Chapter 7 Getting ready for the party

Lance’s POV…

I stare at her, speechless, into her questioning eyes. She appears surprised to see me here.

The shop owner has gone to deal with the other customer, leaving me with no choice but to come and assist her. Standing in front of her in this small room when her entire bare back is visible in the mirror, I don’t know how to control myself.

She is too tempting to resist.

‘Fuck, I want her so badly,’ I groan inwardly.

I came to help her. But I keep staring at her, forgetting about helping her. My hands ache from the desire to touch, feel, and explore her.

She looks damn beautiful in this ball gown. Thank goodness she didn't wear anything too revealing this time.

I'm not picky about dresses. But what can I do? She looked so pretty and sexy in those dresses. I don’t want anyone to eye fuck her.

She averts her gaze, the awkwardness is evident on her face. She scratches the back of her ear. "This is the ladies changing room. You shouldn’t be here."

I can tell she is nervous. This is frustrating.

I am her husband, and she should feel comfortable around me. I want to pin her against the mirror and claim her right here to remind her that I have every right to her.

I clench my fists, anger flaring across my face. "You called for help, and I am here."

"I called the shop owner." She scowls at me, and trust me, I am losing my mind.

‘Damn this woman.’

I grit my teeth. "She is busy with a customer."

She moves her gaze to the side, avoiding eye contact with me.

I cock my head, searching for her eyes. I don’t like it when she looks away from me. I feel empty in my heart.

‘Look at me, Molly.’

"I will wait for her," she says. "You should go out. If anyone sees us together here, it will be extremely embarrassing."

Her words irritate me further. Why is she concerned with what other people think? She is with her husband, not with another man.

"We don’t have time to waste," I hiss. "Who knows how long it will take her? Let me help you."

She doesn’t say anything, but she gives me a hesitant look. She appears to be debating whether to let me assist her.

She says, "Okay" after a long silence, and turns her back on me.

Since her long hair is held up in a messy bun, her bare back is clearly visible. Her skin is flawless and appears smooth.

I want to run my fingers down her back. My throat is dry, and I swallow hard. My irritation, annoyance, and displeasure with her vanish in an instant.

I could not stop my legs from approaching her, my gaze roving over her back.

"The zip has become stuck. Can you help me out?"

I nod in a state of stupor. To be honest, I don't want to zip up her gown. I want to take it off and make love to her.

‘Get a grip, Lance,’ I remind myself.

I am a little self-conscious about my helpless sexual desire. How can I consider fucking her when she is seeking my assistance?

‘Fuck, man.’ I scold myself inwardly.

But, darn. She is too hot.

My fingertips are freezing. I hold the zip and pull it up slowly. However, I cannot stop my finger from brushing against her skin.

She shivers, chills covering her back.

I look at her in the mirror, only to meet her eyes.

Damn…

She is blushing.

I wish I could bite into her red cheeks. I deliberately continue to stroke her back, not breaking eye contact.

Her chest is visibly moving up and down.

When I zip up her dress, I turn her towards me. We lock gazes, and I can feel the hormones beginning to flow. I hold her chin and slightly lift her face.

Her lips are so plump. I can hardly wait to taste them. I lower my head to kiss her.

Buzz-Buzz-Buzz…

‘Shit…’ I grimace, displeased at the interruption. I reluctantly release her to check my phone.

When I see the number, my creased brow relaxes. I cannot ignore the call.

I notice her curious eyes on me.

"A call from the office." I walk out of the changing room.

Molly’s POV…

I breathe out a sigh, my hand on my breastbone. My cheeks are burning.

"Phew… he was about to kiss me."

When I remember his face getting closer to me, I blush furiously. My stomach flutters just thinking about his lips on mine.

How can my body react this way? Why do I crave his touch and kiss?

This thought irritates me. I am well aware of his fondness for Ruby, yet I am drawn toward him. It is like I cannot resist my desire. I cannot possibly have sex with a man who has no feelings for me. I cannot let this desire consume me.

‘This marriage is going to end soon,’ I remind myself.

My mood is sour as I walk out of the changing room.

A helper comes forward and compliments me. "You look stunning in this dress, ma'am. You are so gorgeous."

"Thank you." I smile at her.

"Please follow me this way. I will help you with your makeover." She leads me into the powder room.

She never stops complimenting me as she applies makeup to my face. "Mr. Stevens is very attractive, just like those movie stars. And you are a perfect match for him. You two look complete with each other. I am sure you will set fire to the party tonight. Everyone’s attention will be on you."

I'm not sure why I find her words so appealing and can't stop curling my lips. Perhaps I believe that Lance and I are made for each other.

Then again, he is not mine. His love is for Ruby.

How can we be perfect for each other?

Bitterness fills my heart. It is relieving that my makeover is done quickly.

Lance enters not long after the helper has left.

I rise from the stool, startled to see him in the powder room. All the scenes in the trial room play out in my head one by one. I clutch my dress nervously, expecting him to say something negative.

He has already made me change dresses several times. I don't have the energy to change my clothes, my hairstyle, or my makeup.

He comes in closer and hands me a blue velvet box.

"Open it," he says, his tone commanding.

I quickly open the box, curious to know what is inside. My breathing gets caught in my throat when I see a dazzling diamond necklace, which seems to be expensive. I raise my eyes at him, puzzled.

He comes even closer to me and murmurs, "I will help you put it on."

I'm at a loss for words and can only nod.

He takes the necklace and put it around my neck.

I shiver when the cold diamonds make contact with my skin. My hand unwittingly flies to the necklace.

‘It is truly beautiful.’ I cannot help but admire it in the vanity mirror.

"You look beautiful," he whispers into my ear, his breath falling on my bare shoulder.

I skip a beat, sensations coursing throughout my body. I stifle a moan and look up, our gazes locked in the mirror.