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I took a purposeful step back and threw my palm up to stop him. “No. You can have each other. We’re through, Aug.”I stormed out of the changing room and went in search of my belongings. I wrapped my warm cashmere shawl around me and dialed for a cab to collect me.
Jeremy caught sight of me as I was heading toward the back entrance. “Sienna, where are you going?”
“Home.” My bottom lip trembled.
I opened the backstage exit door only to be flooded with flashes from cameras and paparazzi ten deep. Beyond them, I could see my ride. With a deep breath, I waded into the frenzy. Fear rolled through me as I felt them tugging at my clothing and pushing me to and fro. I let out a small squeal when I was shoved into someone’s shoulder. Then I was tumbling toward the ground.
Was this how I’d go out?
Was I going to be trampled to death by the British press?
The palm of my hand brushed the asphalt, and then I was being pulled back up and tugged tight against Jeremy’s familiar solid body. Fighting against the crowd, he dashed me to my taxi, helped me into the back seat, and slid in beside me. I heard him mumble something to the driver. Then I could feel his eyes watching me closely when all I wanted was to be invisible and alone with my sadness.
“Sienna—”
I wish he hadn’t said my name. Maybe I wouldn’t have broken down in a fit of sobs if he hadn't.
“Oh, sugar, come here. Come here.” Jeremy pulled me against him and let me cry into his chest. I cried all the way home. The floodgates were wide open, and nothing could stop the deluge. All the while, Jeremy murmured comforting words to me to no avail. Miraculously, I don’t think he minded that they had no effect on me, but he continued to whisper anyway.
When we reached our building, Jeremy paid the driver. I lingered on the sidewalk in a dazed state. The building was so dark, my apartment was so cramped, and I didn’t have anywhere to hang my beautiful dress.
“Come on, babe,” Jeremy touched my elbow to encourage me to walk. We made our way up the stairs, but instead of taking me to my apartment, Jeremy let me into his.
“Do you think I look pretty?”
“No.”
My heart sank.
“I think you look drop-dead fucking gorgeous.”
I felt a blush creeping across my cheeks. I swayed a little, letting the skirt of my garment swish about my legs. “What do you think of my dress?”
“You know what I think. I told you earlier.”
“I thought I’d be a knockout, but I forgot the guests were much richer than me and could afford even more incredible gowns, and so I suppose I faded into the background. Or maybe these kinds of garments are way too run-of-the-mill for certain individuals. I thought I might catch the eyes of the people who mattered the most to me. But I suppose certain individuals are too busy looking at other people. Thank you for noticing me, Jer.”
“You’re welcome.” Jeremy stroked my face. “What happened back there?”
I felt my lip tremble again. “You’ll think I’m a hypocrite.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
Tears began to spill down my face again. “I caught Augustus in a highly compromising position with my boss.”
“You what?” I could see the anger rising in him.“That fucking little bastard.”
“But I’m a hypocrite, aren’t I?” I threw my arms out. “I mean, I’m dating multiple people. What if he wants to, as well? Who am I to stop him?”
“That’s not how you go about it. You don’t sneak around behind someone’s back. He ought to have talked to you first. What he did was cheating.” Jeremy balled his fists up. “I’ll have him for this.”
“All I want to do right now is curl up and hide.” My voice sounded hollow. “I’m tired of fighting. I’m tired of fighting with my boss to keep my job. I’m tired of fighting with Augustus because I honestly don’t think he wants what I want. I’m just tired.” I waved my hands at my dress. “This was all for nothing. We didn’t even get to have our little celebration.” I unzipped the back of my dress and let it fall to the floor. The only underwear I had on was a black lace thong. I was exposed and vulnerable in more ways than one.
Jeremy was clearly aroused by the sight of me, but ever the gentleman, he didn’t act on it. Instead, he peeled back the covers on his bed. “Come on then, sugar. In you get.”
I stepped out of my sparkly heels, slipped my thong off, and climbed under the covers. Jeremy tucked me in and held his lips against my forehead. “Sleep, baby. I’ll be here if you need me.”
I rested my forehead against his. “I’ll always need you.”
