chapter fourteen (Elara's pov)

Elara sat in front of the massive vanity mirror in one of the guest rooms at Killian's mansion. Tonight was the night of the gala where they would be making their first public appearance together.

She stared at her reflection and marvelled at how talented the makeup artists waa. The woman had done a spectacular job— her skin glowed, her lips were painted a variant shade of red, her eyes had a smoky makeup that looked very seductive. She barely recognized herself.

She got up and walked over to the full length mirror to look at her dress. The silk fabric clung to her body like a second skin. The dress was a masterpiece, it was black in color, under the glow of the chandelier the fabric looked like liquid as she moved. It has a plunging neckline that was teasing but didn't show too much, a high slit that was almost scandalous but was still elegant. The straps were made of diamonds that formed a crisscross pattern on her back.

The dress screamed danger, wealth and power. And tonight, she was going to need every ounce of it.

Killian had done a wonderful job in selecting this dress. She thought.

A soft knock sounded at the door before it creaked open slightly. One of Killian’s house staff peeked inside. “Mr. Hayes has asked me to inform you that the car will be ready in fifteen minutes, ma’am.”

She gave him a nod and dismissed him with a polite smile before reaching for her stilettos. The heels were sleek, black and made her legs look like they belonged in a magazine cover.

With a final glance in the mirror, she grabbed her hand bag, exited the room  and made her way toward the grand staircase. The gala tonight wasn’t just about showing up—it was about domination and she was ready for it all.

She felt his gaze before she saw him. He was standing at the bottom of the staircase, dressed elegantly in a black tailored tuxedo. Killian Hayes looked like a walking sin.

The white shirt beneath his jacket was undone at the top, open enough to reveal the silver necklace on his back. His dark hair was slicked back but a few stray strands rested on his forehead.

He looked untouchable.

His eyes were dark and filled with something primal that set her skin ablaze as he scanned her. A slow, calculated sweep down her body that promised something dangerous.

His jaw ticked, lips parting slightly as if he was about to say something, but he didn’t.

God, he's staring at me like he wants to devour me. She thought to herself.

The air has become charged with something… intimate. Her heart pounded in her chest as she swallowed and grilled the railing for support as she got down from the last step.

When she got to him, he leaned in and spoke in a low tone that made heat pool in her belly.

"If you walk into that gala looking like this, Elara, don't blame me for what happens after."

Butterflies erupted in her stomach and she was thankful for her makeup. If not she would have been as red as a tomato.

This was a game and Killian was playing it too well.

"Should I change then?" She teased, raising a brow.

A panty dropping smirk grew on his face, exposing his pearly white teeth. "Not a chance, darling."

Darling. 

Such a simple word, yet coming from Killian— the man who she is not supposed to feel any for— it was doing wonders to her. Messing up her mind.

“Damn,” Killian murmured, voice low and husky. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

Elara smirked, tilting her head slightly, refusing to let his effect on her show. “That’s the goal.”

He lifted his hand and brushed his fingers against her exposed shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine. “You’re playing a dangerous game, sweetheart.”

She met his gaze head on, ignoring the warmth from his hand on her shoulder. “Then I hope you’re ready to lose.”

Killian let out a low chuckle, his lips twitching in amusement—but there was something else in his eyes. Something dark that she couldn't decipher.

It was gone as soon as it came and he extended his arm towards her, an invitation. “Shall we?”

She placed her hand in his, and just like that, they were about to face the world.

“Let's put on a show, sweetheart.”

*****

The event was already in full swing by the time they arrived at the venue. They were at the grand ballroom in the Royal glaze hotel. The room was bathed in golden light from the chandelier above,  men dressed in tuxedos and women in silk and diamonds chatted and laughed all around. 

The air alone smelled like wealth and power.

The moment Killian and Elara stepped inside, all eyes turned to them.

The murmurs started instantly.

"Is that Killian Hayes?"

 "Isn't that Elara Beckett? The runaway bride?"

 "They look incredible together."

 "I heard they’re engaged!”

Then the press gathered like vultures. "Mr. Hayes! Miss Beckett! Over here!" Flashing lights almost blinded her, microphones were shoved into their faces.

"Killian! Elara! How does it feel to finally go public with your relationship?"

"Is this an engagement, or just another business deal?"

"How long have you two been seeing each other?"

“Elara! How does it feel to be engaged to the most eligible bachelor in the country?”

“Why are we just finding out about your relationship now?”

Showtime.

Killian placed a hand on the small of her back, a silent command for her to answer like they had practiced.

Letting it a little laugh, she raised her hand to silence the group of reporters. “That was a lot of questions. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to answer all but I will answer the ones that I can to the best of my abilities.”

There was a slight murmur among them but Elara ignored and continued. “Someone asked why we are coming out now. Well, some things are best kept private and with my return to the city, Killian and I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to announce it. You know, men are such possessive creatures, he doesn't want others to feast their eyes on me.”

Laughter erupted. “Well, what can I say? My fianceé’s drop dead gorgeous.” Killian said with a grin on his face.

Elara smiled, shaking her head at his antics. “I’d say that this relationship is a dream come true,” she said smoothly, resting a hand lightly on Killian’s chest. “But the truth is, Killian is the lucky one.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Killian chuckled, pulling her closer. “She’s not wrong.”

Another reporter jumped in. “Killian, you’ve been known to avoid relationships in the past. What changed?”

Killian didn’t even hesitate. “Elara changed everything.” His voice was calm and firm but also filled with what would have been assumed to be loved. He turned to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “When you meet the right person, you just know.”

Her breath hitched Elara almost forgot this was all an act. Almost.

More questions followed and they handled them effortlessly. They were the perfect couple—flawless, untouchable.