Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 19 First Gala together

Chapter 19 First gala together

“Are you almost ready, Love?” Collin asked through the door. All the girls and I are getting ready for another charity gala. I was dressed in a rose gold rhinestone encrusted ombre and flared out in a nice chiffon with a slit that showed off my right leg all the way up to the top of my thigh. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline. Angie pined my hair to the side and I wore diamond studs and my engagement ring. This will be our first gala together as a couple. We haven’t been to a social event since London. There have been rumors of our engagement but nothing definite circulating in the media. This event will show the world that Collin and I are officially engaged. All our friends are going and we all have a table together. Makes for an easy event when we stick together. 

Angie and Lily wore a black gown and Trish wore a dark blue gown with a diamond broach and this time her hair was pink. And Katie wore an emerald green dress. When we went out the men were all looking handsome in their black tuxes. We were definitely a power group. 

We all entered our own Limos and we were off. Collin couldn’t keep his hands off me and by the time we got to the hall I was a giggling mess. We saw the red carpet close and all the flashing lights of the cameramen. 

“You ready love.” Collin smirked when it was our time to exit. 

“Let’s do this, my love.” I winked and we grinned wider. The door of our limo opened and Collin exited first. There were screams of adoring fans and the media shouting questions. Collin extended his hand and I took it. I exited and there were gasps and more shouting of questions. Collin wrapped his arm around my waist and escorted me to where they were taking the official photos for the event. I made sure to wrap my arm around his waist to show our intimacy. I was carrying my clutch with my left hand which gave a clear view of my ring. Everyone was asking if we were engaged and how long we have been together. The media was relentless. Collin and I didn’t waver and just ignored them. 

We took our pictures and Collin had to give the media more of a show. He leaned down and kissed my cheek. I blushed and sent the media more into a frenzy. We finally entered and found our table with our friends and sat. Collin sat to my left and made sure to grab my hand and kiss it for the world to see. This was a funny side of him that I didn’t expect. He was flaunting off our relationship status. He was truly proud to have me by his side and he wasn’t afraid to show it. 

Dinner came and we enjoyed a few laughs and drinks. When the music played Collin whisked me away to dance. He held me as close as he could and dipped his nose in the coak of my neck. 

“Aria, you are so beautiful. I love you.” He said. I smiled. 

“I love you Collin. You are so free and humble. My heart will always be yours.” I said. We kept dancing and he kissed my neck occasionally. It was a beautiful and magical moment, until someone cleared their throat. We both turned to see who it was and it was none other than my stupid ex. 

“Aria, may I have the next dance?” Jake said like he was entitled. 

“No you may not. Jake, Collin here is my fiance and I am only going to be dancing with him tonight.” I said firmly. Collin and I never let go of each other. 

“Aria, please…” Jake began. 

“Mr Thomas, you heard what my fiance said. Please leave before you make a scene and have you kicked out like last time.” Collin said firmly and held me to him tighter. 

“Mr. O’Donnell, she is mine and always will be. Aria, I will see you around.” Jake said as calmly as a cucumber which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. He walked away and Collin and I decided to go and hangout with our friends. We found Trish, Drew, Katie and Bruce at the bar laughing and talking to other people. We decided to go and join them. Collin called the bartender and ordered our drinks while I walked over to Trish and Katie and whispered what had just happened. They were shocked and nervous for me. When Collin had our drinks I walked back to be by his side and we cliqued our glasses together and sipped our drink. 

“Aria, hey!” Kent called and came to join us. I sighed knowing that he is going to be very disappointed. 

“Hey Kent.” I said. Collin wrapped his arm around my waist and held me closer to him. I am sure he was still on edge with Jake’s encounter. Kent was another story. I am glad that Justin has a date, at least that is one less problem. 

“You look stunning, May I have a dance?” He said, extending his hand.

“I am sorry Kent, but I am with my new fiance and he is my soul dance partner for tonight.” I said, not taking his hand. I didn’t want him to touch me at all. 

“O” He began and then retracted his hand. “I was not aware that you two were that intimate. I guess congratulations are in order. Mr. O’Donnell you are a very lucky guy. Aria is definitely one of a kind. Protect her as much as you can.” Kent said and he tipped his invisible hat to Collin. 

“Thank you Mr. Jones. I am a lucky guy indeed.” Collin says and smiles looking back at me and I smile back. Collin leans forward and gives me a quick peck on the lips and I blush. 

“Well then I will leave you two to enjoy your night. Goodnight.” Kent said and turned to walk away. 

“How many more men do I have to ward off Aria?” Collin grunts teasingly. I kissed him back this time. 

“Justin Adams has a girlfriend now, so it was just those two.” I said innocently. He chuckled and shook his head. 

“I guess I will have to get used to all the attention you get when you look as gorgeous as you do my love.” 

“Hey it's no easier on my end. I can see all the lustful gazes that other women have on you. And let’s not forget the blondie that kissed you at the club when we first met.” I said, raising an eyebrow challenging him. 

“I get it. But you know that I only have eyes for you my love. You, my dove, are perfect for me and I am not ever letting you go.” Collin said and my heart fluttered. He took my hand and kissed it and then cupped my hand on his face. I love how affectionate and loving he could be. 

The night went well without any interference. Our friends networked while Collin and I just enjoyed dancing and socializing with the other nobles. Collin was next to be Earl of Westmeath and had to start introducing me to the other nobles. This gala was an example of who we would more likely see in the future at events like this in the country. There were the nobles and then the richest prominent families, and then the socialites and the celebrities. Of course the twin barbies and their friend were here, but they never approached us. 

By the end of the night we were all tired lazily walking back to our limos. I sat with my feet on Collin’s lap while he messaged them. 

“I hope you aren’t too tired, my love. Because I still plan on worshipping every inch of your body when we get home.” He said and then began to kiss my ankle moving his way up my leg slowly. I felt the moisture pool in my panties. He knew how to turn me on. 

“O Collin, when we get home you can take me however you want me.” I said and moaned as he started to touch my sensitive nub under my panties. His hands worked like magic.

When we finally got back to his condo he scooped me up and carried me bridal style up the elevator and into his condo. He threw me on the bed and we began to ravish each other. This night was not going to end just yet. And so we made love again and again until the sun finally came up.