Intense by C.M. Steele
Chapter Sixteen
Amelia
It’s my first week at school, and Roman has done everything he can to have several guards on me, hiring a different firm. They’re from Texas, but they have employees around the country and are considered top of the line and completely dedicated to their job, but they’re not allowed inside the room.
I’m just getting my things together, putting my notebook in my bag when I feel someone looking over my shoulder. “Amelia, I’m Roger. We haven’t met yet, but you’re brilliant. I’ve seen you in Mrs. Miller’s Italian Art 101 as well.” This is Fine Art 102, and I don’t remember seeing this guy in either of my classes, but then again, I’m not looking. I don’t know how he knows my name, but whatever.
“Thanks. I’m just excited about Italian Art,” I insist. It’s the highlight of my first semester. The history of the ancient western world through the twentieth century has always fascinated me. I want to go to Italy so badly, but I wouldn’t dare ask Roman to take me any time soon. I don’t want him to ever feel like I’m using him. Well, I am—for his body. I bite my lip and let out the tiniest moan, finally remembering I’m not alone.
“Damn, I didn’t know history excited you that much. I was wondering if you’d like to study together sometime or get some coffee.” His voice croons like he thinks I’m attracted to him. I hope I didn’t give that impression.
“Thanks, but I’m not interested.” I take a step back, but he presses forward, nearly bumping into me.
“It’s just coffee.”
“You didn’t hear her the first time? She’s fucking taken. Beat it or I’ll bury you.” I smile, feeling Roman’s arm slide around my waist. Roger turns with his tail between his legs.
Roman spins me so my chest brushes against his as he holds me close. “I can’t give you space for a minute before someone comes to try and take my place.”
“Don’t worry. They can’t.” I reach up on the balls of my feet and kiss his chin. I love the facial hair on this man. It’s so sexy.
“That’s good,” he says, staring down into my eyes. Roman has a long way to go before feeling secure in our relationship. Although, I don’t believe it’s that he doesn’t trust me, so much as he’s afraid I’m going to be swept off my feet by someone else because he’s not holding up his end of the bargain.
“What are you doing here?” I question. I’m done for today, but he’s supposed to be at work. I can see the next set of students coming in, so I go to pick up my bag, but he takes it and slings it over his shoulder even though it’s a bright pink one.
He kisses me lightly before leading me out of the classroom. I see two of my guards standing their ground before following a few steps behind us. “I missed you. Besides, there’s something very important going on tonight, and I completely forgot about it. Will you be my date?”
“Oh goodness. I don’t have anything to wear.”
“Another reason to pick you up. I want to take you to get a dress,” he says, giving me a huge grin. Goodness, the man is gorgeous. I don’t miss that several of the females are taking in his appeal. I want to bite every one of them, but then I remember Roman has eyes only for me even though I’m still a mess.
“But I’m all bandaged up,” I remind him.
“Amelia, just say you don’t want to go, and I’ll understand.”
Oh my goodness, he’s so cute when he’s sad, but it’s not something I can deal with so I ease his mind. “I do. I just don’t want to embarrass you.”
He looks shocked, stopping in the middle of the hallway. “Embarrass? You’re gorgeous, smart, and sweet. I’m afraid I’m going to end up in jail by the end of the night.”
“Please.” I swat his chest and march on toward the exit because I know I’m seconds from him showing me how hot he thinks I am.
“I’m serious, but once everyone sees you with me, they’ll know it’s serious. I’ve never brought a date to any event I’ve attended,” he informs me, which makes me feel really good inside. He has to be the sweetest asshole I’ve ever met, and I love him more and more every day.
“Okay. So where are we going?” I ask, wanting to see where he’s planning to take me because he conveniently left that part out.
“To get you a dress.”
“Yes, but where am I wearing this dress to?” Yep, purposely being obtuse.
“We’ll just have to see.” He leads me to the limo, and Johnson smiles.
“Good afternoon, Johnson.”
“Afternoon, Ms. Amelia.” He whispers something to the driver and we head out.
We haven’t spent any time outside of the penthouse because he’s been worried about me and we’ve been busy making up for lost time, so this is a nice change.
We arrive at an exclusive dress store, which I’m sure I could have never entered if it wasn’t for Roman. The lady greets Roman as if they’re old friends, but I know they don’t know each other.
“How’s your father, Mariana?” he asks. Apparently, I’m very wrong and suddenly uncomfortable.
“He’s doing well.” As if sensing my mood, the woman looks to me and says, “My father has been Roman’s personal tailor for ten years and just retired.”
A man in a suit approaches us with a glower, sliding his hand around her waist. “Everything okay, moy zaychik.”
“Yes. This is Roman Edwards and his beautiful woman…”
“Amelia,” I say, trying to defuse the tension. The handsome Russian is clearly protective of her. I don’t know what he said, but I understood the meaning. She’s his, and Roman better think twice.
“Very well. Now that we got that show over with, do you mind finding a dress that would suit Amelia? We need it for this evening.”
“You’re going to the gala?”
“Yes.”
“That’s wonderful. Come, Amelia. Let’s find you the perfect gown that will make everyone take notice that the elusive Roman Edwards is off the market.” She turns to the men and says, “Play nice, Viktor.”
“I won’t be long, Roman.”
“I’ll be checking in.”
“Okay.”
“I thought Viktor was a bit protective, but Roman’s got the same tendencies.”
“Well, I was kidnapped almost two weeks ago.”
“Oh my, yep. We better make sure to check in, then. He’s probably fidgeting in his seat, which will make Viktor anxious about me, too.”
“So what color would be good for me?”
“You’re so beautiful that any color would do, but I can see you in this new one I just finished. I think it would be perfect.” She comes back a minute later with a long green silky gown that is form fitting down to the waist in the front, while the back is see-through lace. I try it on with her help and spin to look in the mirror. I gasp and twirl. My entire figure has been amplified; curves visible from every angle.
“He’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
“I love it. Can I have it?”
“Absolutely. I need some pictures because you are already breathtaking, and you don’t have your hair or makeup styled.” I’m suddenly nervous because of the wound on my head. I wonder if Roman will let me do my own hair tonight.
“What’s wrong?”
“Amelia, are you okay in there?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Give me a minute.”
She mouths sorry for accidentally letting Roman hear her concern. “It’s okay. I have a missing piece of hair and I don’t want anyone to see it.”
“That’s fine. You’re beautiful. I’m sure Roman wouldn’t care if you get your hair done or leave it just like it is.”
“She’s right,” Roman calls out.
“You’re being nosy.”
“Sorry, I can’t help it. I’m worried about you.”
“I’m getting dressed.”
“What a pity.” I giggle, and Mariana walks out of the dressing room.
I exit a minute later with the dress in hand. “This is the one.”
“How many did you try on?”
“Just one. She picked the most perfect dress for me.”
“What about shoes?”
“Thinking of everything.”
“What size are your feet?” Mariana asks, stepping in to take the gown from me.
“A seven.”
“Okay. Can you walk in heels?”
“Yes, but not too high.”
“Okay. Give me a minute.” She walks away with her brutish man following at a distance.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t get to see it on you.”
“You will.”
“So what about hair and makeup?”
“I don’t know much about that stuff, but I can do my own hair if that’s okay.”
“You can do whatever you want. I just want to make sure you have what you’d like. I’m sure Mariana knows someone.”
“For what?”
“Makeup, hair, whatever women do to themselves.”
“Oh yes. I have several listed since my clients are getting dressed to go somewhere, so it’s always wise to keep on hand. Although at this late hour, it’s gonna cost.”
“I have my makeup at home.”
“Let the man spoil you,” Mariana says.
“She’s right. Can you give me one that’s available?”
“I can see, but first take a look at these. They’re the most comfortable of the three, but these are the prettiest.” I look at them, and they’re all pretty. I’m not a shoes girl, but with the dress and my injuries, I want to be comfortable, so I grab the safe bet and sit to try them on. Roman stands there with his arms crossed watching me with restrained desire. I can see that it’s not completely restrained in his pants. I’m tempted to reach out and touch it, but I hold back because we have an audience. Although that does sound appealing, I don’t want anyone to see Roman’s gorgeous body. That’s all mine.
I stand with the shoes on and walk across the path, earning a sexy growl from Roman.
“Do you like them?”
“I want you to be in nothing but them tonight.” My pussy throbs as I imagine my legs over his shoulders.
“We’ll take these.” I slip them off and slide my sandals back on. Roman heads to the counter and pays while keeping one hand firmly wrapped around my waist.
“These two have availability tonight, but I’d go with her. She’s great, and she’ll make your pretty eyes pop.”
“Great. Thank you so much.” I take the card and Roman grabs my bags.
“Make sure you get tons of pictures.”
“Thank you, I will.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, Princess, but I’m fucking horny as hell. I don’t know what the dress is like, but seeing you pick out heels and knowing you were naked just a few minutes ago has my libido high.”
“If we don’t get home soon, I’m going to fuck you right here.”
“Then what are you waiting for, Mr. Edwards? My pussy aches for you.”
“Fuck.” I lean over and press the button to speak to Johnson. “Drive us around for a half hour.” I don’t need that much time, but I want to make sure she comes for me.
I undo my belt and free my cock from my slacks. “Come and ride me.”
