Page 93 of Pretend To Be Mine

But we had. And now I had to survive the next few days with my heart breaking a little more each time he touched me out of obligation rather than desire.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Adrian murmured, his mouth close to my ear so only I could hear. “Everything okay?”

“Just taking it all in.” I gestured to the ballroom, the guests in their finery, the sheer opulence of it all. “This is incredible. Sebastian really outdid himself.”

“He did.” Adrian’s hand moved slightly, his thumb tracing a small circle against my back through the fabric of my dress. The gesture felt unconscious. I had to resist the urge to lean into him.

“Are you doing okay?” he asked in a husky voice.

I almost groaned. I loved that tone. I had to fight the urge to rub myself up against him.

“I’m good.” I smiled.

“The show starts soon. We should⁠—”

“Mr. Blackwell!” A production assistant appeared at his elbow. “We need you backstage. Sebastian has a question about the opening sequence.”

“I’ll be right there.” He didn’t move immediately. “Will you be okay out here?”

I watched him look around like he was expecting someone to pounce. Given the situation, it was very possible. The people roaming around did have a very predatory vibe. Sebastian wasn’t joking when he said he expected everyone to get laid tonight.

“I’ll be fine. Go. Sebastian needs you.”

He hesitated another second, then leaned in and pressed a kiss to my temple. The gesture was so tender that I had to close my eyes against the sting of tears.

“I’ll find you,” he said, and then he was gone, swallowed by the crowd.

I stood there holding my champagne, surrounded by beautiful people in a beautiful place, and felt utterly alone.

This was what I’d wanted, wasn’t it? A chance to break into the fashion industry, to see behind the curtain and prove I had what it took to make it in this world.

And I was getting all of that. The opportunity of a lifetime while making connections I never could have made on my own. And more importantly, I had a job waiting for me after Love Week ended.

All I had to do was survive these last few days with my heart intact.

Easy.

The lights dimmed, signaling the show was about to begin. I found a spot near the side where I could watch without being in the way, champagne glass still in hand. I sipped, reminding myself it was my second glass. I could have one more and still be okay. When the waiter came around, I snatched one.

Then a tray of appetizers came near and I took what was offered. That’s when I realized I just took caviar. I’d never had caviar. But when in London, why not?

The first bite was weird in a good way. Salty. Poppy. I had no idea. But damn, it was really good. I waited for the show to start because it seemed like they were stalling with the lights down and music with a strong bass playing. It was all very sensual.

When the caviar came by again, I took another one.

And then the music was turned down. The room fell silent.

Sebastian appeared on the runway, not at a podium like Adrian had been in New York, but walking down the center, champagne glass of his own raised high.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Decadence!”

Music filled the room. Smoky. Low. Swampy. And damn, I didn’t know if it was the champagne or just my body demanding I move to the music, but I did. A slow swaying motion like I was standing on a boat rocking over gentle waves.

And it wasn’t just me. Everyone was feeling it.

The runway lights shifted to deep reds and purples, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts sexy and dangerous.

Then the first model appeared. I’d seen the dresses during prep but seeing the models moving down the runway with the lighting and music and atmosphere?