Chapter 106

Ava

The cool fabric slid easily up my body as I slipped into the dress, my silhouette in the mirror all black elegance and old vintage glamor. I felt my breath hitch in my throat when I finally zipped it up and turned to look at myself fully.

I couldn’t believe it. I felt like some kind of old Hollywood icon—Audrey Hepburn or Elizabeth Taylor—especially with the long white gloves.

I felt…

“Beautiful,” I whispered, my voice breathless.

For a moment, I admired my reflection in the mirror. It had felt like forever since I had felt this beautiful.

Well, that was a bit of a lie. It had felt like forever before Chris came along that I had felt this beautiful, or beautiful at all, really. I know it sounded pathetic, but over the years, trapped in a marriage with a man who easily discarded me for the younger, hotter Olivia, I had felt more and more like an old maid with each passing birthday. Like I had become invisible, like I should have been invisible.

And maybe, in a way, I had made myself invisible as well.

I had long since given up my form-fitting styles by my thirtieth birthday, figuring that my lower belly protruded too much to show my waist off anymore. By my thirty-third birthday, I had given up heels. By my thirty-fifth birthday, I had practically sworn off makeup as well, figuring that I wasn’t fooling anyone.

But now, ever since Chris had walked back into my life, all of that had changed. Here I was, at thirty-six years old, feeling better than I had even in my early twenties. All thanks to a man ten years my junior.

All thanks to a man who I might not even be able to love for much longer.

But I wouldn’t let myself dwell on that tonight; I had already decided that while I was doing my makeup and getting my hair ready for the press event. Tonight, just tonight, I wouldn’t worry about all the other stuff.

One night of happiness couldn’t hurt, could it?

As I slipped my white gloves on and grabbed my faux fur shawl, I nodded to myself as some sort of affirmation. Yes, one night couldn’t hurt. And it would be a damn good night—I was sure of it.

When I opened the door, I wasn’t expecting to see Chris just yet. But there he was, his back turned, standing in the hallway wearing his tuxedo.

He didn’t see me yet, and I froze. My eyes roamed across the broad expanse of his shoulders, drinking in his muscular back. They wandered down to his narrow waist, lingering for a moment on the attractive ‘V’ shape of his body. And then they made their way down his long legs, perfectly proportioned and toned even through his tailored trousers.

He was peering into the reflection in a painting on the wall and adjusting his tie, and… Goddess, I wanted him. I wanted nothing more than to drag him into my hotel room like some kind of feral animal in heat and throw him down on the bed.

But then he was turning and flashing me that signature roguish smile of his.

“Goddess, Ava,” he breathed, closing the distance between us in two quick strides. His hands raised to cup my cheeks, but then he paused, clearly thinking better of it, and cleared his throat. “You look…”

I couldn’t help but blush. Glancing over both shoulders to ensure that no one was watching, I nodded subtly—indicating that Chris could continue. He didn’t hesitate, instantly picking up on what I was implying.

Just like that, his hands were cupping my face and pulling me closer. His lips were crashing into mine, soft and sweet and warm like melted ice cream on a summer’s day. For the first time all day, I allowed myself to lean into his kiss, to savor the taste and texture of his lips.

After all, who knew how many—

Enough, I thought to myself as my gloved fingers left a blazing trail up the back of his neck. Just enjoy it. Just for now. Nothing else.

When our lips finally pulled apart with a wet smack, we pressed our foreheads together and allowed ourselves to share the same breath for a few heart-wrenching moments. Then, finally, he pulled back and took my hand in his.

“You’re stunning,” he said. “Absolutely stunning.”

My cheeks reddened beneath his gaze as I gestured to his body. “I could say the same thing about you, you know.”

Chris chuckled and pulled me along with him toward the elevator. The whole ride down, he couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of me—his fingers and palms relentlessly wandered the soft fabric of my dress, leaving hot marks through the cool silk. I didn’t pull away, even though I knew I should.

When we finally emerged out into the lobby, though, we allowed ourselves a bit of distance. Chris held the door open for me and we walked out onto the street, where a sleek black town car was waiting for us. He held that door open for me as well, the cold leather seat biting against my skin through my dress as I slid in.

A few moments later, we were peeling down the bustling city streets. The sky had grown dark, the glowing city lights and neon signs illuminating our path. It looked like it might rain, but I barely noticed anything other than the sensation of Chris’s leg pressed against mine.

“So, what’s the rundown of tonight?” I asked, just wanting something—anything—to break the silence and the tension.

Chris cleared his throat and checked my watch. “I believe there should be a brief time to mingle before the panel begins,” he said. “The panel should only last half an hour, an hour at the most; and then there will be a cocktail hour.”

“Any afterparties?” I asked, suddenly cringing at how desperate I sounded just then.

He shot me an amused glance. “Perhaps. Why, are you looking to extend our night?”

I couldn’t contain the blush that rose to my cheeks then as I shrugged. “Just curious.”

For a moment, Chris flipped through his phone before he shook his head. “Not that I can tell,” he replied, slipping it back into his pocket. “But I believe Ophelia should be there; maybe the three of us can go out for drinks and appetizers afterwards.”

A soft sigh of relief escaped me at the sound of her name. “I’d like that,” I said.

Chris smiled and looped his arm around my shoulders, tugging me closer. “You seem to like her.”

“I do. She’s nice.”

That was another downside; losing Chris would also mean losing a new friend. But once again, I decided not to think about it.

Soon, the tall, imposing facade of the reception hall came into view. A set of marble steps lined with a red carpet led up the front, flanked on either side by rows of screaming fans, journalists, and paparazzi.

Instantly, I felt my stomach turn into a tight knot. The thought of getting out of the car in front of all these people and cameras was terrifying; but as I turned to say something to Chris, the sight of his calm face gave me pause. He didn’t seem fazed.

And besides, they’d all be looking at him, anyway. Not me. Not the strange werewolf girlfriend.

The car pulled up to a stop, and the driver came around to open the door. Chris and I didn’t have the chance to do more than exchange nods with one another before we stepped out, Chris going first and taking my hand to help me out.

As soon as my heel hit the carpet, all the faces and cameras turned to us.