Are you my Adonis?

One Piece at a Time

In his arms, there was a relaxed rhythm. It was like we were familiar in ways that transcended physical movement. I was transported to that night. I was back lying on the bed with my head on his chest, with our hearts synchronizing effortlessly. I looked up into those deep blue eyes, and my breath quickened.

I saw so much in them. Love, desire, admiration, and gentleness. It was everything I had longed for from Bill for years. A part of me wanted to give in and get swept away by what those eyes promised. But would it be right? Would I just be using him to get over my heartache?

I knew that there was an intense physical attraction. Because right now all I wanted was for him to take me up into my private suite and recreate that night. I felt the heat pool between my legs with an ache that comes whenever I’m near him. His hand on the bare skin of my back sends shivers down my spine. I was seriously tempted to make out with him in the middle of the dance floor.

“Amelia,” he murmured my name as if it was grounding him. “I wanted to dance with you all night. And now that you’re in my arms, all I can think about is keeping you for the rest of the night.”

I was sure that I was blushing bright red. These are the words I’ve dreamt about, but they weren’t coming from the man I had been pining for years. It felt bittersweet. I also felt guilty; I knew more than anyone else what it felt like to pine for someone who didn’t feel the same.

“Devin,” I looked up at him apologetically. “I wish I could return your feelings, but I can’t”

“Is it because of him? Bill Delacroix?” he asked in earnest. I looked up into his eyes with surprise.

“I looked into you. The night we spent together was the day he married. But even without the background check, I would’ve known. Your eyes sparkled, and you smiled so bright in his arms.” He said, tightening his jaw. “It took everything in me not to march over and rip you out of his grip.”

“I’m sorry.” I looked away. I spotted Bill and Sally watching us from the edge of the dance floor. Sally was leaning with her back against Bill’s front, and he had his arms wrapped around her waist. His chin rested on top of her head. Sally had an expression of pure contentment, but Bill looked at us with a worried expression. The line he said earlier about protecting me like a brother rang in my ears. It made me look back at Devin.

“I’m not ready to love again,” I said truthfully. “It’s not fair to you to go along when my heart is still with someone else.”

“He’s married to your best friend.” He said simply with no accusation.

“Yes, and that’s why I will never tell him how I feel,” I said, trying not to choke on sobs. “It’s my burden to bear alone.”

Devin locked eyes with me. I saw so much sadness, but for some reason it felt like it was for me. His hand brushed up my back, and he held me flush to him as we danced. It felt like he was trying to comfort me. Why would he do that when I just rejected him twice?

“I’ll return the necklace to you. It’s not right for me to keep it. Thank you for letting me wear it once.” I said in his ear.

“Keep it. It’s my gift to you. I know you don’t accept my feelings, but I want you to have the necklace.” He said smoothly, as if he gave me a trinket and not something he spent 25 million dollars on.

“Only the necklace?” I joked, trying to do… well, I don’t know. “As I remember, the set comes with earrings, a bracelet, and a ring.”

“Hmm… that is a quandary,” he joked back. Ah, he does have a sense of humor. “How about this? For every date you go with me, I’ll give you a piece.”

“Would that be three dates or four?” I quipped. “Will you be giving me a single earring at a time, then?”

“Three. And yes, I will only give you a single earring for each date. However, I plan to keep the ring for now.” Devin replied without hesitation. I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not.

“How petty of you,” I said teasingly. Then I did something I don’t understand why I did. “Fine, three dates. My necklace will be lonely without her friends.”

Devin’s face bloomed into a bright smile. I was stunned by how his face transformed into something godlike. He spun me away and back. He held me tightly in his arms as we danced until the last note of the song.

He then took my hand and bowed deeply to kiss the back of my hand. I heard some squealing from the crowd watching us. He stood back up straight and kept smiling as he looked at mine with genuine happiness. I could almost see a big fluffy tail wagging behind him.

“I call you and let you know when, “he said joyfully. He then turned around and walked toward the exit fast, as if he was afraid I would back out right that second. I almost laughed at the cheerful gait in his steps, like a five-year-old who got a giant lollipop.

“So spill!” Sally practically yelled at me as I walked toward our table. “Did he ask you out again?”

“Yes…” I teased her by not telling more.

“And…” she pressed for more. I knew she was going to explode with curiosity.

“And I said yes,” I admitted. “You’re right, it’s about time I had fun.”

“Are you sure about him?” Bill interjected with an expression on his face I couldn’t name. “From where I am standing, he acts like a creepy stalker. Are you sure he didn’t buy a date from you with that necklace?”

“Are you kidding me?” I scowled at him, feeling really hurt and angry. “You think that the only reason I would date anyone is that they give me shiny things? Do you really think I’m that shallow?”

“No…no! I mean you were never interested in dating before. Then here comes a guy who spent 25 million on you and suddenly, you’re just putty in his hands,” Bill exclaimed, digging himself into a bigger hole.

“So you do think I’m a gold digger. Fine, I guess you don’t have to hang out with such a disgusting person,” I said with tears welling in my eyes. I mean, yes, I jokingly said I’d go on the dates to earn the rest of the parure, but it was just a joke. I don’t seriously expect him to give a piece of the parure for each date. I turned out and stomped toward the exit. It was kinda hard to do in these stupid strappy heels.

I ignored my parents’ questioning looks as I passed them. I walked out of the ballroom and took the elevator to my suite. I seriously contemplated calling Devin to join me. I wanted to forget the hurt. Of all the people in the world, only Bill could hurt me like that. I took a deep breath and leaned against the elevator. I slipped my phone back in the clutch. I looked at myself in the reflective surface of the elevator’s walls. The necklace didn’t look as beautiful anymore.