Song for the mood: Please Don't Touch by Raye. A snippet of the lyrics:

But please don't touch me
If you don't mean it
The space between our skin saying more than enough
But once you've laid a finger, it can't be undone

Vera

Saturday afternoon, March 18

"Vee? Are you there?" Saph's voice shrilled from the other end of the phone.

"I'm here, sweetie. What's up?" I asked, yawning loudly.

"Did I wake you up? You sound sleepy."

"Yeah, I was napping."

"Oh, you're such a lioness!" Saph chuckled.

"Mmm, indeed," I murmured.

"Vee, wait for it..."

"Oh, quit the suspense! Just spill it."

"I'm a little nervous telling you this," Saph gushed.

"For crying out loud, just say it!"

"I slept with your brother!"

"Oh, okay-wait a minute! What?"

"My boss donated a big sum of money on behalf of an anonymous philanthropist to the university's archaeology department for a fundraising campaign," Saph babbled. "I was asked to handle the public relations and attend the fundraiser dinner last night. Well, guess who was there?"

"Who?"

"Julian!"

"Okay, I want the short version of your story. I don't need to hear all the details," I said.

"At first, Julian and I started arguing, but then he kissed me, and then-"

"Skip that part, please!"

"Well, I've got huge love bites on my neck, and I'm feeling a little sore from-"

"Get to the point, Saph. What's the story with you two?"

"I'm seeing him again."

"Oop, I've got another call coming through, babe! I need to take this one, but I'm so happy for you both!" I squealed, listening to my friend bubble in excitement.

After ending the call with Saph, I heard the other caller's deep voice. "Vee!"

"Jules! You sound like you're in a good mood. What's up?"

"Oriental lilies, orchids, or roses?"

"Huh?"

"I'm in a florist's shop, and I need your help. I'm buying flowers to give to a special woman tomorrow."

"Buy a bouquet of roses with different colors. They're romantic, and Saph likes a variety of colors."

"Who said I was getting them for Saph?"

"I already know, bro," I said. "Get her the roses."

"Thanks, Vee!"

"Oop, I've got to go," I chirped, hearing the beeps of an incoming call.

I hung up on Jules and took the call. It was probably Saph again.

"Hey, Saph-"

"Saph?" A gruff voice boomed like a foghorn.

"Brenton, what can I do for you?" I asked.

"The Scott family is hosting a special event this evening to raise funds for Saint Luke's Cathedral. Alistair called, inviting a representative from our firm to attend the event. Unfortunately, it's my wedding anniversary, and I've made plans with my wife tonight. I'd like you to attend the fundraiser in my place."

"Brenton, I'm sure that there are others in the firm-"

"If I wanted someone else to go, I would have asked them, Vera. When a Scott family member personally invites us to attend, I expect that a representative shows up at their event. Can I count on you?"

"Yes, Brenton," I mumbled.

"Very well, then. It's at seven tonight at the Royal Mirage Hotel's grand ballroom."

"What's the dress code?" I asked.

"It's better to overdress than underdress. You're a clever and confident woman, so I'm sure you'll wow the crowd."

"Thanks, Brenton," I answered, grinning from ear to ear at my boss's compliment, which he rarely gave.

***

Seven p.m.

I looked around the ballroom and recognized a few faces in the crowd from newspapers, television shows, and magazines.

The upper echelons of society crowded the room, which could easily fit at least two hundred people. The place was a resplendent reflection of Lester Harbor's wealth with crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and royal-red carpet that carried the fragrance of rose petals.

The guests appeared jovial in their finest garments and best manners, greeting each other with handshakes and smiles. I shook hands with a few of the firm's clients and engaged in superficial small talk about the weather, the election, and how beautiful Saint Luke's Cathedral looked in its heyday.

A local band played in the background, keeping us entertained with the rhythm and melody of well-known songs.

I wore a backless maxidress with a deep halter neckline, accentuating my curves. The metallic-gold pleats sparkled and contrasted nicely against my olive skin and wavy caramel locks, which spilled over my shoulders.

He's here, a quiet voice whispered, giving me a sense of hope. A fire inside my belly ignited as new energy flowed throughout my veins-I felt a presence near me, watching my every move and step. Suddenly, a warm, large hand touched my bare lower back, sending a jolt up my spine.

"Vera, you look beautiful tonight," Alistair said, rubbing my skin in sensual, circular motions with his thumb. His lips were only inches away from my neck when I turned to face him.

My heart jumped wildly, like an uncontrollable bull, when I saw the handsome womanizer in his dark tuxedo. I breathed in his spicy cologne and gazed into his green eyes, which beamed brilliant rays of brightness against his deep tan.

My fingers itched to play with the angelic, boyish curls around the nape of his neck, but I stepped away. He took one step forward, closing the gap that I created, and his body angled in on mine.

"Gentlemen. Ladies. I hope you're having a lovely evening tonight," Alistair commented to the group of people I chatted with. They nodded their heads in agreement with him.

"If you don't mind, I would like to steal this beautiful woman away from the conversation," he continued. Again, they nodded and commented "yes" and "of course."

Sycophants, I thought, while projecting a smile that would make Mona Lisa proud. Alistair was the type of man who would say "jump," and more than half the guests in the room would holler, "how high?"

I watched Alistair's eagle eyes sweep over my body while his lips quivered into a dirty smirk.

"You are a Greek goddess, Vera. You're stunning tonight," he complimented, taking me by the arm to a quiet corner. He spoke like a civil gentleman, but his eyes gave away that he was hunting for a fuck, and I was his prey.

"It's lovely to see you again, Mister Scott," I said, eyeing him warily.

"You smell delicious, sweetheart. Edible," he hummed, sneaking a kiss on my soft cheek. He brushed the back of his hand against my arm, caressing it. "Your skin is smooth and supple, as always."

"We can't do this!" I hissed. I wanted to take another step back, but I was already cornered, practically touching the wall.

"Why not? Hmm?" A half-grin rested on Alistair's relaxed face.

"You have a fiancée," I scolded, placing my hands on his chest to stop him from coming closer.

"Mister Scott, I'm here on behalf of my law firm, and the last thing I want to do is embarrass my boss."

Alistair laughed. "Who do you think asked Brenton to send you here? If you think he doesn't know what's going on between us, then you don't know him."

"What?" I gasped, feeling bewildered and a little embarrassed. "What did you tell him?"

"Oh, I told Brent that I intended to marry you one day."

"Alistair Bryce Scott! Stop telling my boss lies, because you are about to be married to another woman! By the way, where is she?"

"Haven't you heard?" Alistair's playful eyes teased. They were no longer green as his pupils grew into ravenous darkness.

"Heard what?" I asked, feeling his hand toy with my waist.

"Do you trust me, Vera?" he answered with a question, then licked his lips. The man was dangerous and everyone knew that-everyone except for my heart.

Did I trust this playboy? The hunter's fingers caressed my hips while his eyes sedated mine, rendering me nothing more than prey.

"Yes, I trust you," I answered in a spellbound state. I could almost taste the sweet mint from his warm breath as his lips were about to touch mine. He then stepped back hastily, sending a bolt of reality to shock my senses.

Was I such a fool?

"I kicked Rebecca out of my apartment." Alistair stood straight, legs slightly apart, and slipped his hands into his trouser pockets. Here was a magnificent, virile alpha-a beautiful and dangerous creature who dominated me with his presence.

"What? What are you telling me?" I mouthed as my eyes searched his.

"I'm telling you that I'm a free man," he said. His hand touched me again, and this time it held my elbow.

"I have to admit that I'm surprised." My face flushed pink, and it wasn't from the glass of champagne I drank earlier that evening.

"I sent Rebecca packing this morning after I found out she lied to me. You see, I questioned her about the night we met," Alistair began. "It turns out she deleted your messages and call logs on my phone while I was in the bathroom having a private bath."

"Oh," I managed to say. I felt sick to think he fucked another woman in my darkest hour when I needed him most.

He nodded. "She and I had sex before you rang, and that was why I needed a bath. I don't normally share my personal space with strangers after sex."

"Yet, you were willing to share so much of yourself with me early on in our fling."

"Fling?" Alistair scoffed. "It was never just a fling. Was that all I was to you?"

"We were never really a couple, were we?" I raised my left eyebrow, challenging him.

Alistair said nothing.

"Were we, Alistair?"

"We have something that I'm not willing to let go of, Vera. I shared myself with you because I felt safe."

I was speechless, lost in an overwhelming state of emotions, one flooding over the other. Bloody hormones, I cursed, feeling the pendulum of emotions swing.

Alistair swung his hips into mine, put his hands on my waist, and whispered, "Have I ever lied to you?"

I shook my head and tried to inch away from him. "I don't want to be seen as a homewrecker who got in the way between you and Rebecca."

The playboy placed both hands against the wall, barring me from going anywhere. He pressed his lips against my cheek, then said, "You never played that role. You're a flirt, but you're no homewrecker."

He cupped my face to capture my gaze, then continued, "The news of the broken engagement will be out tomorrow morning. My personal assistant has taken care of that."

"Why the change of heart after all these months?" I asked, captive in his space.

"Sweetheart, what's changed is that I now know you reached out to me. You saw me as someone you trust, and trust is crucial between you and me. By the way, my mother is here tonight, and I'd like you to meet her."

"Don't you think it's too soon? I mean, I'm not ready to-"

"You just have to say hello. That's it." He rubbed my arm with affirmation.

"That's it?" I raised one eyebrow.

"Yes. Then, I want to retire early from this party. I've booked a hotel room for us tonight. If you like champagne, chocolates, a few little surprises, and breakfast in bed in the morning."

Alistair had everything planned. He was used to getting what he wanted. Was I ready to share my body with him again?

My tubal ligation scars were small, but they were still there, and Alistair had not seen them yet. They served as a reminder of someone telling me to keep away from him. The scars also reminded me of the ugliness behind the glamor of the rich and famous.

Perhaps I needed to keep away from Alistair; God forbid anything worse would happen to me or anyone close to me if Saira or Erin were watching.

"Alistair, I don't think so."

A/N: Will Alistair convince Vera to stay with him? Or will she walk away? What would you do in her shoes?