Chapter 5

“We're here Miss Foyer,” Gordon announced from the drivers' seat. Rose was immediately brought back from her deep thoughts. She looked at her left through the car window to find out they were already at the De Luan home. “Thank you Gordon.” She smiled before she opened the car door and stepped out. The night was sort of chilly and it made her tighten her long coat over her body.

“Are you alright miss Foyer?” Gordon asked still in the drivers' seat. “Am fine Gordon.” Rose replied and even widened her smile for emphasis. She spotted many cars driving into the driveway and elegant guests coming out from those cars. She only knew few faces but it seems many of the ladies among the guests knew her well to be the C.E.O of Navia.

Tightening her coat, she made her way into the house and behold, the foyer alone was filled and enveloped with so many guests. One of the servants by the entrance offered to take off her coat but she humbly refused. The guests were mostly rich businessmen with their wives or escorts standing beside them for support. Everyone had a wine glass in hand so it was natural she would also have one. A waiter passed her by and she quickly grabbed a glass of champagne before making her way into the living area. On her way, she kept on meeting ladies who seemed to be over her and asking her when Navia's new collection would be released.

Rose was completely surrounded by many unknown faces at the party and so far she hadn't seen the people responsible for throwing such a lavish party tonight. She sipped just a little of her glass while walking ahead. She saw Azazel by the bar counter having a talk with a brunette. For some reason, Rose couldn't help but compliment him dressed up in a black suit. Rose knew he must be talking nonsense but the brunette seated beside him by the bar didn't seem to mind listening to his words. It was obvious the woman only wanted to get into his bed.

Azazel had caught her staring and Rose turned around to walk away. She made couple of steps towards the staircase when Azazel blocked her view. “Off to see my brother without a hi?” He grinned. “Am so sorry but I saw you were busy over there with that woman and I thought it would be rude to walk in through conversation just to say hi.” Rose smiled and caught Azazel checking her out. His eyes on her dress made her tighten her coat to cover herself up.

Azazel chuckled and blew a slow whistle. “I must be seeing things. There's no way my Rosy is dressed up like that.” Rose rolled her eyes. “Am not your Rosy.” She said dryly. “Trying to impress my brother now are we?” He eyed her with a mischievous look. “That's none of your business.” Rose came out defensive. “By the way. You look sexy in that dress.” Rose blinked and swallowed. It was the first time Azazel had said that to her She felt weird and cleared her throat. “Where's Aunt Sierra? I haven't seen her since I arrived.” She asked. “Mom's in the kitchen prepping big time for brother.”

“You know you can also do something to make Aunt Sierra plan a huge party in your honour instead of goofing off.” Rose said to which Azazel's lower lip twitched. “Someday Rosy. I will have my time. I'll leave now. My girl is waiting for me. Excuse me.” He walked away and Rose payed no attention but instead of the stairs headed straight for the kitchen.

Sierra had been busy and running errands all day long to make this party perfect for Stephano. Her baby boy had once again struck a massive deal for his father through winning that tender. Mason couldn't stop praising him all the time in their room. Her heart rose up with pride. The kitchen was a mess with her and several servants running around to get things ready on time. To top it all, Deliah and Daliah were all over their mother. “Oh gosh! Did it have to be this week that Mandy goes to visit her parents?” Sierra sighed out loud. Things would have been much easier and faster if Mandy was around to help her out. The duo were like an oil machine and always got things done on time.

“Have no fear when Rose is here.” Rose appeared in the kitchen. “My darling Rose.” Sierra said joyfully before taking off her messy apron stained with flour and spices and approached Rose for a side hug not wanting to ruin her dress. “I was wondering when you'll come. Wow! You look stunning. Let me see darling. Take off your coat.” Sierra said and Rose bit her lip. With a bit of hesitation, Rose slowly took off her coat revealing her dress which was way too revealing in her opinion.

Sierra gasped visibly stunned. Even the servants were ogling at Rose's dress. The little twin girls' eyes twinkled as well. “You look absolutely divine dear. This black dress really brings out your fair skin and blue eyes.” Rose was surprised. She had expected Sierra to twitch her nose and disapprove of her dress being too revealing. She never expected Sierra to fall in love with her dress and even praise her for it. A smile made her lips curve up. Maybe she had been worrying unnecessarily this whole time. Now she didn't feel like wearing her coat. “Really? Thank you Aunt Sierra.”

“Also, it shows off your amazing figure my darling.” Sierra teased and the servants muffled their giggles. “Aunt Sierra!” Rose gasped with her cheeks tinting pink. “The caviars are ready madame.” One of the servants informed Sierra. “I want to help out. What can I do?” Rose asked. “Oh no darling. Not in the kitchen. Your beautiful dress will get ruined. But if you want to help, why not go upstairs and see what's keeping the man of the evening still up in his room.” Rose's cheeks turned bright pink. Sierra noticed that and smiled before she got back to work. “Serve the Scottish smoked Salmon with beluga caviar capanés as the starters.”

Rose made her way up the stairs. This time she didn't feel like her dress revealed too much. Alana was right after all. She thought to herself as she ascended up the stairs. Her smile never left her and with that came lots of confidence. Standing in front of an entire board, Rose wasn't the least bit scared and could say her lines with confidence but when it came to Stephano, nothing ever seemed to make sense.

She walked down the halls and was now in front of his room. She didn't bother to knock as Stephano himself had given her permission to enter his room anytime. She simply opened the door and entered into his room. Her eyes widened to look at the messy room. Clothes were scattered all over the gigantic four poster bed. His wardrobe was left open with some pants lying on the laminate flooring.

“He'll never change. So untidy.” She muttered to herself and began picking up his clothes from the floor before she heard the glass doors of his bathroom slide open. She turned around and she swallowed. He came out of the bathroom in only a towel wrapped around his lower waist. His black hair damp and glistening as water droplets drop from his hair down to his naked torso. Beads of water glued to his naked abs. A faint trail of pubic hairs from his deep navel down to his v-line before it disappeared underneath his towel.

Her mouth parted as she took her time in drinking in all his attractive features. Her heart raced again. She didn't want to look so obvious but also couldn't look away from the man who had fully claimed her heart. Stephano wasn't surprised to see her unannounced in his room. It was a norm. Not even Angelique had ever stepped foot inside his room. He smiled at her but once his eyes saw her dress, his brows furrowed.

“What are you wearing?” He asked, his voice deep and hollow. His eyes seemed cold and sharp. Lips retracted. His face turned red. Jaw jutted and a frowning expression slowly became visible on his face. Rose didn't like the look appearing on his face. This wasn't the reaction she had hoped for from him.

“It's...a dress?” She replied. “But you hate wearing such dresses and I don't like it on you either. It's way too revealing.” He eyed her cleavage for a brief second before he tore his eyes away immediately. He wondered why his eyes even went in that direction. He would never disrespect her in that way. But seeing her in that short sexy dress made him think of how other men who would surround her with their lustful eyes. The thought made him clench his teeth and ball up his hands into tight fists.

Rose's face lowered into utter disappointment. She had her head lowered and felt very upset, but not at him but mainly and solely at herself. She should have gone straight for her gut feeling but decided to listen to Alana. Her only dream was to always be responsible for putting a smile on Stephano's face. To make his life much easier and never be the reason for him being upset.

“Am...s-sorry.” Her lip quivered a little. She had upset him and that too on his special night. She didn't want that at all. Her shoulders lowered as she buried her eyes towards the floor. Stephano's chest tightened and he cursed under his breath. He knew he had gone overboard and shouldn't have been high voiced with her. He didn't have any right to criticize her dressing style and he knew that very well but he still felt like he had some right over her. He sighed and walked closer to hug her no caring if he made her dress wet. In fact it would be good if his wet body would ruin her dress and she would have no choice but to change out of it.

Rose took in a sharp breath when she felt her body slowly pressed against his bare hard ones. His muscular arms shielding her completely. She could scent the humidity radiating from him due to his recent shower. “Am sorry. I shouldn't have raised my voice.” He was apologetic and squeezed his arms around her into his embrace.