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She looked stunning…this was my woman and tonight I would make her all mine. Her walk was slow and regal, and the crowd adored her. She was a model herself. Her dress shimmered with silver highlights. It was a vintage dress from the company’s previous rollout–one of the best. One…no two had been made.
As she reached the end of the carpet, I stepped out of the shadows. Walking over to her, I took her hand. I kissed it and linked our arms. Our words were drowned out by the voice of everyone cheering for us. Bright lights flashed around us. I led her in. The sound of the crowd was muted when we entered the venue.
“You are so beautiful.” I spoke. I wanted to kiss her red lips. She saw my intentions.
“And has no one told you how dashing you look, Mister? Here.” She hugged me, giving me a peck. “Sorry, my makeup.”
“We have all night.” I winked and led her to our exclusive seats. Many were already seated around the raised platform in the middle of the hall. A large curtain hid the models. Very soon they’d start walking up and down the runway.
I introduced some of the more important guests to Marie before we took our seats close to the runway. Some cameras were busy snapping our picture. Others were focused on the runway. Several of them were Marie’s crew. They’d added this to the project.
“It’s about to start,” I announced, holding her soft hand on my thigh. The lights in the hall dimmed, obscuring the audience. Only the runway enjoyed full illumination. One by one, exquisitely dressed models walked out from behind the curtains. Although I had watched them practice, I was still impressed as they pranced down the runway.
Several rounds of applause went up at the sight of the superb designs. The climax of the show was close. The crux of the show was my looks. A male model walked out with a summery outfit–a mixture of 90’s American male fashion and a British college aesthetic. I nodded, watching other models walk out in other notable designer looks. However, after the appetizers were done, the final models did not walk out.
Blake, trying to look composed, walked over and whispered in my ear, “Sir, something tragic has happened to the models—food poisoning. We just sent them to the hospital. I’m sorry for my negligence but the looks have been damaged. It looks like someone cut them with something sharp.”
I sucked in a sharp breath and schooled my expression. I couldn’t let them see me angry. The show had to keep going. “Go get the Enchanted designs. Make sure no harm comes to them or your job is on the line.”
He left hastily.
“What’s wrong?” Marie whispered.
Chapter 19
MARIE
“Ihaveafavorto ask of you. I’m going to stand up soon, so please follow me. Act naturally. I can’t rattle the guests just yet.” I was unsure of what was happening, but he seemed serious. If there was any way I could help, I would.
I nodded. Murmurs were rising around us since no more models were coming out–especially the finale look.
He rose, looking unfazed. His confident look reassured me. I gave him my hand, and he pulled me to my feet. The guests quietened as they saw us walk toward the preparation room behind the curtain. We passed the curtain and entered a brightly lit dressing room with models in different stages of undress—and others applying or removing makeup. They stopped what they were doing and watched us walk past them into another room.
This room was private with large mirrors and lights to help with dressing.
“Why are we here?”
He sat on the seat pulling me on his lap. “Something happened to the models and the dress. Blake went to get other looks to replace them. It’s the last minute, and we can’t get new models. Fortunately, the dress will fit you. I want to ask if you’d like to walk down the runway with me?”
I touched his face, enjoying the tender look in his eyes. Regardless of what happened, this moment and the next on the runway would be worth it.
“I would love that, although I’m not much of a model.” We placed our heads together, breathing each other’s scent. A smile pulled on his lips.
“From what I saw, that’s a lie. You are better than many out there…” The door opened, and Blake pushed in a wardrobe.
“Sir, the clothes are inside. Would you like me to get the designers to help you put them on?”
Karl shook his head, “Go reassure the guests. I can take care of things here.” He left, and I faced Karl. We rose, went to the wardrobe, and opened it. A beautiful sea blue gown with emerald floral designs hung on a mannequin. An emerald crystal so dark as to be black was also on the mannequin. Beside the dress was a suit. It was green with a sea blue shirt. The jacket and trousers of the suit had blue fire designs. Both garments had so much detail, which added to their richness.
“This is the Enchanted. I want us to wear this down the runway. Would you be kind enough to join me, Marie?”
“Anytime.”
That brought a smile to his lips. Immediately, he helped me out of my dress. Carefully, I wore the special gown and all the accessories. The dress flattered my form; it was like I was born for the dress. I watched Karl strip naked. I admired his body as he put on the green suit. I helped where I could.
“We look immaculate,” he pronounced.
“Hair and makeup? More is still needed.”
