SIX

Konstantin

“I’ve revised the documents with B&K and highlighted some things that you would need to revise before you give your legal signing. Worry not sir, this isn’t the legal document just a draft of it.” Ebony explained as I watched the way her lashed flickered when her eyes shut shortly.

I leaned back in my seat as she placed the document on my table beside me before her head slowly turned and faced me. Brown beautiful eyes that had its unforgettable reflection of me and it made me wonder the things that went on in this mischievous woman’s head.

Mischief is another form of intelligence, my mother always says.

“Is there anything else I can do for you sir?” Ebony asked as she held a folder in her hand and placed her other on her thin waist; wrapping her long slender arms on her beautiful frame.

The contract had been sighed and our wedding should be before Ebony’s visa expires which is within three months at most. I hadn’t made any moves to grab the public’s attention and notify my family of my intentions.

“What are my schedules for the day Miss Black?”  I asked, calling her the last name I saw fit to use as she hid her face with the tablet to roll her eyes but I knew her very fickle nature.

“You have a meeting with Mr. Wally at 13:00, lunch with Mrs. Banks and her son the owners of Tico computers at 15:30; a friendly game at the country club with some friends at 14:15 and dinner with our business associates in A****n at 19:00.” Ebony explained in details as she scrolled through the tab in her hand.

“Cancel everything.” I demanded.

“What?” She asked in disbelief.

“I hate repeating myself twice. Cancel everything, we leave in ten minutes.” I instructed as Ebony walked away from my side and stood in front of my desk.

“Where are we going sir? I hate for you to be unprepared for an occasion.” Ebony said as I smirked before I stood up and brushed my suit three times.

“It seems you are ready to leave; we should hurry up and don’t worry dear, It’s far from business.” I said as I placed the office keys in her hands before she stared at me in utmost disbelief.

“Control freak.” Ebony whispered as I paused.

“Did you say anything?”

“No. I’ll be there in five minutes sir.” Ebony replied with a coy smile before I shook my head and left the office.

Women.

I pulled out my phone, texting a close acquaintance of mine as I waited for Ebony. It didn’t take time before she was out with her things gathered in case I was going to dismiss her early.

I watched as she took careful graceful steps towards me before she pulled her suit jacket down.

“I’m ready sir. May I ask again where we are going?” She asked and I ignored her, stretching my hands to the front door of the empty car.

I opened the door and waved for her to enter, something she wasn’t accustomed but at this moment she was not leaving as my secretary or personal assistant, she was leaving as my fiancée.

I closed the car door and walked to the driver’s side; Ebony breathed softly as I started the car before I slowly took off away from the company.

“Relax; we are not going on any official business I promise.” I informed her as her shoulders relaxed after several breathing.

“Please let it not be one of those surprise weddings I’ve been hearing so much about Konstantin, I won’t marry you with a business partner witness.” She said and I laughed.

“Who said I was marrying you?”

“The document we have a hard and soft copy of, signed and third party is your lawyer.” She stated.

“Don’t you find me charming enough to marry without those papers?” I asked as I looked at her, watching how her face squeezed with amusement and her eyebrow rose with a smug look.

“I’ve seen more charm to be dazzled by a controlling obsessed narcissist even if he has more to give than the rest of the men I’ve been with.” She replied with a pearly smile.

“Do you not find me handsome to your taste?” I asked.

“Don’t flatter yourself Konstantin.” She replied as she gave me a gentle elbow.

We were silent, unsure of what to say as Ebony’s hand stretched to the radio putting on the station that was playing a classical piece. It was interest how a flashy woman could enjoy the sound of simple pieces without a look of irritation.

The few African my sister met, classical was one of their list favorites but Ebony was the first exception I’ve seen.

“We cancelled four important meetings with VVIP associates and clients to come shopping.” Ebony said as she stared at the mall I brought us to.

“We never had that first day.” I confessed as Ebony stared at me in shock.

I placed my hand on her waist with a gentle business smile and lead the surprised lady into the shop to get her ready for the evening.

The moment we stepped in, I saw a staff whisper into the ears of another before she gave a professional smile and approached me.

“Good afternoon Mr. Azzaro and guest, it’s a pleasure to have you here. How may I be of service to you?” She asked as my eyes went to her name tag.

The pretty blonde with sapphire eyes name was Sapphire. How creative.

“Pick out something beautiful for her and get her ready for a dinner date. I don’t care how long it takes but I want her to look simple but elegant and pick out anything fit for business environment.” I instructed as Sapphire nodded as she directed with her hands for Ebony to follow.

“Shall we Miss?” Sapphire said as the manager of the mall headed towards me as I watched Ebony go.

“Mr. Azzaro, I apologize for not meeting you at the entrance I wasn’t expecting you.” The manager, Sara said as she stood tall and stretched her hands towards me.

“That will be alright Sara; I think you have very reliable employees to serve.” I replied as Sara smiled.

“May I get you anything sir?” Sara offered but I raised my hand.

“No. I’m sure you have other important things to do; I’ll notify you if there is a problem I need fixed.” I replied and walked ahead to the display room.

I took a seat at the couch, my legs folded in a gentleman manner as Ebony stepped out in the first dress. She stood like this was a chore as I screened the outfit, numbers appearing at the expensive dress.

“What do you think?” Ebony asked as she twirled.

“You look fat.” I said as she groaned.

“I am fat but the sexy kind.” Ebony whined as she stared at the mirror at the other side.

“I’m taking you to dinner not a pig fest, change it.” I demanded as she flicked her hand towards me and stomped away mumbling words in her language.

It took another full five minutes for Ebony to come out in a cloth that was more revealing with its own allure and fitted for dinner but it simply wasn’t what I wanted Ebony to be seen in the first page of every printed paper.

“How about this? I like this, makes my ass look big and round.” Ebony said as I leaned my head to my hand and looked away.

“You look like an international escort for hire and I’m sure you wouldn’t want paparazzi around you for false news.” I said as Ebony scoffed.

“I’m the one wearing the dress.”

“And I’m the one paying. Get in there and try another one; we have all the time in the world and if I’m not satisfied; we can try again tomorrow.” I informed her as I took a magazine on the table and shuffled through the pages.

“Okay, okay. We’re chill.” Ebony said as her brow twitched while she breathed softly to control her temper.

It was amusing, a feature that sparked the sadist in me to step on her nerves because something told me it would be… cute.

“The color suits you but it makes you look like a one night affair. My mother knows my taste too well.” I complained as she groaned.

“You know what? Fuck you and your perfectionist addiction.”

“I wasn’t looking for perfection Ebony; I was looking for something that defines you but in this color or red.” I confessed as massaged my head.

“Why didn’t you say so since?” She exhaled with a look like she was about to cry in frustration. “I swear if you’re always like this; I’ll chain you to the dog house.”

I raised a brow as she waved her hand and rolled her eyes.

“So demand clearly Konstantin.”

“Pick a dress that you want to wear and is suitable for a fancy first date.” I instructed and she nodded while nibbling on her lower lips before she walked to the room she came out from, mumbling incoherent words.

It took almost an hour before Ebony came out. I was speechless as she walked out in a nude dress, off-shoulders with frills on her shoulders. The gown hugged her figure, simple yet eloquent with shoes almost the same shade to match and her hair let down.

“What do you think?” She asked shyly as I placed my finger on my lips.

“Turn around.” I instructed and she did so before she lowered her eyes and raised it to mine.

“It was the best I could find on quick notice and display.” Ebony said as she placed her hand on her thin waist before I clapped.

“Beautiful like you, my lady.” I said as I stood up and offered her my hand.

Ebony placed her hand on mine and smiled before I turned to Sapphire who was waiting meekly for further instructions.

“Put the dress and anything else my lady will come here to buy on my tabs from now on. Inform Sara that the same treatment I receive should be given to her.” I informed Sapphire who nodded with a slight bow.

“Yes Mr. Azzaro. Should I package what Miss Ebony has on her?” She asked as Ebony looked at her.

“No. Throw the clothes she had on away.” I instructed as Ebony opened her mouth.

She was evidently going to protest but my hand on her lips silenced her. Her breath was warm against my finger and for a brief moment I swore I felt her tongue tasting me but I wasn’t one to judge especially if my eyes were lost in hers.

How could a plain color like brown look pastel pretty? It made me wonder if I enjoyed the color because it was a new favorite or if because it was simply her.

Whatever it was that made me comfortable with a foreign woman like Ebony… It can never be love.