We chatted for a while more and then went to our respective rooms. We had decided to meet outside the ballroom at seven pm.
The moment I entered my room, I just collapsed on my bed.
Why did it feel as if I was being watched?
My mind was playing weird tricks and I decided to take a warm relaxing bath to calm my nerves.
The entire week at Norway had sailed through with back to back meetings, orientations and many press conferences and deliberations. Erica, like a parasite, was fixed on Jake's side on all informal meetings and dinner parties. She took immense pride to be the woman standing beside the most eligible bachelor in town, her arrogance clearly reflected in her snooty body language. I tried to make peace with it. If that's what made Jake happy, then I truly wished them my best.
On the other hand, Mark and I were slowly becoming friends. For his sake, I convinced myself to get ready for the gala even if I had no interest whatsoever. I wore the long dress that Britney and Niki chose for me just in case I happen to attend the ball.
It was nothing very fancy, just a plain beige low-cut dress, backless with a knot behind the neck keeping the straps in place. I looked good as the fitting was just perfect. I left my hair loss and took my mask in hand before heading down.
I went inside the ballroom and started to wait for Mark at the entrance. After fifteen minutes when he still didn't show up, I decided to call him instead.
Voicemail.
His phone was not reachable and there was no sign of him. I took a glass of water and sat at a side couch silently admiring the beauty of the hall.
All women were dressed to perfection wearing their exclusive gowns and jewels. I was in awe of the entire setting; I had never witnessed something this grand before and the glitz and glamor was noteworthy. I felt small surrounded by such high-profile businessmen and women, but I decided to wait a bit longer for Mark to show up.
Suddenly the lights were dimmed, and only focus was on the grand dance floor, they announced for everyone to move to the center of the hall for the social ball dance.
Everyone was wearing masks now, and were slowly heading to the center with their partners. With such lighting and setting, it became all the more impossible to look for Mark. I almost decided to turn around and leave the premise, but the thought that he might be looking for me too made me stay for a bit longer.
The feeling that someone was watching me still lingered at the back of my head. I scanned my surrounding just to be sure, mainly to settle my mind in believing that it was nothing but my paranoia.
I slowly walked deep into the crowd and that's when I felt a hand touch my bare shoulder from behind. Hoping it to be Mark, I turned around and saw a tall well-built figure dressed in an immaculate black tux looking back at me. The person was wearing a golden mask but due to poor lighting, I couldn't see his face.
"Mark, is that you?"
Chapter 16
The Ball
Emma
"May I have the pleasure of a dance with you miss?" A husky voice fell on my ears, and I was nothing better than a bundle of nerves.
I didn't know how to respond, I didn't know how to dance at a ball, and I could not say for sure if I knew who the man in question was. Part of me felt that might be this was Mark playing tricks with me. After a long pause, reluctantly so, I nodded and took my chance.
I wore my mask and took his hand. He held it firmly making me walk along with him to almost the center of the hall. The moment we reached the center, I could feel the lights focused on us. I was a nervous wreck, totally oblivious of the intentions of my masked dance partner. I couldn't recognize anyone present due to the concealed faces and glaring lights but could still feel their stares rubbing over my skin.
"I umm… don't know how to dance in a ball." I barely mumbled. I was considering to back out, and perhaps the man beside me sensed my ordeal. He immediately tightened his grip on me and whispered, "trust me."
The soft music played, and my disguised partner offered me both his hands stepping closer. The moment I took them, he closed the space between us, he placed one of his hand in my left hand and my other hand on his shoulder. He wrapped his other hand around my waist, gripping me firmly in his dancing embrace.
The moment he held me closer, I could smell a familiar cologne, this strong scent reminded me of someone, and as soon as I was brought back to realization, I had shivers run down my spine. I felt numb and confused. His touch on my bare back made me dizzy, and I could relate to this feeling. He felt familiar. This was precisely how I felt back in Corsica.
Taken aback, I tried to look into his face and saw those oceanic blue eyes. I could never mistake them with anybody else.
"Jake?" I stuttered nervously.
He blinked but didn't utter a word. He twirled me around, making me match his steps as the music flowed through the hall.
I was now turned around with my bare back against his chest, and he was moving in small steps, making me m sway in his rhythm. His fingers caressed my arms, making my heart skip a beat. Air escaped my lungs and was barely holding up.
He turned me around again to make me face him. This dance was nothing ordinary. I could feel both our hearts were racing; his breath on my skin and his strong masculine smell melting me inside. The moves were close and sensual. His touch and hold were demanding, like he was marking his territory, letting the world know that I belonged in his arms
I could now feel everyone's eyes on us, as we were the only two dancing gracefully in each other's embrace right in the center of the hall.
I was stunned on how amazingly Jake made me dance with him, somebody from far could call it a rehearsed performance. But it wasn't. It was all real and spontaneous, and I didn't know how our bodies could sync with each other's rhythm so perfectly.
I just continued to follow his lead and held up the remaining show for the sake of avoiding myself any embarrassment in front of a hall full of significant people. The murmurs and stares were becoming prominent by the second.
A thought to push him back and run away from his grip crossed my mind.
Why did he choose to dance with me? Where was his vain girlfriend? And where the hell was Mark? I had all kind of questions creeping my head.
Suddenly in a move, Jake pulled me closer to him. His head was now close to my ears while my face was buried on his broad chest. I couldn't help but close my eyes for a moment, surrendering in his embrace and consuming the sensation. I felt his lips momentarily brushing my earlobes, and he whispered in my ears "You are looking gorgeous Emma. And only I could take the liberty of dancing with you tonight". He declared in a deep voice, alerting every nerve in my body.
I stepped back to look at him, totally confused about the mixed feelings I had been getting from him since days now. He closed the gap and bent me along with him, his face inches away from mine. He paused for a bit before heaving a deep breath. He sniffed against my skin, inhaled my scent and gave me a peck on my cheeks before stepping back again.
The music had now stopped, and suddenly everyone around us applauded our performance.
I thanked the heavens above for keeping the theme of tonight's party as the masquerade ball, at least nobody could recognize me. The moment Jake left my embrace, he removed his mask and looked straight in my eye. He wasn't hiding it anymore. His intentions roared louder than the chattering applause. I shivered under his gaze, thousands of emotions stirring in the pit of my stomach.
Without looking back in his direction, I just turned around and fled on the spot. When I was almost at the exit, I could see the crowd was closing on him, and he was now surrounded by a pool of people, mainly girls, but his eyes were still fixed on me.
Without thinking twice, I ran straight into my room. I was still breathless and was trying to gulp in everything that happened tonight. I thought I would eventually erase Jake and his memories of my heart, but he never ceases to surprise me with his actions.
He was so confusing, what did he even want fr
om me? Was it all a sick game? But then why did his eyes look honest? Why did his touch feel sincere?
I just couldn't help thinking about all the possibilities between us. His hands on my skin dominoes back to back vibrations of untamed feelings, and unknowingly my heart consented without a single care of being right or wrong. Deep inside, I was waiting for him to claim what rightfully belonged to him, but he was already committed to somebody else, and that made me feel like the outrageous other woman, a tag that I would never adorn even if it were the end of the world.
This circus must end, for once and for all. He had a girlfriend and had a good history with countless women; he was not even my type.
I changed into my nightwear and saw my phone. There were two messages from Mark.
"Hey, Emma. I am so sorry I couldn't make it to the ball with you tonight. Big Boss personally called me to attend one of his important business meeting for the Norway project on his behalf. I had to leave almost immediately and then realised my battery was dead, so I couldn't let you know in time."
"I think I will be heading straight to the airport after the meeting, sorry again for tonight. See you in the office on Monday. Take Care and have a great time in Lofoten. Stay safe."
Jake sent Mark for an important meeting right before the gala ball. It sounded weird given everything was wrapped up for this deal already. Last-minute meeting just seemed a bit off.
That's when his words echoed in my ear again, "Only I could take the liberty of dancing with you tonight..."
Oh, my God! Did he send Mark away on purpose?
Chapter 17
Under my Watch
Jake
Contrary to what I believed, having Emma travel to Norway rampaged a battle on my sanity, poking my instincts on levels I hardly was able to cope with.
She had been mingling a lot with Mark. When I saw them together for the first time at the dinner party, my blood was boiling to see their familiarity.
She was always in his company, laughing on his jokes, too comfortable for my liking, and they dined together almost every day after that.
Even though he was one of my most trusted employees, and I had always shared a great rapport with him, oddly at present, he had become my least favorite person in the whole wide world. I had no doubt that he too had feelings for Emma. It was hard not to fall for her. She was the epitome of grace, and the best part that made her all the more desirable was the fact that she was oblivious of the effect she had on people.
"Augustin, please send Brett to my room." Augustin being the head of my security, had deployed his entire team in Norway too, Brett was one of his most trusted men.
Soon enough, I heard a knock at my door.
"Sir, you called for me?"
"Please, come in Brett. I am entrusting you with something very important. Have a seat."
I briefed him on his new set of duties that were carefully chalked by me, precisely till the time we were in Norway.
"Understood? Don't forget to keep me updated." I reiterated.
"Yes, Sir. I will ensure Ms. Carter's safety and keep you informed of her whereabouts at all times." I nodded, and he took it as a cue to leave. Before he turned, I called him again.
"Keep a safe distance, Brett, she should never know."
He gave me another nod before he finally left the room. This was quite unlike me, I had never done this for anyone in my life before, but I just couldn't be at ease without knowing about her, especially when we are miles away from our country, and Mark was already fostering bonds with her.
Stalker or no stalker, if I wished to survive this week, I had to keep Emma close.
On top of it, Erica surprised me on this trip, and she had been a constant headache. I was finding it difficult to handle her tantrums. She clung too much and behaved as if she owned me. We had a short fling in the past, and I needed her help to stay close to the Murials, but I wasn't committed to her. Still, she attempted to exercise every right on me. I had to put a stop to her madness before she got too involved.
It was the gala event, and as much as I guessed already, Brett confirmed that Emma had plans to attend it with Mark. Jealousy took the better of me, and I purposely created a slot for an important meeting and sent Mark to attend the same on urgent basis. I could not see him have the opportunity to accompany Emma for the ball dance tonight.
My heart couldn't stop approaching Emma, the moment I saw her in the ballroom. I was awestruck by her raw beauty. She looked so elegant in that dress, and her incredibly sexy back made me fall weak in my knees.
Watching her wait restlessly for her date burned every nerve in my body. I could not stand another sight of her being with another man.
She had no idea how unique and magnetic her beauty was, and no guy would just want to remain friends with her. I had no right to meddle in her life, true, but that's how crazy I got when it came to her. And I was not going to let her slip away, not without a fight.
What were you doing to me, Emma?
As the lights dimmed, I approached her for a dance. Her confused eyes went in a trance, but thankfully she agreed.
As I held her in my arms, I felt the urge to never let her go. We danced together, and I could feel her heart pounding as I stepped closer. No matter how much she tried to hide, I was positive-her body yearned for my touch. I could feel her nervousness around me, and even though I didn't know what it was that we felt, it was from both sides.
After the dance, she immediately left, and the moment she did, I felt a void in my heart. I was interrupted from my thoughts when I received a call from Brett.
"Sir, Ms. Carter has booked a tour to Lofoten for the weekend."
"She has what?" I didn't expect this. I admired her courage and impulse to explore the world all by herself. She was fearless, and I respected her decisions. But it wasn't as safe to travel all alone to a remote island like Lofoten.
"You know what you are supposed to do. Trail her and ensure she has a harmless stay."
"Yes, sir." He responded before hanging up.
Part of me wished I could accompany her myself, but I couldn't impose. I just wished her to stay out of trouble and achieve whatever she wanted, even if it meant exploring the world alone.
My life was a whirlwind of its own. I was still investigating my father's death. Our sources informed us that Windson's had tried every trick of the trade to steal a reputed tender from my father. All their attempts failed, however, after my father's accident, since Richmond Corp struggled without a leader, that project ended up with the Windsons. They were benefitted in billions as an outcome of my father's untimely death. I was accompanying Augustin to investigate one of Windson's ex-board of directors. This was too shadowy to be waived off as a co-incidence.
After a lot of chase, on the condition of anonymity, he had finally agreed to have a small meeting with us. He was a vital point of contact, he had a long history with Windsons, and he might have some critical information.
I promised myself to find my father's culprit, and I could not afford to get distracted by anything at the moment.
***
Emma
Lofoten Island
If I ever could experience heaven on this earth, it would be here on this mesmerizing island.
I felt enthralled and captivated by the scenic beauty of this place. It had splendid mountain views and was surrounded by the serene blue waters of the Norwegian sea. The moment I stepped in this paradise, I regretted only to have a weekend here. This place truly deserves a lasting stay.
All my travel tiredness washed away as soon as I reached my warm and cozy cottage. This place had nature's richness, and its tranquil surroundings bring peace to mind. I intend to explore as much as I can in my short stay here. I had to wait until dark to meet my tour guide at the spot of witnessing aurora borealis at night, so I still had good 7-8 hours to myself.
I soon took a quick warm bath, changed into my track pants, fed on a sandwich that I picked from a small café, and headed out
to one of the most fantastic hiking trails that this place has, thanks to the brochures and maps I gathered from the airport, I had some insight on what to expect during my time here.
The trek I chose has impressive views from the top, and I was looking forward to experiencing it firsthand.
I took many pictures of the magnificent views as I walked up the mountains. I was at peace, and it felt as if I was truly alive in this fast-pacing busy world. I was soaking in every minute I spent at this place, as I wanted these memories to stay fresh in my mind forever.
I was comfortably enjoying my walk and even noticed many rare breeds of flowers and birds chirping around. I had reached midway when I decided to sit and relax for a bit.
That was when I suddenly felt chills in my body. The weather was getting windy and cold, and I felt a bit anxious hiking all by myself in such climatic conditions. It was almost evening, and the sudden drop in temperature worried me a little. I looked around and could not see many hikers. I felt a bit scared all alone in the middle of this island.
After a while, I calmed myself, and decided to turn back instead. I started heading down before the weather got worse.
I took swift steps, but it started lightning soon. I felt like an idiot to not check the forecast before heading up. I was so lost in the splendor of this place, that I acted way too irrationally. Soon, there were thunderstorms, and the fear started to build inside me.
I began pacing my steps down now, but unfortunately, I wasn't even close to the base when it started raining heavily. I hardly could contain myself; I was extremely wet and cold.
My legs were shivering, and eventually, I had no strength left to continue walking. The torturous rain was blinding my vision. I was unable to open my eyes; it was pouring wildly and intensifying with each passing minute. I gave up and sat below a big tree, hoping to wait for the storm to pass, but to no avail as it just got worse and heavier with time. I was numb and couldn't feel my limbs anymore, thanks to the frigid breeze and water.
I will lower the moon for you Page 9