Almost, Completely His

Chapter 11

Celeste

In a blur of moments the fool who was forcing advances on me was on the floor and I was holding a candelabra.

Before he or I could move a large figure was running to my side. I barley had a moment to see who it was when their arms wrapped around me. I immediately recognized the scent and the familiar body heat.

Arthur.

He pulled away, his eyes panicked.

“Celeste are you ok? Are you hurt?” His eyes raked over my body looking for injuries. He patted my shoulders, arms, hands and face.

“Arthur... Arthur! I’m fine!” I grabbed his large hands in mine and looked into his eyes. They were still large and full of concern.

“It’s ok Arthur, I’m ok.”

He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He was more panicked than I was. A deep groan came from the floor and we both looked at the lump of a man that was bleeding from his temple.

“Why you stupid girl I should-“

Before he could finish his sentence Arthur had him by the throat.

“How dare you disrespect her? WHAT DID YOU DO?!”

Before I could stop him, Charles and Enrique ran into the small hallway looking flushed.

Enrique rushed to my side and held onto me while Charles went to Arthur.

“What is going on Arthur?” Charles asked, but Arthur was too angry to talk.

“Sister?” Enrique asked looking at me.

“This bloody fool tried to kiss me. I pushed him away and tried to make my leave but he followed me here and demanded I kiss him..” I glared at the ugly man that was turning red in Arthur’s grasp. “Before I knew it he was charging at me and I grabbed this... and hit him.” I said still holding the candelabra.

Enrique’s eyes went small and I shuddered. When he got that look in his eyes it meant nasty business.

“Arthur, let this abomination go. It’s not our fight to end.” Charles said grabbing Arthur’s hands and peeling them off the man’s neck.

Arthur looked at him in shock. “Let Enrique and Celeste manage him. We’ll get involved if they’d like us to.”

Charles kept a calm composure but his eyes were blazing with anger and disgust. Arthur slowly pulled his hands away and gave me a quick glance that both calmed and scared me.

He looked furious but I was thankful he was here. I nodded at him and both him and Charles walked away leaving Enrique and I alone.

I made my way to the refreshment table smiling at people, trying to act like nothing had happened when minutes ago I had left my brother to teach the arrogant disrespectful fool a lesson.

If I knew my brother well, which I did, he’d be punching the man in the face until his knuckles bled and the man went unconscious. It wasn’t lady like of me to allow such a thing, nevertheless encourage it, but such acts of disrespect I would not tolerate in any way.

I sipped a small cup of lemonade when I saw Arthur walking towards me tall and stoic.

“Is everything alright?” He asked, grabbing a small glass himself.

“Indeed. It’s being taken care of.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that we will need to get bandages and new gloves for Enrique by the end of the night.”

Arthur laughed choking on his lemonade. “You suggested a beating?”

“Enrique offered, I just encouraged it.” I said shrugging.

Arthur laughed out loud causing others to look our way, which made me smile. “You’re a devil woman.”

“No such thing. Just a woman who won’t tolerate the abuse and ego of an arrogant, dreadful man.” I finished my lemonade and clutched the glass in anger.

“No,” Arthur replied. “I’d never expect anything less.”

I looked at him and he was looking straight ahead, watching the couples dance and mingle.

“You seem disappointed.” I pointed out.

“Of course not. If anything I’m only disappointed that you’re being forced into a life of false proprietary and no respect.” He turned to me and his green eyes bore into mine. “It must be taxing holding back.”

“What makes you think I’m holding back?”

He smiled gently and set his glass down. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against my ear. “Because I see the fire in your eyes when you’re angry. I see you clenching your fists and jaw when you want to snap back. And that you fidget when you’re forced to sit for too long or when you have to indulge a dull conversation.”

I felt his hair brush lightly against my cheek and blushed. “You’ve been watching me?”

He pulled away and scoffed. “No, that’s too absurd. But I do pay attention.” His green eyes shone in the candlelight. “And anyone who pays attention to you can see how vibrant you are.”

I held my breath. Could he be saying what I think he was?

“Vibrant as annoying?”

“Among other things..” I glared at him and he smiled. “But mostly, vibrant with your own beauty. Untamed, new, strong and genuine. A beauty like no other to those who pay attention.”

“And you Arthur... do you pay attention?” My heart stopped, unsure how he’d respond and how’d I react.

He bowed, taking my gloved hand in his and kissing my knuckles lightly.

To anyone else it would only seem like a polite gesture, but I felt the heat and pressure of his lips through the fabric.

“I most definitely do...” he said against my skin. “And I cherish what I see as well.”

A shiver ran up my spine when I made eye contact with him as he straightened.

“You cherish it?” My breath was ragged and voice weak.

He stepped closer to me, his eyes confident and sure. Like something clicked inside him.

“More than anything... more than any other man ever will.”