concentrating, and I thought it was cute.
She didn’t know how beautiful she looked. I couldn’t stop staring.
“Ryan,” Clyde’s voice snapped me out of it.
I turned to him, realizing he’d asked me a question. I felt Aurora’s eyes on me as I answered him calmly, pretending I wasn’t distracted a few seconds ago.
After I finished speaking, the others started sharing their opinions. The meeting went on for four long hours. I could tell Aurora was tired. How could I forget to get her something to eat?
We were given a one-hour break before the next meeting. Everyone left the room, leaving just Aurora and me. She looked up at me and asked, “Should we follow them?”
I didn’t answer her question. Instead, I asked, “Are you hungry?”
She nodded softly. I told her I would handle it and asked her to wait for me. She tried to argue, saying she could get something herself, but I insisted.
I walked out and found a small restaurant nearby. The thought of running around for a 19-year-old amused me, but I didn’t mind. It was Aurora.
I came back with the food and handed it to her. She thanked me, and we started eating. I noticed how shy she was, but I liked it.
We finished eating quickly, and luckily, a cleaner came by to clear the table. Soon, everyone was back for the next meeting.
During the meeting, I noticed how some men kept looking at Aurora. I could feel their curiosity. Maybe they thought something was going on between us. Let them think it, because Aurora was mine. She just didn’t know it yet.
Aurora surprised me when she shared an idea during the meeting. It was smart and helpful. She looked at me afterward, searching for approval, and I gave her a small smile.
This meeting was shorter than the previous one. It lasted for two hours instead of four. After it ended, we were told there was a change in plans. A big party for board members and businessmen had been arranged for later.
As everyone started leaving, I told Aurora to wait for me. I had to talk to Clyde about something important.
Clyde, as always, looked at me like I was someone untouchable. To him, I was just a man, but he didn’t know the truth. I quickly discussed what I needed to do and walked back to find Aurora.
When I reached her, I froze.
What I saw made my blood boil.
What. The. Hell.