7
1144 Words
STELLA
I blew out a nervous breath. I stared at myself in the mirror. Of course, I looked really beautiful in this burgundy dress.
It was one of the dresses I had gotten because it looked so good on me and made me feel like a siren. My makeup also matched the vibe and I intended on attracting attention tonight, not only from Tristan but from every other person.
"Will I wait another hour?" Tristan's voice came from the room.
I fought a small giggle, slipped my feet into my heels before making my way out of the room.
I slowly walked in, my heart thudding against my chest as I wondered what he would think of me.
He stood before the mirror, doing his tie and wearing his suit. And once he was done, he sprayed a little perfume that filled up the whole room.
My nostrils immediately caught the scent of him and I let in a deep inhale, loving the scent.
Slowly, he turned, his gaze latched on my body. His eyes roved from my head to my toe and his lips spread into a slow smile.
"Good heavens, are you sure I'll be able to hold out tonight?"
I rolled my eyes, pretending his words didn't affect me. "You better do, because you're not touching me."
"Woah, you sound like I am your ex-boyfriend. I didn't even do anything to you."
I couldn't help but smile. "No strings attached, remember?"
He let out a tired groan. "C'mon, you really can't mean that. Of course, I know that. What's having s*x going to change?"
"A lot." I replied with a shrug and slipped into my dress. "And you of all people should know that."
Smiling, he made his way over to me and stopped. Looking down at me, he smiled and I swear, my heart did a funny flip. It wasn't the type that told you you were in love. It was the type that told you that you wanted this man to tear your dress off, pick you up and f**k the s**t out of you.
Clearing my throat, I took a few steps back. "When we're alone, we should try not to be in proximity. That way, we can fully be able to exercise self control."
He threw back his head and let out a groan. "Oh, c'mon. You don't hate me that much, do you?"
"I don't hate you at all," I chuckled. "I just don't want us to do this."
He nodded. "Very well then. Let's go party."
We walked through the elegantly decorated corridors of the ship, the distant hum of music and laughter growing louder as we approached the ballroom. Tristan, ever the gentleman—or at least pretending to be one—offered me his arm.
“Don’t look at me like that,” he said when I hesitated. “I’m just making sure you don’t trip in those heels.”
Rolling my eyes but accepting his arm, I muttered, “It’s not the heels you need to worry about. It’s you.”
His grin was wicked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Me? I’m harmless.”
“Sure,” I deadpanned. “And this ship isn’t floating on water.”
The soft murmur of guests mingling hit us as we stepped into the ballroom. Chandeliers glittered like a thousand stars, casting a warm glow over the luxurious space. Waiters weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The scent of expensive perfume, cologne, and food filled the air.
“Stay close,” Tristan whispered, his breath brushing against my ear as we moved through the crowd. “Not that I’m worried, but you have a way of attracting chaos.”
I shot him a look. “Chaos doesn’t find me; I find it. There’s a difference.”
He laughed softly, the sound oddly comforting in the midst of so many strangers. Still, I couldn’t shake the nerves gnawing at me. Somewhere in this crowd were Corey and Tatiana.
As if sensing my unease, Tristan leaned down, his voice a quiet rumble. “You’re thinking about them, aren’t you?”
“No,” I lied quickly, even as my stomach twisted.
He stopped walking, pulling me slightly off to the side, away from the flow of people. His hand rested lightly on my arm. “Stella, look at me.”
I hesitated before meeting his gaze. His expression was uncharacteristically serious, his brow slightly furrowed.
“Whatever happens tonight, remember this,” he said softly. “You’re stunning, smart, and way out of his league. Corey’s a fool, and everyone here knows it.”
His words, though simple, ignited a spark of confidence in me. I took a breath and straightened my shoulders. “Thanks, Tristan,” I said, managing a small smile.
“Don’t thank me yet,” he teased, his grin returning. “Just wait until I make Corey wish he never laid eyes on anyone else.”
I snorted, shaking my head. “Let’s not make this about him, okay?”
“Deal,” he said, though the mischievous glint in his eye told me he wasn’t entirely serious.
We continued through the room, stopping occasionally to exchange pleasantries with other guests. Tristan charmed everyone he spoke to with his quick wit and easy smile. I couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly he navigated the social scene, even as I felt the weight of my own nerves.
When we finally reached the bar, I sighed in relief. Tristan ordered us drinks, handing me a glass of champagne with a wink.
“To new beginnings,” he said, raising his glass.
I clinked mine against his. “To surviving this night.”
We drank, the bubbly liquid doing little to calm the storm brewing inside me. I scanned the room discreetly, my pulse quickening when I spotted a familiar figure near the far end of the ballroom.
Corey.
He looked exactly as I remembered—tall, well-dressed, and radiating confidence. Beside him, Tatiana laughed at something he said, her hand brushing his arm. She was radiant, her dress clinging to her in a way that screamed perfection.
I felt Tristan’s hand on the small of my back, grounding me. “There they are,” he murmured, his tone unreadable.
My chest tightened, but I forced myself to nod. “Yeah. There they are.”
“You ready?”
I turned to look at him, his steady gaze meeting mine. For a moment, I let myself draw strength from him.
“I’m ready,” I said, straightening my spine.
“Good,” he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Because I’ve got your back, Stella. Let’s give them something to talk about.”
With that, we stepped forward, and I braced myself for whatever was to come.
- Writer
