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“Do I need to make you come before we go?”
I could see the thirst of lust in his eyes; I had the same.
Exactly the way he wanted me.
L’Arc’s bright searchlights filled the sky like a beacon to the party. The star-studded red carpet was all glitz and glamor. Celebrities took photos before disappearing through the red partition to the exclusive affair. My heart hammered against my rib cage as I walked next toPaul for his turn. How often had I watched events like this on television, never thinking I’d stand with stars?
Spending time with Paul, I’d forgotten how famous he was. However, tonight he stood as part of the upper echelons of the entertainment industry. So many stars I’d seen on screen or even went to concerts to see, all lined up to pay him reverence. I was well out of my depth and wanted to shrink away and watch from afar. Though, when I tried to leave his side for their photos with him alone, he wouldn’t let go of my waist.
I leaned over his ear. “Paul, I’m ruining their photos.”
“If they want me, then they get us both. Stop backing away. I’m not leaving you alone.”
I beamed at him as a flutter went through my stomach. Paul’s thoughtfulness surprised me. Even though we both knew I wasn’t his girlfriend, he refused to treat me as anything less in public.
The inside was full of contemporary extravagance. People were dressed to the nines in evening gowns and tuxedos, chatting together in small groups. There were tiers of champagne and hostesses with trays of food that looked like origami art. A small stage with instruments was set up at a far wall where Stromae sang“Alors On Danse”,with Vitus Dupont leading a small group to dance. Paul and Laurence walked us to the massive bright bar.
The bartender came over, and Paul chuckled at my request for a cosmopolitan.
“Women only know one drink.”
“Do you come to these types of events often?”
“No, Aubrey didn’t like them. She was shy, but I liked that about her and wouldn’t change that. If she didn’t want to go, I didn’t force her.”
I didn’t realize I had the option. But then, did I?
Asking Paul now would only lead to my feelings being hurt. I’d learned some things were better left unsaid until you had time to process them. Tonight was for Paul to do something that he enjoyed. He brought me here to have fun.
A neon sign flashed with the number fifty on the wall, and Vitus Dupont climbed to the stage and addressed the crowd, first in French and then in English. “Thank you all for coming. Sabrina and I are happy you’ve come to share my birthday. I can’t believe I’m fifty. I’m just a man with a camera.” We all clapped and cheered at his humble address for his extensive list of accomplishments in film. Though Sabrina caught my attention. She was no older than me and similarly dressed in seductive chic.
Paul took us over to Vitus, and they hugged and kissed each other’s cheeks in greeting. Then he beamed at me and nudged Paul.
“You’ve done well. This gorgeous, sweet girl is what you need for now. Someone who won’t fuss. Are you a good girl, angel?”
Paul ran his hand down my back, and I knew even though I hated what Vitus said, I had to play nice. “I try.”
“Nadia’s my good girl.” Paul squeezed my side and kissed my cheek.
Vitus laughed. “You will play for me, Paul?”
“Of course. Whatever you want to hear.”
“Beethoven’sPathétique. There is no other joy in life than hearing your Beethoven.”
Paul stiffened next to me. “For you.”
I tilted my head and stared at him. His smile hadn’t reached his eyes, which were now listless.
Paul didn’t hesitate and immediately signaled for the music to end. He took the stage, and the room went silent as he began to play Beethoven. He played the haunting piece with such fluid expertise. The misery emanating from him was palpable as he mesmerized with his skillful execution of the composition. My heart ached for him.
I gritted my teeth and glared at Vitus.
The crowd erupted into applause.
He glanced at me. “You know, I haven’t heard Paul play the song since his wedding. His late wife fell in love with him when he played Beethoven. I had to hear if I could still feel his pain if he played it now, and I do. What a gift.”
The disregarding way Vitus spoke of Paul’s pain made me instantly dislike him. These were his friends?No wonder Paul went to great lengths to protect himself.
