Chasing Him (Dark Love 4)

“I’ve got it under control,” I lie.

“Adriana, do you know who he has been with? I mean, these days guys are sleeping with anyone they can get their hands on.”

Well, he’s been with you, Charlie, I want to blurt out yet somehow my filter actually works and does not spit out the obvious.

“Thanks for the reassurance.”

“Why won’t you tell me?” She is standing there, hands on her hips.

“I will, just not now. Give me time, okay?”

“But you tell Eric?”

“I didn’t tell Eric, he just happened to be there. Look, it’s a really a long story, and I’m just drained.”

She doesn’t say a word, shaking her head in disapproval. Her long, black satin dress is hanging from the hook. Taking it off, she slips in on quickly, then proceeds to slip into her pumps. Walking over to the vanity, she searches for some jewelry, and when she finds what she wants, she puts it on. Without a word, she leaves the room.

Lex yells out to me that the limo has arrived. I glance at myself in the mirror, not bad at all, and grab my cell to take a selfie, immediately hitting send.

The limo ride is quiet. Lex is busily responding to emails while Charlie stares out the window. I don’t want to draw attention either, so I take my cell out of my purse and find a text sitting on the screen.

Julian: You’re beautiful, Adriana. And mine.

I smile at his words, responding quickly.

Me: You’re all over me. I didn’t get a chance to take a shower and for the record, I can barely walk.

The bubble is back. Lifting my head only slightly, I see Charlie watching me bewildered. I pretend I don’t notice, focusing my attention back onto Julian.

Julian: I want you back here no later than 2am. That gives me plenty of time to make sure you can’t walk.

I accidentally laugh out loud, covering my mouth the moment I realize I’ve done so. Since I’m speechless, I send him a smiley face.

“Okay, I’ll bite. What’s with you two?” Lex asks, not even bothering to look our way as he continues to type. He’s sitting between us dressed in a black Armani suit and crisp white shirt. He isn’t wearing a tie, his shirt slightly unbuttoned. Women everywhere throw themselves at Lex. It’s been like that his entire life, blessed with good genes and, unfortunately, a stubborn attitude to accompany it.

Neither one of us says a word, and thankfully, the limousine arrives at the event shortly after.

We hop out to be met with cameras flashing like a light show. Every paparazzi and his camera are desperately snapping away, hoping to cash in, and with any luck, a possible wardrobe malfunction.

Eric and Tristan are standing at the entrance, both looking smart and almost matching. I have to admit, Tristan is one good-looking guy. According to Eric, he needs a major wardrobe makeover and a few sessions at the gym. I only met him after Eric sunk his teeth into him, so I can’t comment. One thing that never struck me before is the similarities between him and Julian. Of course, I know they are related, but I swear with a nicely fitted suit, you can really tell they are family.

We greet them hello, Tristan pulling me aside sensing the animosity between Charlie and me.

“What’s going on with you and Charlie?”

“She knows I’m seeing someone and is annoyed I won’t tell her who.”

“Fair enough. You can’t hide it forever, Adriana, and I know Julian well… he won’t allow it for much longer.”

“I know.”

Inside the event, celebrities gather in groups as the DJ mixes fresh beats. The room is decorated in a modern theme of blacks and reds which gives it a sensual feel. The space is dimly lit, only the bar illuminates the room because that’s where all the important stuff is held, including some much-needed alcohol.

Eric can’t keep still, dragging Tristan around to introduce himself to actors. A few people come up to chat with Tristan since he has done a few acting gigs, and word is getting around Hollywood.

Lex and Charlie are busily chatting to some people I don’t recognize. I hate being the third wheel or fifth wheel, in this case, making my way to the bar to drown my sorrows. Three martinis later, the party has livened up. I make my way to the dance floor to dance with Tristan. It doesn’t last long, though, Eric claiming him and getting into a kissing frenzy in the middle of the dance floor. I turn around, and a familiar male is standing in front of me. I recognize him from one of those crime television shows on cable. He isn’t too much taller than me, dirty blond hair with deep green eyes. He asks me if I want to dance. Sure, why not?

We have fun but maybe he’s a little too touchy-feely, and just when I probably should’ve told him to back off a little, my cell vibrates. I excuse myself, much to his annoyance, and open the text message.