Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

When we landed back in Alaska I was all caught up with Trish and Lily. They also made up with their guys. I think that Slut group is Sandy, Mandy, and Chloe. Sandy and Mandy are twins and they are part of the socialite in the country and all have obsessed over the guys. Collin in particular for his title. 

When we landed back in Alaska I pulled my phone out and texted Collin that I was safe. He called instantly. 

“Hey my dove!” He said groggy but thrilled. 

“Hey, I bet it's super late over there. Go back to sleep and we will talk later.” I said. 

“How can I go back to sleep now when I am thinking about the love of my life that’s millions of miles away.” He said and I blushed like a schoolgirl with a crush. 

“I will see you soon. I am sure that we are going to the same event soon.” 

“Ok, until then I guess. I love you Aria.” He said. 

“And I love you Collin.” I said. And then we both hung up. I was already missing him. 

I get to my condo in Downtown Anchorage. I immediately look over my schedule on my work tablet. I see my mother text me details of another charity gala. She said that I had to attend on behalf of the family since they had made arrangements to go to Europe at that time. It was a month from now so I had time. Maybe that’s the event that Collin is attending. It is a masquerade, yeah, leave it to dear mom to find bachelor themed galas. I wonder if they expect me to meet and be escorted by my betrothed. I cringe at the idea. I still have one more day off before I have to go back to work. I should use that time to figure out a plan and move. I finally turn everything off and go to bed. 

It has been a month and I have been working hard in the company and planning my move. I have also been texting and calling Collin constantly. He is on his plane as we speak coming to Alaska, we did find out that we are attending the same function. We decided on wearing an emerald green and gold mixture for our attire to tell us apart. This function was definitely aimed for the single rich and powerful within the business and political circles. I don’t see why I have to go since I am already betrothed, unless my parents are baiting me. If this wasn’t for a good cause I would have not gone at all. I had to facetime Katie and Angie on what to wear for the gala. Angie called one of her best stylists to come do my hair and make-up on the day. I went with a champagne satin dress that flowed effortlessly over my body. The thin halter strap was holding the dress up. My back was completely exposed. I am sure any man would love to touch the skin on my lower back. I had a gold mask made with green filigree. I hope Collin can recognize the subtle detail.

The day of the gala was here and I was in my condo with my stylist doing my hair and make-up. They went with a natural look for make-up and pinned my hair to the side with elegant loose curls. 

“You look like a goddess Miss Winters.” They said and I smiled and hugged them.

“Thank you both, I will be sure to make sure you get a bonus for this, you two did an amazing job.” I said back. Angie should be proud of her workers. I grabbed my matching clutch and headed down and out of my building into my awaiting limo. I texted the girls to see if anyone was going and to my surprise only Trish was going. She messaged me that Drew and Brenden were going to be there also. At least I had them to help ward off Justin Adams and Kent Jones. Yes, They texted me earlier that they were going and excited to see me. This night was going to end in drama, I am sure of it. 

I get to the venue and there is a red carpet with flashing cameras. I bet the media was thrilled to capture the potential love interest of the future rich and powerful. I hated these vultures. I always chose to ignore them and keep my privacy. I was next to exit and when I set foot on the red carpet I was bombarded with questions on my identity and who I was hoping to hook up with tonight. I was thankful again for my security team that blocked and escorted me into the entrance. 

I got inside and followed the red carpets to the main hall. It was big, white, classy, and shining with crystal chandeliers. There was a white dance floor and an instrumental band on the stage playing soft music. There were tables and chairs everywhere and bars on every end of the hall. There was no order of things in this event, just a grand social gathering. Again all for a good cause. I feel like I keep repeating that as a mantra to cool my anger at my mother for making me do something like this. I hope I can find Collin, or Trish soon. I hate all these lustful gazes I get from all the men around. I was approached by a waiter carrying a tray of champagne and handed me one. I gladly took it knowing it would help. I start to walk around familiarizing myself to where all the exits are just in case. I found myself walking outside to the veranda. It was a beautiful clear night and all the stars were shining brightly. I stand close to the railing and stare up at the stars. 

“It is beautiful out here isn’t it?” I heard that thick accent that I grew to love. I turn and I see him in a nice black armani tux with a White Shirt and dark green tie. He was wearing a gold mask with a shamrock on the bottom right. I smiled knowing that I didn’t have to wait long for my knight in shining armor to come. 

“Collin?” I had to ask to be sure. He took my hand and kissed it. 

“Yes, my dove. And I have missed you terribly.” He says and I just go to hug him. I felt him wrap his arms around me and dip his head into the croak of my neck. His hands touched the bare skin on my back. I felt the burning desire for him.

“I missed you too, Collin, but we have to pretend we are just friends. I haven’t figured out what to do about my obligation yet.” I said. I hear him sigh and hold me tighter. 

“I know, I haven’t figured out how to get out of mine either. But I am going to your place tonight. After this shindig is over, I can’t wait to worship you again.” He said and I shivered in delight. 

“Ok, just have your driver go the long way to my condo. I’ll have the bellhop know to expect you.” I said and I felt him nod. We let go and stood there next to each other like casual friends. Then I saw a lady and two more gentlemen approach us. I am assuming it was Trish in her black long sleeve skin tight dress with a long slit exposing her right leg all the way to her hip and wearing a red mask, her hair was dyed dark blue this time which really made her stand out. The two other gentlemen were in Black tuxes also. Drew wore a red mask, I am guessing to match with Trish and Breden wore a Blue mask. We were a nice solid group and I felt safe, at least for the moment. We all laughed and updated everyone on what our life has been up to with business and our small adventures. Willy almost broke his neck last weekend because the boys decided to go jumping off of boulders into the lake. 

We all decided to move into the hall for entertainment purposes. We all made a bet and wanted to see what the inevitable drama there would be. Put a whole bunch of SINGLE rich and powerful people in one room with some entitled spoiled heiress and socialites and there was bound to be a scene. I finished my flute and a waiter took it for me. Before I could grab another one from another passing waiter I was interrupted. 

“Aria, is that you?” Kent said. He was wearing a dark blue tux with brown dress shoes and a white dress shirt. He had on a simple black mask. He had two flutes of champagne in his hands and handed me one. 

“Thank you Kent.” I said back. 

“It had been a while since I last saw you. I am sad you never came to visit.” He said with a pout. 

“Well Kent, I have been busy with work. In time, maybe.” I said. 

“Hello Trish, I am assuming that you are since you are with Aria. And who might your friends be ladies?” Kent asked 

“Kent, these are our friends we met in Dublin. This is Brenden, Drew and Collin.” I said pointing to each one. Kent went to shake their hands. 

“Nice to meet you gentlemen. And now I get the shamrock on your mask.” Kent said. Then he turned to me and grabbed my hand. “May I have this dance, Aria, my friend.” I hesitantly nodded, handed my flute to Trish and he escorted me to the dance floor. I looked back hopelessly at Collin and he too looked at me with restraint. We both had to be strong and play it cool. Kent took me into his embrace and we started slowly swaying to the music. Every turn we made I made sure to make eye contact with Collin hoping he could tell I only have eyes for him. 

“Aria, my dear, you look absolutely stunning. When will you finally give me a chance to pursue more than just this little friendship we have?” Kent said into my ear that it was too close for my comfort. I pulled back a little trying to create some distance between us.  

“Kent, honestly, I can’t see you that way. I really like our friendship and don’t want to ruin it. I don’t think I ever saw you more than just being a friend. I am sorry Kent.” I said. I never wanted to give him too much hope before for this very reason. He thought that my time and space would give me a clear mind on my feelings. It did, but my heart now belongs to Collin, and even so, I am betrothed now and can give no man a chance. 

“Why do you torture me so Aria? You must know that I have very strong feelings for you?” Kent said. 

“I am sorry I can not reciprocate Kent. Now please excuse me.” I said and pushed him away ending the dance. I could see the hurt in his eyes and then turn into anger. I walked away from him without saying or listening to another word. I needed to end his illusion of us now before it turned into something worse. 

Just when I thought I was in the clear, another man blocks my path. I take a second to look at his face and I can tell it was Justin Adams behind that silver mask. He was wearing a black tux and looked just as full of himself as ever. I could not help but roll my eyes at him. 

“Aria my dear, you look ravishing tonight. Can I have the honor of this next dance?” He asks with his hand out. I take it again just to be polite. He escorts me back to the dance floor to dance. “Aria, I have fantastic news, I am moving to Dublin in a year. My company is traveling overseas.” He said and I knew he was just making it convenient for him to continue to pursue me. 

“Well that’s great, I am sure you would find the weather and countryside to be very agreeable.” I said. 

“So Aria, when are you and I finally going to make our relationship official?” He said and I was shocked. 

“What relationship, Justin? I told you from the beginning back in Rio that I could only be friends. I am still not looking to be in a relationship.” I was moving my face and body as far away from this man as possible. I did not want his hands on me. 

“Aria, you know I think you are the most beautiful and unique woman out there. I would be an i***t not to pursue you. I may have already given you my heart ever since Rio. All I am asking for is a chance.” He said with a pout. I had to be frank with him. Maybe being betrothed is a good thing, a better shield for pests like Justin and Kent. 

“Justin… I can’t be more than friends because I am already betrothed to someone else. It happened after RIO. I am sorry. We can only be friends.” I said. He nodded like he understood. 

“Can you get out of it?” I shook my head. 

“I am still trying to think of a way out. But my future is on the line. Everything I worked so hard for is being threatened. I have until the end of the year to enjoy my life before I accept my fate.” I said. 

“Well, that sucks. I am sorry Aria. If I can help you out in any way, please let me know. I hate to lose you, but I value our friendship and you will always have it.” He said it very gently and I was glad. 

“Thanks Justin, I really value your friendship too.” I said. When the song ended we let go and Collin was suddenly next to us. 

“I was hoping I could have the next dance. My friend here promised me.” Collin said and Justin nodded. 

“See you around Aria. Don’t be a stranger.” Justin said and I smiled and nodded. Then I was immediately held by Collin as he swept me across the dance floor. 

“Aria, you have no idea how enraged I am to see you dancing with other men. I have never wanted to break someone's bones so much.” He spoke with a deep menacing voice. 

“I am sorry, Collin, I hate that we have to keep us a secret. Please remember that I love you with my whole heart and that there is only one man that I want to be with right now, and that man is you.” I said. I felt him relax a little. “Besides, I know you have to dance with another woman too. I can see how jealous I would feel seeing another woman's hands on you. I am going to need plenty of assurance from you too.” I said.

“Aria, I love you so much. I only have eyes for you. You, my dove, are the only woman for me.” He said and we kept dancing, enjoying our closeness. We danced for two songs until we finally decided that dancing another one would make it look like we were a couple and not just friends. 

We walk back to where Trish and Breden were. Collin excused himself and told me he was going to dance with some other ladies to keep up the pretense. Breden excused himself as well and finally Trish and I were alone. 

“You know Collin was totally jealous watching Kent and Justin dance with you. But don’t worry, he saw how disgusted you were in their embrace and trust you. I guess He and those two have an old grudge. Apparently Kent and Justin were having an affair with Collins' old flame way back in the day. She was a world renown designer that traveled around, and I guess “Got around” to. I guess now you took her place and the three of them are fighting for you now.” Trish said and somehow I wasn’t surprised. Collin and I are almost living our own version of classic romance cliches already. 

“Well as long as he stays faithful to me, I will do the same. Plus I really don't like Justin and Kent at all. So how about you and Drew?” I asked. 

“Well he and I decided to make our relationship official after tonight. I can see him in my future, Aria, like I am on cloud nine. We are going back to his suite tonight and I can’t wait.” She said and I squealed in delight. 

“I am so happy for you Trish, he totally seems like your type.” I said. 

“Yes, I am very happy with him. You know that all of Collin’s friends are backing him up on this you and him against the world thing. We all love seeing you and Collin together, it makes our group that much more perfect.” She said and I smiled. Our friends were truly amazing trying to help us out with this predicament. 

“Thanks girl. This means so much.” Our moment was interrupted when I heard the clearing of someone's throat. We both looked at the man and I stood frozen to my spot in shock. Jake Thomas was here right in front of me with that smile that once made my knees weak. Only this time instead of joy I felt disgusted in his presence. 

“Jake” I said curtly. He was wearing a black tux and a black shirt with a matching black mask. He almost looked evil if it wasn’t for his strawberry blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. 

“Aria, dear, you look as beautiful as always. May I have the next dance?” He asked and I almost boiled over in rage. The audacity of this man to ask to dance with him. 

“No you may not. I have no interest in dancing with you, let alone letting you touch me.” I said. I am sure Trish is looking at him very threateningly. 

“Aria, sweetie, what happened a long time ago was a mistake. I was weak and you were working all the time. I miss you Aria and I want you back. I haven’t seen another woman since you left. Please baby, give me another chance. I still love you.” Jake said and this time taking my hand into his. Before he could kiss my knuckle I snatched my hand away from him. 

“Leave me alone Jake. You will never have me again.” I said loud and clear enough for him to hear the threat behind my words. 

“Aria, I am not ready to let you go, we belong together.” He said and this time grabbed my arms and held me still. I tried to brush his hands off me but he had a tight grip. 

“Let go of me Jake!” I said this time with a bit more panic in my voice. 

“Jake let go of her!” Trish chimed in. 

“This doesn't concern you, Trish. Aria, stop being difficult and let us go back to the way things were.” He said and I was now in full panic. Jake was acting like a possessive maniac and it was scaring me. 

“Excuse me sir, but I believe that the lady asked you to let go of her.” A thick Irish accent spoke and I was relieved. Collin was back to save me like the knight he is. Jake released me and backed off. I looked to Collin and Drew and Breden were behind him to back him up. Kent and Justin were also next to Trish ready to intervene. Jake was definitely outnumbered 5 to 1. Jake held his hands up in surrender. 

“Aria, don’t forget our history together, you can’t just let that go.” He said. Still not leaving.

“I already did Jake. You are only my past now. You stopped being in my present and future when you cheated on me.” I said and Trish instantly shielded me from Jake. 

“I am not done with you yet, Aria.” He finally said then turned and walked away. I still could not relax yet. He basically threatened me. Trish hugged me to help calm me down. I didn’t know that I was shaking. This night was turning into the most dramatic and draining night of my life.

“Aria, are you ok?” Collin asked. He, Drew, Brenden, Justin and Kent were huddled around me. I am sure they wanted an explanation. I was thankful that these five cared so much for me to protect me like that. 

“Yes I am fine now, thank you.” I said to them,

“Who was that?” Justin asked. 

“My stupid cheating ex.” I said and they all nodded and understood. They all know about him and our history. Now they have a face to the name, even if he was in a mask. “Sorry everyone, but I think I am calling it a night. This event has been more than I can handle.” I hug everyone and make my way back to my security team and into my limo. On the way home I text Collin not to forget to come over. I may have been over the drama for the night, but I missed that sexy irish man that stole my heart. 

I was in my room undressing and putting on my silk pajamas when my door bell sounded. I grabbed my kimono and went to answer my front door. There was Collin without his mask standing there in all his glory. 

“Hey Handsome.” I greeted. He just leaned over and cupped the back of my thigh to jump up and wrap my legs around his waist and he kissed me senseless. We moved into my condo and he closed the door behind him. 

“Where is your room?” He asked after we kissed. 

“Down the hall and to the left.” I said and he carried me back to my room. He placed me on my feet and quickly got to work taking off his clothes and mine. We kept kissing with urgency until we were completely naked in bed. We spent the whole night in the ecstasy of our love making, constantly declaring our love for each other and how much we missed each other.