The Arrogant Artist : A Billionaire Boss Romance (International Bad Boys Set Book 2), стр. 53

Emily stills.

What the hell? I didn’t think they were coming to this event, that’s why I said yes. I turn and look at Emily, her face has paled a little, and I know we need to get out of here. My body is on high alert.

“It will not be awkward for us,” Emily answers for me. “Louis and I wish them nothing but good fortune. They are having a very successful year, and we wish them all the success for their future.”

Fuck! I love this woman.

“Thank you.” I cut the interview short and pull Emily away from the spotlight. I walk quickly along the red carpet, ignoring the rest of the reporters.

“Louis, hold up,” Emily calls from behind me. She’s practically running as I push through the gilded doors and out of the glare of the spotlight.

My hands cup her face. “We can go. We can turn around and walk straight out the backdoor. No one will know. I don’t want to put you in a dangerous situation again.”

“Louis.” Her voice is soft. “It wasn’t your fault last time. I’ll be fine. I’m sure he’s not stupid enough to try something again.”

I wish I had the same optimism as Emily, so I say, “I can have a bodyguard with us within the hour.”

“Louis, please. It will be okay.” She reaches up on her tiptoes and kisses me softly. “I love that you’re so worried about me, but I promise everything is going to be okay,” she tries to reassure me.

“If you feel uncomfortable at any moment… sunflowers, okay?”

She nods. “I promise. Sunflowers.” She gives me a wink, which relaxes me the tiniest of bits.

Thankfully, the room is so large that we’re seated nowhere near them. They are all the way over on the other side of the room with maybe a thousand people between us. I still want to punch Yves in his smug face, but luckily, they have stayed on their side.

“Louis, I need a bathroom break.” Emily pulls on my sleeve as I’m chatting with the gentleman beside me. I try to excuse myself from the conversation, but Emily stops me. “I’ll be fine. He’s still seated at his table. If he moves, you can come and get me.” I look over to where Yves is sitting, and she’s right, he’s sitting in his seat.

While Emily is gone, I keep a close eye on Yves’ table, and when a body slides in beside me, I relax. I turn around to welcome Emily back safely, but instead, I see Elisabeth. What the hell?

“You’re looking good. Much better than the latest gossip reports on you. You’ve cleaned up well.” Her bright red lip curls up into a smile. “I hear it’s because you have a new muse.” She says the word muse as if it’s acid on her tongue.

“Yes, you were replaceable, after all.”

Elisabeth doesn’t react to my dig. “I’m sure she won’t last. No one is as talented as I am as your muse.” Her hand slides up my thigh trying to find its target. I jump at her touch, my entrée wanting to make a second appearance.

“Actually, she’s better.” I take her hand and remove it from my leg forcefully. “I’ve never felt this way before. I now know what real love is.” Each barb finds its target, and I see the barest of flinches.

“You and me both, Louis,” she throws back. “Yves doesn’t put me on a pedestal. He understands that sometimes a lady likes it a little rough.” My fists ball, bile creeping up my throat. “I hope your new love can handle the pressure of being the perfect partner to you.” What does she mean? “You treat your women like glass dolls, Louis. But guess what? We won’t break if you manhandle us a little. Keep that in mind next time you’re fucking your muse.”

“Fuck you.” I take a swig of my wine, and my hand starts shaking with rage.

“You wish you could. Come find me when you get bored with Miss Strawberry Shortcake.” Elisabeth stands and walks away, while my heart is beating a million miles a minute.

Emily. I look up and see that Yves is still sitting at his table, but Emily isn’t back yet. My phone vibrates in my pocket, I pull it out and see the word ‘sunflowers’ flash across it. Shit! I jump up out of my chair and rush toward the bathrooms. I don’t even think just run straight into the ladies’ bathroom, and a couple of women scream with surprise.

“Emily. Emily,” I call out frantically.

She’s not in here.

I run back out and see her step out of an alcove. She’s shaking, holding a white envelope in her hand, and her face is white.

“Emily.” I pull her into my arms. “Chérie, what’s the matter? What’s happened?”

“This.” She hands me the note, she has screwed up into a ball. I pull it open and start to read.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since Monaco.

When the time is right, you will be mine.

Yves

xoxo

My hands shake with rage.

How fucking dare he?

I’m settling this once and for all.

“No.” Emily grabs my arm before I stride off. “Please, let’s go home.”

“He needs to be taught a lesson.”

Emily shakes her head. “No. I want to go home. I want to go back to our bubble.” Emily is shaken, and she’s pleading with me to get her away from here. As much as I want to punch his face in, Emily’s welfare is more important. I take her hand and escort her outside and along the red carpet. Moments later, the limousine arrives.

Emily slides in first and hits the privacy screen. As soon as I close the door to the car, she’s on me, her legs straddling my lap, nimble hands are fumbling with the zipper of my tuxedo pants. In seconds, she has them open and down, and her hand is pulling out my hardening dick. “I need you, Louis.” She’s almost breathless