"Wait!" I called out to the waitress, but she was already weaving through the crowd with a tray of champagne.
I looked toward the door where the "man in red" had disappeared. My modeling instincts kicked in. I was used to scanning crowds, used to being watched but this was different. This was being hunted. I walked toward the exit, ignoring the curious glances from the socialites I passed.
"Going somewhere?"
Elijah's voice stopped me mid-stride. He stood by the arched entrance, looking every bit the Sun City king. He didn't look angry, but the intensity in his eyes told me he'd seen the waitress hand me the note. He held out his hand, palm up.
"Whatever is in your hand, Eliza. Give it to me."
"I can handle it"
"You've been gone three minutes, and you've gone pale"
My eyes searched his face to see if the softness in his voice was there or my fright taking over.
" You're under my protection Eliza"
I handed the note to him.
I could see him furrow his brow but that soon was replaced with a grin.
" I'll handle it"
" What will you do?"
He leaned closer.
" Everything" He plants a kiss on my head.
" No one threatens my woman"
Lucius immediately appears by his side. After whispering something to him, he dismisses Lucius.
" Let's go back inside"
We stepped back into the ballroom, the bright chandeliers and the hum of high-society chatter suddenly feeling like a trap I wanted to get away from.
" No one will hurt you Eliza"
I looked at my side and somehow this god like man words brought a flutter to my already racing heart.
" Thank you" I managed to say after a long pause.
The host clinked his glass with a spoon, trying to get everyone's attention.
" Twelve years ago, Monsieur Domini… had a simple dream and that was to shape how luxury was seen"
" Tala luxury wasn't just dreams , it was built on passion ,grit, determination and years of hardwork. It's with great pleasure that I offer this toast to the legend of the hour Monsieur Domini"
" To Monsieur Domini" Every voice echoed in unison
" Now, please welcome the face and brains of Tala luxury. Monsieur Domini"
The room erupted in a ravaging applause. A man in a grey tuxedo took the stage.
" My God!"
The room erupted in laughter
" I'm honored to not only have these amazing people here with me but favoured to have the greatest minds as friends, colleagues and family"
" I want to toast to a special man whose determination carried my dreams through the waves of time. Ladies and gentlemen my partner Elijah Sterling"
I turned to look at Elijah for the first time since his name was mentioned.
" You're truly an unpredictable man"
" If success was a person"
" Cocky much"
I rolled my eyes at him. Heat crept to my heart. I was truly proud of him, all of him even as a contract wife.
" Monsieur Domini.."
" Elijah, I didn't think you'd make it again"
" My wife, Eliza Sterling"
We shook hands.
" Your achievement is truly remarkable Monsieur Domini.."
" Beautiful and a sweet talker"
" At nineteen Eliza launched her own fashion line that moved twenty billion in a night"
" Really? I didn't know you design" he takes a sip from his wine.
" What brand?"
" I do, Monsieur Domini . It was under the name Eliza's Charm"
" No wonder your name sounded familiar.. I've always wanted a collaboration, even sent you one some time ago"
" I'll have my team reach out to you Monsieur"
" I'll be waiting"
His hands found its way to the back of my dress, stroking it gently.
" So at the end a business magnet caught your eyes" he was referring to Elijah.
" What can I say? Being number 1 is a must"
" I see"
" Hello daddy, Hello Elijah" a young girl in her early twenties walked over to us.
" My princess, where have you been?"
" And… this is?"
" Princess, Eliza Sterling"
" Elijah, will you be present for my birthday?"
" Amy"
" What dad"
" Forgive my little girl for her childishness. Excuse me"
We nodded together.
" Your admirer isn't too pleased with your decision to marry"
" And that excites you"
" Should it"
I moved closer to him.
Barely an inch away.
" Monsieur Domini…is calling for you" A waitress walked over holding a tray interrupting us.
" We'll finish this later"
Once he was out of sight. Another figure stepped closer to my table.
" Sorry about my manners earlier" she burst out laughing " expecting me to say that?"
I give a soft chuckle
" Eliza, you must know I met and fell in love with Elijah first"
" Yet, I became his wife"
" How much do you want?"
" Desperate much"
" Call it what you want but Elijah is mine"
" Okay" I paused " take him then"
" You're giving him to me?"
" You don't want him?"
" I do, but you can't take him back"
I gave a soft laugh " You're truly naive to think Mr. Sterling is someone that can be passed around"
" How dare you? Do you know who I am?"
" You're just a spoiled princess living off her father's name. You've never accomplished anything , never worked a day in your life"
" You, you dare" she pointed at me trying to attack me.
" shhhh… keep your voice down, little girl. We don't want to make a scene"
" Don't tell me what to do, you're not my mom" Amy yelled at the top of her voice.
" Amy.. What are you doing?" Monsieur Domini yelled at Amy yanking her arm .
" Eliza, I'm sorry about this "
" It's fine Monsieur Domini.. just don't let your dog out without a leech"
" You.."
" Keep quiet Amy"
Monsieur Domini yanked Amy away disappearing from the crowd.
" You couldn't wait," Elijah wrapped his hand around me.
" Why should I? The king's Woman doesn't wait for anyone"
" She's only a child"
" The reason why she needs to be taught"
" Ready to meet your admirer?" his grip tightened around my waist.
The ballroom didn't feel hot anymore. A slow, rhythmic chill started at the base of my spine and crept upward, turning my blood to i
ce. I reached for the glass just to feel something solid, but my fingers felt like they belonged to someone else numb, distant, and cold.
" If you fear him, imagine what I'd do to him"