Chapter 4

His blue eyes locked on mine and he brought his mouth close to mine, brushing his lips across mine, and I almost gave in. I was burning up with all that game-playing, but I had to stay strong, they were different worlds, so no closer. Suddenly, the lights in the hall came back on and I remembered my situation. I was an imposter at his party. I didn't belong there. Damien and I didn't really suit each other. What's more, I wasn't enjoying my reactions at all, or noticing how I was losing control of the situation around him. That had never happened before, not even with Stephen.

- I need to go. - I pushed him away from me and tried to leave the dance floor, but he stopped me with his fist:

- I'm sorry, but I can't let you. - His voice sounded authoritative and his touch was possessive. What? What do you mean? And since when did he have any authority over me? Neither he nor any man would. I didn't want a man controlling me and telling me what to do, like that monster I once called father did with my mother and then beat her when things didn't go the way he wanted.

- I'm sorry, but I don't think I need your permission, Mr. Mason. - I pulled my arm away abruptly. - Excuse me. Damien looked astonished at my reaction. But then I saw his eyes flash with irritation. I didn't wait to see him freak out.

I left the dance floor certain that I was crazy. I had just dumped the guest of honor at the party, who happened to be filthy rich and drop-dead gorgeous. How many women in the world would have that chance and how many would make such a blunder?

I tried not to think too much as I crossed the hall in search of my deserting friends. It didn't take me long to find them. Jenny was chatting animatedly with a young man with tanned skin and a gentle smile. I noticed that it was the same boy I had been watching crack a joke at the beginning of the party. She seemed interested in him, but I could see that the man's eyes were on Arianna, who didn't even seem to see him sitting on the white upholstery.

- Ellen! We were worried! - Jenny said as soon as she saw me. Oh, yes. You certainly were.

- Look Ell, this is Nicholas Ferraço. - Jenny continued, making the introductions.

The boy came forward and pulled my hand to kiss it: - Nice to meet you, Miss Ellen. - A mischievous smile played on his lips and again I felt a sense of empathy.

- It's a pleasure, Mr. Ferraço. - I turned to Arianna. - I don't think

I'm not feeling well. I'm going home.

- Really, Ell? - Arianna jumped up from the sofa. - I'll come back with you then.

- There's no need, Ary. I can go back on my own. You can carry on

enjoy the party. - It wasn't fair to take them away from the reception so soon. They were both very excited when we left the house and I didn't want to be inappropriate.

- I'm not letting you go alone. - Arianna protested.

- Ary, I'll manage. Don't worry about it.

- Don't give me that "don't worry". Yes, I do. I'm leaving with you. - She turned to Jeniffer. - You can stay if you want Jenny. Jeniffer snorted. Probably because she didn't want to be alone.

- I can take you home, girls. - Nicholas offered and stood by Arianna.

She looked at him, seeming to see him for the first time.

- That won't be necessary, Nick. I can take Ellen home, so no one has to leave the party. - Damien's voice sounded behind me and I turned around instantly.

He gave me a predatory smile and I felt my knees wobble once again. It seemed that my attempts to push him away had backfired. Damien had a glint of obstinacy in his eyes, like a hunter facing his target.

Oh, shit! I'd ruined everything.

Arianna looked from Damien to me, waiting for an explanation. With my peripheral vision, I could see the shock on Jeniffer's face.

- Have you met, Damien? - Nick was the first to speak up.

- I've just had the pleasure. - Damien approached us and stopped in front of me. - Do you really want to leave, my Darling?

Now I was at a dead end. If I said I'd given up, Damien would be on my tail for the rest of the party and could take that as my consent to the proposals that were shining in his eyes. On the other hand, if I left alone with him, because of the unusual reactions I was getting, I could easily end up committing something crazy.

I felt a little sweat break out at the roots of my hair. Damien seemed to notice my embarrassment and a wry smile appeared on his lips. Now he was having fun at my expense. It was better to go through the torture of leaving and get rid of him once and for all. I convinced myself. I was strong. A pair of blue eyes wasn't going to make me fall for him, not really.

Suddenly, I remembered that he couldn't take me away, or he'd find out about our farce. Because how could a supposed socialite live in the slums of Alemão?

I cast a desperate glance at Arianna. She understood instantly:

- Ell, before you leave, can you come to the toilet with me? I think I'm having a little problem with the zipper on my lingerie.

- Of course, Ary! - I said, eager to get out of the situation.

- Excuse me, gentlemen. - Arianna took my hand and in an instant I found myself in the ladies' room:

- How did you manage to get in the way of the owner of the party with over two hundred people in this hall? - Arianna said after making sure we were alone in the bathroom.

- Bad luck? - I replied.

- Now the guy is interested in you and wants to take you home, Julia Roberts! - Arianna tried to look annoyed, but her comparison between me and

me and Julia Roberts made us both start laughing.

- I knew I shouldn't have come. I knew it wasn't going to work out. - I started walking around the bathroom, nervous.

Arianna sat down on the luxurious upholstery outside the toilet.

- Calm down, we need to think. - She ran her hands through her hair, not caring about the bun. Suddenly her dark eyes sparkled. - Jenny's rich uncles! They're traveling, aren't they?

- I think they are. Everest this time. - I replied.

- Of course! You can give me the address of their house in Ipanema.

- Yes, Ary, but what about when I get there? What do I do?

- Isn't Jeniffer looking after their house? She gives you the keys and you pretend it's yours. - Arianna smiled with satisfaction at the solution she had found.

- But how are we going to talk to Jeniffer? She's not here.

Suddenly, Jeniffer entered the bathroom.

- You're not even waiting for me, are you? - she complained.

- Tell me you've got the keys to your aunt and uncle's house in your bag, please, Jeniffer. - Arianna jumped in front of Jenny.

- Yes, I am. I thought it would be easier for us to spend the night there tonight. It's closer. - She reached into her bag and pulled out an elegant key ring.

- Great. Give Ell the keys. Give her her cell phone too. Damien wants to take her home and we need to keep up this charade at least until the end of the reception. - Arianna turned to me. - Let me know as soon as you arrive.

Jeniffer agreed and handed me the keys and the phone. I held both with trembling hands.

- Now let's get back to the party. Jenny, we're going to stay here at the Belmond for a while longer so as not to arouse suspicion. - Arianna held my hands. - Now you Ell, be careful. Damien doesn't seem like the kind of man to be trifled with. Find a way to get rid of him.

I agreed and then the three of us left the bathroom.

When we got back to the lounge, Damien and Nick were sitting on the armchair previously occupied by Arianna.

- Have you solved the problem, girls? - Nicholas gave Arianna a mischievous smile.

- I had to give it a few squeezes, but I solved it. - Arianna teased Nick and his brown eyes flashed.

- Have you made up your mind, my Darling? - Damien turned his blue eyes to me and stood up.

- Yes, I have. I'm off. - I smiled confidently.

He smiled back and then approached me.

- It will be an interesting walk. - Damien slipped his arm around my waist.