Aeromancist - The Beginning (Seven Forbidden Arts 2)

“It’s over next week, remember?”

“It doesn’t matter. You’re going to be the newest, hottest, most popular girl in Santiago.” She paused. “Kat, you haven’t fallen for him, have you?”

“Of course not. I’m just not looking forward to the public humiliation. It’s not going to be nice to be dumped in front of the whole world. Before, it was just between us. But now…”

“Never you mind. I’m going to take some fabulous shots of you and leak them to the tabloids. You can’t let an opportunity to become famous pass. Besides, you’re going to say you dumped him.”

Kat laughed and said jokingly, “You’re despicable. We’ve decided not to make any statements. He’ll just say it’s over, and neither of us will comment.”

“Less dramatic,” Diana said with disapproval. “Well, I guess it makes it more mysterious.”

Kat only rolled her eyes at the phone.

“So, you’re moving back next week?” Diana asked.

Kat’s heart squeezed painfully. “Yep. I’ll see you Sunday.”

“Right. I’ll be sure to kick Enrico out by then.”

Kat gasped. “Enrico’s living in our flat?”

“He sure is.”

“Why didn’t you tell me the two of you got together?”

“You’re busy with your own affair.”

“I’m never too busy to learn you’ve got a new boyfriend.”

“Anyway, he’s a bit wary of getting together with you after what happened at the tango bar. He’ll feel better meeting you after your possessive lover is out of town.”

“You don’t have to kick him out just because I’m moving back.”

“I know, but I could do with a bit of personal space again. Enrico’s like an octopus.”

“You like him, don’t you?”

“Very much,” Diana said. Coming from her, that was admitting a lot.

Kat ended the conversation, promising to call her again before Sunday.

She went to the library and tried to lose herself in her work, something she guessed she was going to do a lot in one week’s time.Security around the monastery was increased, and reporters couldn’t get close enough to bother her as long as Kat stayed indoors. She couldn’t go for her daily run, but she reminded herself that it was only for another week. Instead, she used the treadmill in the gym.

Despite her resolution not to let the media affair affect her, she found her concentration lacking. Lann was being especially sweet with her, his physical caresses tender, while he frequently read her work and gave helpful feedback.

On Wednesday, she was reading a book on vampire verses at her desk in the library when Lann entered and slipped his hands around her from behind to cup her breasts. Thankfully, Martina was in the backroom typing reports.

“This is short notice,” he said close to her ear, “but I have to attend a Valentine’s ball on Friday evening, and I’d like it very much if you’d join me.”

His request caught her off guard. “I thought you didn’t want to add more fuel to the media fire.”

“It’s out there now.” He straightened and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Nothing will stop the gossip, not until I leave Santiago.”

With every mention of their time together coming to an end, Kat’s heart felt heavier.

He gripped her chin and turned her face to him. “So, what will it be?”

“Are you sure it’s a good idea?”

“It’s not going to make a difference to what’s already being said. And I do need a date. If you prefer, I could ask someone else, but imagine what it’ll to do to my reputation, not to mention yours.” His lips curved into a wry smile.

“I’ve never been known to deny a gentleman in distress.”

“I’ll be eternally grateful.” He suddenly turned serious. “Thank you for doing this.”

Wow, he went from playful to formal in less than one second. “Of course.”

“If you need to shop for a dress, I’ll take you.”

She shook her head. “I think I’ve got just the right outfit.”

After lunch, Kat called in Diana’s help. The ball was two days away, and she needed all the assistance she could get.Diana had booked an appointment with Silviano, the make-up artist and stylist who prepared the models for her shoots. They arrived together at the monastery after lunch on Friday, and when Silviano was done with Kat two hours later, she looked in the mirror and liked what she saw. The make-up was dramatic. He’d placed the emphasis on her eyes, making the blue color stand out with dark eye shadow and eyeliner. A nude pink lipstick made her lips look fuller. She especially liked what he did with her hair. Her natural curls were dried in waves that fell down her back to her waist. One side was pulled away from her face with the ruby butterfly clip Lann had given her.

While Silviano had been at work, Diana had given her a manicure and pedicure. Kat now sported pretty red finger and toenails. Diana had helped her shop for a sinfully decadent thong of black chiffon dusted with diamond dots. The dress was one she’d bought two years ago on impulse. It was ridiculously expensive, and she’d never had an opportunity to wear it. It was one of those creations a girl knew she had to have, even if only to wear once in her life.