Red Carpet Party

ROXANNE 

"I don't think I want to go." I mumbled, eyeing the beautiful, expensive black dinner gown spread out with care and attention on the bed. 

Kylian, already looking impeccably handsome in his black suit, leaned on the door frame, watching me through amused eyes, "and why's that?"

"I'm not ready to go out there yet. I just want to be alone. Plus, at this point, I don't like attending rich people parties."

He let out a small chortle, a brow crooked, "because...?"

"Because you guys are so mean and snobbish and wicked. Always treating the poor like we're nothing but trash to you guys." I insisted, freshly showered but still in my bathrobe. "Five years of attending with your brother, I've had my full."

"Get dressed, Roxanne. Stop behaving like a child." The amusement was still in his eyes, but his tone was serious. Commanding even.

"But..."

"No buts," he cut me off, not harshly, but stern enough to have me swallowing any further argument, "get dressed."

My lips tightened, my stare turned to a glare, "fine. But I'll be the most boring plus one." I muttered in part threat, and part truth.

I had no plan to go there and be the loyal, sweet plus one as I had been to Josh.

It's been five days since he had stubbornly made sure I remained in his house. In his penthouse.

To my surprise, mom had supported his idea and had even brought my bags herself and told me it was for the best. 

I wouldn't lie, he had been so attentive and caring. Always getting me gifts, and while they were beautiful, I didn't trust the value of them. 

He could be doing the same thing his brother had done to me. I'd never met a good Caldwell who didn't manipulate or fuck every woman who came their way....and since it was just two of them, I never would.

My five days in this house, Kylian had returned very late smelling of a woman's perfume in at least three nights. 

He didn't come to me or make any attempt to touch me, which was a relief.

I dressed up in the black gown he'd bought for me, and slipped my feet into a pair of designer strap heels that was hidden beneath the flowing dress. 

I did a bit of make up and hair myself, and was ready in thirty minutes.

His eyes gave me a once-over when I stepped out of the bedroom and into the living room. There was something in his eyes, I tried to chalk it up to nothing but pure lust from a man who wanted to have every woman he could.

No woman was special to him. He just saw women as something to be fucked and dumped. 

"You look astonishing." He complimented.

I eye rolled, ignoring the tiniest of flip within my chest at his words, "you think every woman is astonishing, Kylian. Let's go and get this over with."

He gave me a look I couldn't fathom but said nothing. He held out an arm, I hooked mine about his and we went downstairs. 

There was a convoy of four cars waiting downstairs. A guy in practical, neat suit had the back door of the second car open for us. 

"What do you do?" I asked, a bit mesmerized by his show of wealth.

A big mansion that sat in an estate out of town. 

A penthouse in town on the roof of an apartment building that probably cost two arms and a leg to erect.

A garage with cars worth more than most persons' lifetime salary and pension.

Not to mention buying wines and other alcoholic beverages for an unbelievable lump of money.

Josh, his brother, was rich. The family company was doing well. But Kylian was a different story. I wasn't even sure Josh knew what he did.

"Suddenly interested in what I do?" His expression bore humor. "Why? You think I'm a criminal as well as a womanizer?"

"I'm not wrong about the latter." I answered with a bit of annoyance, hating how he was seemingly finding everything I said laughable and of no importance.

"Whatever you say." That was all he said, then relaxed to enjoy the ride. 

We soon reached the venue of this party and stepped out. 

Paparazzi stood at the entrance, lining both sides of the generously spread red carpet. 

This was a red carpet event? Hm! 

We stepped out and cameras were aimed in our direction as we stepped onto the carpet. 

I leaned in to whisper with cameras capturing our presence. "Why didn't you tell me this was an important event?"

His mouth curved, only slightly, "you'll see."

My curiosity was piqued. Something about his tone was quite a mystery. 

What did he want me to see? Was that why he forced me to come here with him? 

I cast a glance at his side profile just before we entered the huge hall with bright lights, sparkling chandeliers and guests dressed in expensive wears. 

Some people came up to say hello to him, while I looked on idly. I noticed, unsurprisingly, how extremely friendly he was with the women.

Some of these women would throw me brief looks that said it all. 

"Is she your girlfriend?" One even asked.

I grabbed two glasses of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter, and with a deliberate loving smile, handed a glass to him, "here you go, babe."

The woman's expression changed but she didn't say anything. She gave us both a stare and walked away. 

Unperturbed, Kylian took the glass, his expression showing his amusement, he shook his head at me and took a sip of his drink.

That made me...

"Roxanne?" 

Hairs on the nape of my neck stood on end and the familiar feeling of anger, hatred and something else I couldn't quite name yet swirled upon hearing that voice.

I didn't turn, but allowed him come up to my line of vision. 

"W-what..." He saw his brother and didn't need to ask further. He already knew. 

His expression grew bitter with a tinge of... jealousy? He faced his brother, "how could you?"

"Hello to you too, big bro."