Worth the Scandal: Worth It, Book 1 Page 5

  Glancing at herself in the mirror, she sighed resignedly. She wasn’t supermodel caliber but it would have to do. After all, Alex knew what he was dealing with. He’d seen her every day for the last six months, and she was his employee. He probably wanted to discuss what the plan was for tomorrow over dinner.

  Boring but she could endure, what with the view that would be sitting across from her at the table.

  When she opened the door and caught sight of Alex waiting for her, he didn’t disappoint. Lounging on one of the plush velvet couches, his arms sprawled on either side of him, he looked every inch the impatient man waiting for his date to get ready so they could get on with it.

  Oh, how she wished.

  “Are you ready?” He drew himself to his full height and strode toward her, his gaze intent, his steps quick. He’d showered and changed as well, wearing a simple black pullover sweater and black trousers. His hair was still damp from the shower and it curled at the ends. He hadn’t shaved either, the shadow of stubble across his jaw giving him a dangerous air.

  She trembled with desire when he took hold of her arm and started to lead her toward the door. “I need my purse.”

  “Are you going to pay tonight?” He glanced down at her.

  “I—hadn’t planned on it.” Not that she could afford a meal where he was most likely taking her.

  “Then you don’t need it,” he said simply as he reached for the door handle.

  “But my phone and my lipstick…”

  He cut her off with a look. “You don’t need your phone, and you look beautiful. You don’t need any lipstick.”

  His statement stunned Tessa silent and she remained quiet for the entire elevator ride down to the ground level, as did he. He thought she was beautiful? She found it incredibly hard to believe. He was just being kind. She couldn’t come close to competing with the beautiful women he encountered.

  “Your mind is working overtime,” he murmured close to her ear as they exited the elevator and headed toward the lobby. “I’m almost afraid to ask what you might be thinking.”

  As if she could ever confess her true thoughts. “I’m, um, overwhelmed by how beautiful everything is.”

  “As am I.” He sent her a meaningful look, and she swallowed hard. If she was being hopeful she’d almost believe he was referring to her.

  But that was ridiculous. He was only being kind.

  “Alexander Worth.”

  Alex turned at the sound of the heavily accented voice, a polite smile curving his lips when he caught sight of the man who stood in the lobby next to a small, bubbling fountain. A woman half his age draped over his arm, dripping with the largest jewels Tessa had ever seen. “Giorgio Ricci, how are you?”

  Placing his hand upon her lower back, Alex led Tessa to the couple. The man smiled and reached for Alex, giving him a kiss on each cheek, causing Alex to chuckle. “I heard you were in the city.”

  “We’re relaunching one of the stores tomorrow,” Alex said.

  “Ah, si, si.” The man nodded, beaming. “I shall be there. I cannot wait to see the store.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. The store is beautiful.” Alex paused. “What brings you here to the hotel?”

  “Escorting my Giovanna for the evening.” Giorgio indicated the woman on his arm who offered a brittle smile in greeting. “I keep her here when she comes to visit. Cannot have the wife know, eh?”

  Tessa’s skin chilled. This woman with the twinkling diamonds and dress cut so low her breasts threatened to fall out was Giorgio’s mistress. How…sleazy.

  “No, I imagine you can’t.” Alex shifted, looking vaguely uncomfortable.

  “Tomorrow evening, the wife, she is in charge of a very exclusive charity ball, and I’d be pleased if you and your lady friend were to attend.” Giorgio sent her a leering look and she recoiled slightly.

  “Oh, I’m not his—” Tessa started but Alex cut her off with a smooth, “We’ll be there. What time does it start?”

  They discussed times and locations in rapid fire Italian. Giovanna the mistress appeared bored though she shot Alex a hungry look, licking her lips when he glanced her way.

  Tessa’s appetite vanished. Again she was reminded of her meager looks, her feeble wardrobe and her lack of polish.

  She was in way too far over her head.

  “Why did you agree to escort me to the ball tomorrow night?” she asked after Alex hustled her out of the lobby and into the bustling crowds walking along the sidewalk.

  “You don’t want to go?” He glanced down at her, his hand still upon her back, guiding her through the throng of people.

  She wanted to go more than anything, especially with him. “I have nothing to wear.”

  “I can remedy that,” he said easily.

  “If you’re going to offer me a dress, please don’t do it.” She couldn’t take clothes from him. She’d be no better than that mistress with the diamonds.

  “How about I let you borrow a dress,” he suggested.

  “Borrow?”

  “The fashion houses do it all the time. Lend out their clothes for the exposure.”

  Of course, she knew that. “No one will care what I’m wearing, let alone take a photo of me.”

  “If you’re going to this charity ball on my arm tomorrow, trust me, someone will take your photograph.”

  She didn’t get it. Why would he want to take her? She wasn’t paying attention as he led her down the sidewalk, turning down a short, dark alley before they came to a quaint wooden door that looked like it was once part of a castle. He opened the door for her, the delicious scents wafting from within making her stomach growl all over again and she eagerly went inside.

  The restaurant was tiny, quaint and nearly every table filled despite the late hour. A short, stout man with a thick black beard came to greet them, his familiarity with Alex indicating he’d been at this restaurant before.

  Tessa couldn’t help but wonder with who.

  They were seated in the farthest corner of the restaurant by a small window. The location intimate, the table so small she bumped into Alex’s knees when she sat down. A fat, sputtering candle sat in a red glass votive, casting him in a fiery glow.

  He’d never looked more handsome—and that was saying a lot considering she’d never seen him look horrible. She was starting to believe it just wasn’t possible.

  “So why do you want to take me tomorrow night?” she asked after Alex ordered for the both of them.

  “You won’t let it go, will you?”

  She shrugged. “I’m curious as to your reasons.”

  “I need your help.” His expression solemn, he reached for the glass of wine recently poured for them and took a sip.

  “My help?” Now she was intrigued.

  He nodded. “The barracudas will feast upon me if I go alone.”

  She frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  “Tomorrow night, you’re going to pretend to be my date,” his tone nonchalant, he reached for a piece of bread from the basket. Steamy warmth rose when he flipped back the black cloth and he tore off a piece, offering it to her. She shook her head, and he shrugged, biting off a piece before he further explained. “Every time I go to one of these events alone in Europe, it doesn’t matter what country, I’m propositioned all evening.”

  “Having me on your arm is going to prevent that? I doubt it.” Her stomach grumbled as she watched him eat the bread with relish. It looked so good but she couldn’t. Bread was her weakness, and it would go straight to her thighs.

  “I’m not going to let you out of my sight. They won’t be able to get me alone.”

  A thrill shivered down her spine at his words. He sounded downright possessive. “Considering the man we just met flaunts his mistress in such a public manner, I don’t think I’ll be much of a deterrent.” She stared at his hands with longing as he reached into the basket and tore off another hunk of fragrant bread.

  “Stop depriving yourself and take some,” he
growled, shoving his hand—and the bread—under her nose.

  Unable to resist she plucked it from his fingers and took a bite, nearly melting in her chair when the buttery taste exploded on her tongue. “Won’t it cause unwarranted gossip? Being seen with me?”

  “I doubt it. And if anything, it’ll hit the Euro mags and that’s it.” Alex shrugged. “No one cares that much what I do.”

  He was being modest. He’d been the talk of tabloids for years. Young and successful, handsome and straight, such a rarity in the fashion industry, he and his brothers all made the tabloids and various gossip sites, especially Rhett.

  “Someone will care,” Tessa said softly. “What about Hunter? He’s in charge of marketing. What if this is a wrong move on your part? For the company vision and future?”

  “Tessa.” He reached across the table and took her hand, holding it loosely in his. “Being seen with you is the absolute right image for the company. You look—respectable. Wholesome. Trust me a sweetly beautiful woman on my arm at a charity event is a good thing. Hunter will be pleased.”

  “Are you using me for my wholesome and respectable image?” For whatever reason, his words fired her up. He thought she was sweet. She’d show him sweet.

  “I’m not using you.” He didn’t release his grip on her hand. In fact, he stroked his thumb across her knuckles, sending a scattering of tingles across her skin. “I don’t use people. I never do.”

  Her mouth went dry at the seriousness she saw in his gaze, heard in his tone. He meant what he said. But why her? Because she was easy—and convenient?

  “I don’t want to get hurt,” she murmured, expressing her biggest fear.

  “I won’t hurt you. I promise,” he vowed.

  She nodded once, her fingers curling about his. She trusted him. He would never do her wrong. “Then I’ll do it. I’ll go to the charity event with you tomorrow.”

  He smiled and squeezed her hand, dropping it when the waiter arrived with their food. “I never had a doubt.”

  Tessa bet he didn’t. Knowing Alex, he wouldn’t have let her say no. Would’ve demanded she go with him despite her doubts.

  And knowing her, she would’ve agreed despite all the worry.

  He waited. Again. Fidgeting with the clasp on his watch, tightening his cufflinks, tugging at the collar of his shirt for what felt like the millionth time. She wasn’t late. He was early. He paced the length of the suite’s living area, turning on his heel before he made the trek back the way he came.

  The flagship store opening had gone off without a hitch, thanks to Tessa keeping him on track. The media came out in droves, snapping his photo so much in front of the store before it officially reopened he thought he might go blind from the flashes.

  He’d sent Tessa back to the suite the moment the official launch duties had wrapped up. She’d looked ragged, smudges under her eyes, her skin pale. He’d ordered her to take a nap and she’d readily agreed, escaping the store so fast he wondered if there were imaginary dogs nipping at her heels.

  After the opening he’d asked the store manager if she would accompany him and they’d shopped for a dress for Tessa for tonight’s ball. They’d found it in the third store they entered, Alex spotting the dress in the window. He’d known upon first glance, without a doubt it belonged to Tessa.

  He’d paid for it too—and it had cost a substantial amount, not that it mattered. Not that he would ever tell her. On loan, he’d say and she wouldn’t be the wiser.

  It was best. She deserved the best.

  While out, he’d also purchased shoes and accessories for Tessa’s outfit. The stores had promised delivery of all the items to the hotel to Tessa and when he’d finally come back to the suite, she wasn’t in sight though her door had been closed. Neither were the items he had delivered. He figured they were in the room with her.

  Alex ran a hand through his hair. He wished he was in the room with her too.

  Last night’s dinner had been a study in torture. So beautiful, so sweet, once he’d calmed Tessa down over the charity event, she’d relaxed. Full of laughter and stories—as well as full of good wine—she’d enjoyed herself, devouring the plate of delicious food, munching on the irresistible bread and asking for another basket. She’d even indulged in dessert, sharing the plate with him and he’d been so damn tempted to feed her a bite. Bad enough he’d watched her lick chocolate sauce from the corner of her mouth.

  It had all been rather intimate. Like a date, though she hadn’t seemed aware of it.

  He’d been. Extremely aware. Of the way her knees brushed against his throughout the night, how they’d clasped hands for those few moments when he’d reassured her. How the candlelight had given her an ethereal glow, her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders, fueling his imagination. He could envision her long hair spread out across his pillow while he had her naked and pinned beneath him in bed. Her plump breasts crushed against his chest, her legs spread, cradling his hips as he slowly entered her for the first time…

  “Sorry to keep you waiting.” The door to her room swung open, and she stepped out. He heard her heels clicking on the bare floor. “Do I look okay?”

  Turning in the direction of her voice, he stopped, his mouth gone dry at the vision before him.

  She was a goddess clad in virginal white, her hair up, sparkly earrings swinging from her ears. The dress didn’t reveal much…was rather modest in appearance but that didn’t matter. She was a vision covered in white tulle and sparkling stones. The skirt was a frothy concoction that fell to the floor and sparkled with diamante accents.

  “Turn around,” he commanded, his voice hoarse.

  She did as he asked, revealing the sexy back of her gown. Constructed of sheer, sparkling net and intricate lace, a row of satin buttons led down from the base of her neck to the middle of her shoulder blades. He could see her skin, the bare curve of her neck an utter temptation and he clenched his hands into fists. Afraid he might reach out and touch her, tear the gown from her body and ravish her where she stood.

  “Do you like it?” she asked once she faced him again.

  He nodded, struggling to find his voice, let alone a sliver of control. To say he merely liked it was a gross understatement. “You look—perfect.”

  She smiled with relief, her cheeks rosy, her eyes so dark in contrast to her flushed skin. She’d covered her lips with the trademark ruby red lipstick, drawing his attention to the lush ripeness of her mouth. If he kissed her, would he wear her mark? He didn’t mind the thought of smudged lipstick smeared across his lips.

  Alex frowned. He’d lost all sensibility when it came to this woman. She had him thinking like a fool. Even scarier? He didn’t seem to mind.

  “Thank you for finding the dress for me. For all of it.” She grabbed hold of her skirt with both hands and twirled from side to side like a little girl. “I feel like a fairy princess.”

  “You look like one.” He went to her, curving his hand around her elbow so he could steer her toward the door. “A car is waiting for us in front of the hotel. Are you ready?”

  “Yes, I am.” She smiled nervously as he led her out of the room.

  Within minutes they were in the car and pulling away from the hotel, the driver maneuvering with practiced skill through the hectic traffic. Tessa sat next to him, her fingers twisted in her tulle skirts, her delectable scent wrapping all around him, making him drunk on her essence. Reaching out, he laid his hand over both of hers, stilling her movements. “You’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

  “I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake,” she confessed.

  “Just follow my lead.” He squeezed her hand, then reluctantly moved it off of hers. “You did an excellent job today keeping us on task during the opening.”

  “I think the launch turned out wonderful, don’t you?” She turned toward him, her face lighting up at the change of topic. “So many people there and lots of media came too.”

  “Hunter and his team did a great job rounding them up.�
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  “You did a great job charming all of them.”

  He grimaced. “The schmoozing part of this job, I hate it.”

  “No one would ever guess. You’re rather skilled at it.”

  “I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult.”

  She stifled a giggle. “It’s a compliment, at least from me.”

  “Thank you.” He stared at her a little too long and she glanced away, looking vaguely uncomfortable. The very last emotion he wanted her to invoke.

  Christ, could he do nothing right? The woman made him feel like a fumbling teenager with his first girl, unsure of what to do, what to say next.

  “Is the place far from the hotel?” she asked.

  “We should be there in a few minutes.” Breathing deep, he worked at gaining control of his urges. Having her so close, in such a small space, she played havoc with his senses, his thoughts. He’d always believed she was beautiful, but no word came close to describing her this evening.

  She was stunning. Such a beauty it almost hurt to look at her.

  Not that he stopped looking at her. More like he couldn’t resist.

  With the traffic easing as they drew closer, they arrived at the plaza in minutes. The front of the building was swarming with people, there was a red carpet area set up where everyone could enter, pausing to take photos before they walked inside.

  Tessa grabbed his hand, hers chilled to the bone as she clutched him tight. “We probably shouldn’t be photographed together.”

  “Why not? I told you it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “The media will get hold of it and run with a made up story. Trust me. I read the tabloids, I know how they operate.” She sounded petrified.

  “Rhett keeps them plenty occupied. No one is paying attention to me. We’re fair away from all of the gossip so stop worrying.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and let go just as the car pulled to a stop. “I’ll help you out.”

  The driver opened the door moments later and Alex climbed out of the car, turning to offer her his hand. She set her hand in his and let him pull her to her feet, her layers of tulle and silk skirts falling to the ground as she stood.