Page 45 of Paparazzi Perfect
“No, no. Let’s just try to enjoy the night. No pictures. Please.”
As if I’m going to enjoy the night,I thought bitterly.But I can at least try to keep the carnage to a minimum.
Bella stared at me in silence as if I were another species.
My stomach was like wet cement, and my muscles tensed. “Good to see you, Bella. I’ll leave you to get your pics while I head to the bar.” I hurried away before she could protest.
After taking countless selfies, Bella made her way to the dance floor, chatting with a group of girls, then I settled onto a barstool, watching the exits. My thoughts drifted back to Ivy as I waited for the bartender.
I wonder what she’s doing right now.I gazed out the window, trying to conjure a plan—figure a way out of the nightmare my father had created—
“Please, please, please,dance with me, Karson,” Bella squealed so high pitched that I rubbed my ears.
I felt a pang of guilt. It wasn’t her fault my father was a control freak who had organized this date against my will.
“Sure, not for long, though,” I said, staring down at my feet. “I’m not really feeling it, sorry.”
“After we dance, we can get some pics and then go outside to see the view.” Beaming, she tilted her head to one side.
I held my palm up flat. “I told you, Bella, no pictures.”
“Fine.” She pouted. “But at least go outside with me afterward. If youstillwant to go home, I promise I won’t tell Daddy. Tell your driver to pick you up in thirty minutes. That gives us time to dance and see the view outside.”
“You've got yourself a deal,” I agreed.The sooner I get out of here, the better.Escape was so close… I could taste it! Thirty minutes. That was all I needed.
But a few songs later, I worried Bella had forgotten our agreement. On the dance floor, her fingers wrapped around me like tendrils, and despite my pulling away, she refused to let go.
After multiple attempts, I extricated myself from her grip.
“Karson! Get me another one of those yummy cocktails,” she squealed, losing her balance and leaning against the wall as she erupted into giggles.
“Bella, you’ve had enough to drink. You’re going to fall over. Time to sit for a bit, yeah?”
“No, no, NO.”She pursed her lilac lips. “Don’t be so boring, Karson! I want my drink. And I want to go outside, like you PROMISED!”
I groaned under my breath. “Fine. Don’t move. I’ll get you a drink.”
Dashing over to the bar, I grabbed two iced waters with a shot of red cordial before heading back to where she waited. I handed her the drink, and without noticing what it was, she drained half of it in one gulp.
***
I followed her through the side exit, emerging onto the hotel’s private event terrace—reserved for functions like the gala—overlooking the harbor.
While Bella scrolled on her phone, I took a few moments to gaze out into the darkness.
Boats bobbed in the distance, their lights blinking in the darkness as I wondered why Karlos hadn’t made an appearance.He’s probably avoiding awkward questions about the land acquisition.
Bella grabbed my hand.
The air felt humid and heavy, full of something foreboding that ran down my spine. She squeezed my hand before I smiled awkwardly, pulling free from her grip.
My dark mood didn’t match our vibrant outfits as we leaned over the railing—me in my gleaming gold suit, Bella in her silver dress. The silver fabric fluttered in the breeze as she carried on talking about her social media.
I glanced at my watch, barely able to contain my excitement. “Well, that’s half an hour up. Time to go.”
“Oh Karson, don’t go yet. I’m so glad we’re together now!” Her face lit up with joy, stumbling to one side. “Our dads always said we’d be the perfect couple.”
Hearing a noise nearby, I turned to see a horde of photographers. They’d moved a wall of plants away from the hotel’s barrier, their lenses pointed at us like rifle scopes. “Bella, quickly, let’s go inside,” I said, turning toward the door.
