I got nothing. I clench my hands in my hair. Landon having a gun goes to show this place is not as top-notch as he makes it seem.
***
“Time to wake up, Charlie.” A blossoming warmth ignites in my chest as the deep voice wakes me. I roll over, a small smile across my face as I open my eyes and find Landon hovering over me with a smirk. My face falls, and I groan in irritation.
“I got you a client for tonight. You need to train today.”
“A client?” I ask, sitting up.
“I have someone who needs a female appearance tonight at a gala. Therefore, you will need to learn to dance.” Landon sits at the end of the bed, adjusting his blue tie. He looks so big sitting at the foot of the bed, it makes me feel small. The smell of him is so alluring, I’m forced to clench my legs. Luckily, they’re under the blanket so he can’t see them and call me out on it.
“So, I’m arm candy?” I twist my face in question.
“Yes. No sex. Now, find a beautiful dress and meet me in the ballroom.” Landon stands with a panty-dropping smile. I sag in relief, glad I’m not sleeping with anyone for money. A small, naïve piece inside me is hoping Landon is taking his time training me on purpose. I know that same small piece is what’s going to get me hurt in the end, too.
“Wait, meet you?” I ask in shock.
“Considering my last trainer had his nose broken, yes, you will be training with me.” Landon turns and rests both hands behind his neck, a devious grin across his face as he leaves.
My God, he’s going to be the end of me.
***
I slide a white dress down my frame, the bottom of it skirting around my ankles with a small, brown braided belt secured around my waist. I flip open some boxes, find a pair of heels that match the color of the belt, and slip them on. The smell of new shoes is amazing. I never knew shoes even had a brand new smell. I head toward the door when the phone rings, making me jump and grab my chest in panic.
“Shit,” I mutter, taking the phone from the night stand and answering it.
“Hello?”
“Hey!” Jayden greets.
“Hey, how are you?” I question, a smile on my face. It feels so good to hear her voice. It’s only been a few days, but I miss her.
“I’m doing good.” Jayden’s voice cracks with emotion.
“How’s everything going?” I ask, sitting down on the bed.
“Good, I guess. You?”
I sigh, looking at the door, thinking of Landon and my place at the estate.
“I’m trying to settle in,” I mutter. I am trying, but it can be difficult. My emotions for Landon interfere with the reality of my situation.
“I woke to some men in suits delivering me a beautiful short green dress and an invite to the Blackwell Estate for a party tonight. It was from Landon,” Jayden informs. My mouth parts in surprise at the information. The gala! It’s here, and I get to see Jayden. It’s acts like this that tell me he’s not the bad guy he wants everyone to think he is.
“I’m asking Mick for the night off. I just hope he lets me,” Jayden mutters.
“Oh, you have to come, I haven’t seen you in forever,” I beg, my face scrunched while I plead.
Jayden giggles. “I’ll see what I can do,” she promises.
“Yes! I can’t wait,” I cheer, nearly bouncing on the mattress.
“Besides, a dress this gorgeous needs to be worn at least once,” Jayden whispers.
“How is everything at Mick’s?”
“Eh, I’m still working the motel, but it’s all right. I was up all night, so I’m tired as hell.” She yawns into the phone for emphasis.
“I’ll let you go then. It was good to hear from you, though.” I smile but hate to hang up.
“See you tonight, babe,” Jayden mumbles.
“See you tonight. Go get some sleep,” I laugh, hanging up.
I make my way toward the staircase and find Jean the housekeeper dusting some paintings along the wall.
“Um, Jean?” I murmur.
“Charlie! You look beautiful, darling,” Jean lights up when she sees me, making me grin.
“Thank you, Jean. Can you direct me to the ballroom?” I ask. I have no idea where it is, and I know if I go looking for it, I’ll get lost for sure.
“Of course.” She steps down from her ladder and heads down the stairs, taking her time with each step.
“I have so much to do before the big party,” Jean pants, watching her step. “Everyone will be here. It’s so exciting.”
I give a smile as she rambles about. As she hits the last step, she exhales a big breath.
“This way, miss,” Jean directs, turning right. She waddles over to a double wooden door and turns.
“Here you are,” she pants before walking off toward the stairs. That poor lady is going to have a stroke with those steps. I look back at the doors and take a deep breath, preparing myself for what mood Landon will be in. Will he be the arrogant master of the estate today, or will his mask be lifted and the caring, passionate Landon be present?
I lightly press on the doors and they both swing open, revealing a large, empty ballroom. The floor is tiled with blue marble, and there are windows and French doors along the walls, allowing sunlight in. My eyes shoot upward to stare at the largest chandelier I’ve seen at the estate yet, its sparkles bouncing off the blue and white floor.
“There you are.” I tear my gaze from the crystal lights and find Landon strutting toward me, his dark hair shifting as he walks with confidence. Those forest eyes pin me where I stand, causing me to suck in a tight breath. I look down at myself, feeling a little insecure from the hunger in his eyes.
“I love that dress on you. Wear it tonight,” Landon requests, now standing in front of me. I blink rapidly, my train of thought fleeing. The dark scruff on his cheeks is thicker than before, like he forgot to shave. My fingers twitch with the urge to run them over his jaw.
“Now, do you have any experience with dancing?” Landon reaches out, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. I swallow hard. Looks like we’re the caring Landon today.
“No,” I respond, shaking my head.
“Take your shoes off.” Landon juts his chin toward my feet.
I look down at my heels, a little confused, and back up at him, finding him walking toward a stereo built into the wall.
“Take them off,” Landon repeats, his tone serious. He’s not even looking at me; he just knows I’m not listening. I roll my eyes and do as he says, kicking them off as Landon messes with a stereo.
I pad along the floor as I make my way to the middle of the ballroom. He pulls his suit jacket off and tosses it on the floor, leaving him in just his dress shirt, which he’s rolling up the cuffs on.
“I’ll teach you the basic box step. You can use it pretty much anywhere.” I just nod, because I have no idea what he is talking about. The speakers crack, and Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros sing “Mondo Bongo”.
Landon lowers his head, his eyes peering up under his lashes, and holds his arm out crooking his finger for me to come to him.
“Come here, Charlie,” he demands, his voice husky. My eyes go heavy with desire, and my feet move on their own accord, walking toward him.
“Step forward on your left foot.” Landon steps forward, and I follow. “Then step to the side with your right foot.” I watch him and imitate his move. “Now, bring your feet together,” Landon instructs. “Good, now step back on your right, and then to the side using your left foot.” I do as I’m told and look at Landon for confirmation that I did it correctly. “Just like that. Now, bring your feet together and repeat the steps. You just did a box step.” Landon smirks, doing the dance all in one move. I smile and practice the steps.