Always been mine!

chapter sixteen

Author's P.O.V

Ronald: "Oh c'mon, mother. I can do my own tie, you know. I'm not five anymore."

Her: "I know that, dear. I just miss doing all this stuff for you." She says straightening it. "You've grown into a very handsome young man."

He takes a deep breath. "Thank you, mum. I love you." He says kissing her forehead, resisting the urge to loosen the tie. He's more comfortable in t-shirts and sweatpants.

This is the first and last time he does this bullshit. Next time, he’ll fake an illness . The only reason he didn’t back out at the last minute is because of the chance that Camilla's sister will be here. That girl is definitely something. Every word he said rubbed her the wrong way and he loved every bit of it. She’s the first girl he's felt like he didn’t have a chance with. Chipolopolo golden boy? f**k off. Buy her drinks? f**k off. Lean in close? f**k right off.

He was determined to have her. Nicolette Guardner, daughter of Zambia's best constructor, a young fashion designer and avoider of the media.

Ronald follows his parents out to the car as they leave for the movie premiere. The car is small and cramped. When they reach their destination, he's glad to finally stand up. He's barely had a chance to blink when cameras flash and his name is shouted. He smiles and follows his parents up the red carpet and only stops for photos.

Lauren:“Ronny? Are you ready to go in?” His Mom asks.

Him:“Yep, never been more ready.” He loosens his tie the tiniest bit when she turns around and then follows her toward the door. A short chubby man is standing by the door, greeting everyone who’s here to watch the movie. He takes a few moments to talk and laugh with each person before finally letting them go through.

Camilla is the first person he sees, dressed in all black and next to her, wearing a figure- hugging, red gown is Nikki, smiling and laughing at something a man in front of her is saying. Her dark short curly hair is smoothed to the side, exposing her neck, and the low neckline of her dress gives him a glimpse of her cleavage.

“Lauren, Justin!” The director, Starlet exclaims, happily hugging both of his parents. “How are you?” she asks.

Lauren: "We’re well, thank you." She smiles. "You know our son, Ronny?"

Her:“Of course I do. How could I not!” She winks and hugs him briefly. "And I believe you know my daughters, Nicolette and Camilla."

Him: "Yes, ma’am.” He grins. Nikki looks uncomfortable. "Nicolette. It’s lovely to see you again."

Her:"It’s a pleasure," she retorts.

He takes her hand, leans forward, and presses a kiss to her cheek. She digs her nails into his palm. He turns to Camilla who has a huge smile on her face and kisses her cheek.

Camilla:"Enjoy the movie, Ronald."

He smiles, " I will.” He steps back and follows his parents into the theater, feeling her eyes burning a hole in his back the whole time.

************

Nikki's POV

Him: "You’re kidding me." He looks to the side and sees Nikki standing next to him."Can’t stay away, can you?"

Me: "You wish! I am going to kill my mother for this." I lift my dress slightly and sit in the chair next to him. "I’ve never seen a more deliberate act in my life."

Him: "Starlet Guardner, the matchmaker. Who knew?"

Me: "More like, Starlet Guardner the joker,” I reply, facing the front and resting my hands in my lap.

Him: "Oh, come on. Is it that bad to sit next to me for two hours? I took a shower."

Me: "I know. You smell better." I smile at him. "You can’t talk to me when the movie is on, do I'm good for two hours. it’s the reception after I’m not looking forward to."

Him: "Can I get you a drink?” He motions towards the champagne bottle in front of me.

Me:“You had better. I can't get through this s**t show sober."

He laughs and pours me a glass. "Here."

Me: "Thank you." I take the glass,and my fingers brush across his. I tip it up and drink it all in one go.

Me:“I’m gonna need another.” I lick my lips and hand him the glass back.

He pours me a second glass, and this time, he leans towards me, keeping a tight hold on the glass.

Him:“You know, most girls would be half naked by now.”

Me: "You're not that attractive, I've had better." I reply quietly, closing my fingers around his on the glass, "And I’m not most girls."

Him: "Oh, I definitely see that but you haven't had better than me."

Me: " You're not nearly quickly enough, ronald. Some golden boy" I scoff.

******************

Author's p.o.v

The warmth of her hand seeps into his skin, adding another level to his want for her.

It would be so easy right now to lean in and cover those perfectly curved lips with his own.

She takes the glass from his fingers and straightens in her chair, turning her eyes to the front. He sits back, and his eyes linger on her for a moment longer.

By the end of tonight, he will make her his, one way or another.

The credits roll and the theater fills with applause. And as much as he said he’d never do this again, it was an honor to be amongst the first to watch it. The movie was incredible.

*************

Nikki's POV

The lights switch on and Camilla stands in front of everyone, a mic in hand. She bows dramatically, laughing, and brings the mic to her lips.

Camilla: "Thank you, everyone, for coming here tonight for the premiere of 'Not without my kids'. It was such a fun and heartwarming movie to be in, and I’m thrilled you all enjoyed it.” She pauses for the second round of applause. "Thank you. Now, if you’d like to walk through to the room to the right, there's an open bar. we could all use it."

Another round of applause, this time filled with some happy shouts. Zambians love a free bar.

He moves to stand, but I remain seated. “Aren’t you coming?”

Me:“Yes.” I set my glass down. “But I’m waiting until the world and their mothers have gone through.”

He looks toward the large, open doors and sees the people crowding through it. Makes sense. So he sits back down, and I raise an eyebrow at him. “By all means, you carry on,” I tell him.

Him:“And let you walk through alone? Never.”

Me: "I think I can guide myself through to a reception.”

Him: "I know but I was raised a gentleman, and it would be rude of me to let you go alone."

I roll my eyes. "Yes, Ronald Mwamba, the w***e s a gentleman."

Him:“You seem to know an awful lot about my extracurricular activities.”

I stand, “You play for my team, and I live in the heart of Lusaka. I probably know more about your activities than you do. Including the fact that, every time you’ve been pictured with a woman, you’ve never once been a gentleman toward her.”

He smiles when I walk away from him Or try to.

In two long strides, he catches up with me and grabs my arm. “Maybe because they’re not exactly ladies.” He hooks my hand in his elbow. “You act like a lady and I’ll treat you like one.” He softly pats my fingers.

I glance up at me, my lips pursed. “Fine. I’ll allow you to escort me into the reception. Then you’ll leave me alone. Agreed?”

Him:“Sorry, love. I can’t agree to something I don’t intend to do.”

Me: “Are you always this pushy?”

Him:“Are you always this prickly?”

Me: “I’m not prickly. I’m simply a private person.”

Him:“How does that work? With your mom and sister?”

Me:“Simple. I don’t go looking for the cameras, and I don’t give them any fun stories to run about me. Which means I definitely will not be seen anywhere near you in public.”

Him:“Ouch. I’m hurt.”

Me:“Oh, don’t be. It’s nothing against you. Actually, on second thought,” I add when he passes me a glass of wine, “it’s everything against you.”

Him:"Nikki. Break it to me gently.” He leans against the bar next to me. “I’m not that bad. Half of those girls never made it past a ride home.”

Me:“I’d imagine a ride is exactly what they got, and last I knew, s*x in a car is possible.”

He laughs. “I see the real reason you avoid the media."

Me:“Oh, please. I just don’t care to live my life in the spotlight. And if I do, it won’t be because my parents are who they are. The media thinks the name on my birth certificate is simply ‘Charles Guardner’s daughter'."

**********************

Author's pov.

She walks over to a free table, and his eyes drop to her ass. Damn. That dress really does hug it incredibly. She coughs, drawing his eyes to her face. He walks over to her, sets his beer on the table, and holds his hands up.

Him:“Babe, you wear a dress like that and you’re gonna get looked at. Don’t be blaming me for it.”

Her frown changes to a full smile. “You’re the most honest asshole I’ve ever met in my life.”

Him:“It’s one of my good qualities.”

Her:“Of which there are few.”

Him:“You don’t know a thing about me, Nikki Guardner. For all you know, I have a thousand amazing things about me.”

She leans forward and rests her chin on her hand, her grin still in place. “Judging by what I know of you so far, letting me find out isn’t a risk you should take.”

Him: "I love taking risks," he answers, tracing the shape of her lips with his eyes. "Especially when that risk is you."

Her:“Are you calling me a risk, Mwamba?”

Him:“What if I am?”

Her: "Then you should be aware that you’re never gonna get to take me, in any sense of the word."

Him: "We’ll see."

She sits up straight and her eyes flit away from him. A smile spreads across her face. "Kumbwa!" She stands and embraces a dark guy. “You made it!”

He smirks. "Ofcourse, I don't see Bonnie anywhere."

Nikki laughs. “Right. Do you not remember Bonnie at all?" She laughs, "This ain't her setting."

Kumbwa: "Right. How could u forget, but you’ll have to give me your number. It has been too long."

What the f**k? “I don’t think we’ve met.” Ronald stands up and offers him his hand. “Ronald Mwamba.”

Nikki shoots him a hard look, but he ignores it and Kumbwa doesn’t even notice it.

Him:“No way!” He puts his hand in his. “Kumbwa Muma. s**t, I’m a huge fan. Nikki, why didn’t you tell me he was here?”

Her:“I would have if we were still chat-buddies.” She smiles sweetly and sits down.

Her:“Do you want to join us?”

Him:"oh, no. Your mom will kill me if she finds me here. I’d love to, but I’m afraid to sit down. I don't think she has forgiven me for what happened between us years ago.”

Her: “I know.”

Kumbwa laughs. “I’ll e-mail you, all right? We’ll do coffee or something.”

Her:“You still have my e-mail? You didn’t lose that, too?”

He gives her the finger, and disappears back into the crowd. Kumbwa had completed his five year course but before completing he'd worked for Guardner's Construction for six months and after completing his studies, Charles had hired him. He had excellent grades.

Ronald:“You’re friends with him?” He asks as soon as he’s out of earshot.

Her: “Jealous?” She shoots him a grin and grabs a fresh glass of wine from a passing waiter. Then she turns, heading toward the door to the outdoor terrace.

Nikki sets her glass on one of the tables and walks over to the railings. You can see almost all of Lusaka from this point, but all he can see is the girl leaning against the railings, looking like an angel surrounded by bright lights.