Chased By The Bad Boy

Chapter 8: Just You And Me

This place was beautiful. I mean, beyond beautiful even. The lights, the decorations, the people in different grand gowns and suits and ties. They were so stunning I was at absolute loss for words. 

It felt like I was transported to a different place in an actual Palace back in the nineteenth century where everyone was Royalty and even I myself was a Princess and I was holding hands with none other than my Prince Charming. 

When I thought it couldn’t get any better, a familiar tune began to play in the ballroom and Theo and I immediately looked at each other, knowing full well what it was. Somehow it had become our special song because it was the first one we danced to together and as well as the song that made me remember who he was to me after the accident. 

I was so nervous but so excited and filled with glee at the same time. To make it even more special, he tied this simple yet elegant-looking black mask on me that somehow perfectly matched my red dress. 

I felt mysterious but it was with him that made it better, that made this whole thing feel like a true fairytale. Somehow like Cinderella and Prince Charming, but there was no midnight curfew, no running away and leaving my glass slippers. It was just us and the music around us.

“May I have this dance with you?” Theo asked and my heart skipped a beat as I looked deep into his gorgeous gray eyes. 

Of course. There was no one else I would rather dance with. Not today, not ever. It will only be you, Theo Donovan. 

“Always.” I replied with a wide smile and we walked to the middle of the dance floor. 

My movements in heels were a little unsure as I haven’t worn these in years and I was never a fan, but I tried my best to keep a calm and cool composure, hand gripping maybe a little too tight on Theo’s but he didn’t seem to mind at all. He was happy, and so was I. 

The closer we got to the middle, the more the people became much more solemn like the music had an entrancing effect to them and they were being hypnotized to slow their movements and enjoy the rhythm of the music like a calm and steady Sunday afternoon. 

For a second I was distracted when my eyes glanced on the giant chocolate fountain by the food table and Theo immediately noticed this as he lightly chuckled and turned to me. 

“You’ll get all the dessert later, love.” He said and I felt embarrassed but it was immediately washed over by the too cute to ignore smile on his face. He always knew how to make me feel at ease.

Once we made it to the middle, the crowd had simmered down and it felt like they had created a spot for just Theo and I. The lights gleamed shades of every color but a spotlight shined on us, making me feel shy, but as soon as Theo smiled at me, everything went away. 

All the bad, the nervousness, the uneasy thoughts - gone. Being with him was magic. 

“It’s just you and me, Princess.” 

And I could fall in love with him a thousand times and more over and over again. 

Theo’s eyes glittered a perfect shade of gray with hints of gold in the middle, soft and warm and everything captivating in between. He took my hand, intertwining it perfectly with his as I felt another one gently place on my waist. This wasn’t our first dance at all, but something about the closeness of it made me feel all sorts of emotions and rush as butterflies danced and jumped around my stomach. 

Uncontrollable feelings traveled all over my body and when I thought it couldn’t get any more bigger, he drew me closer to his chest and as if by instinct, my arms wrapped around his neck. Now we were really close. 

Suddenly, it felt like we were getting lost in the music. Our movements sync together and time passes as our feet move softly and timely. It had me even somewhat surprised that Theo was very well-educated with slow dancing, but then again, he was never not full of surprises. 

He had the world at his feet, the epitome of all my hopes and dreams bottled in one dashing, gorgeous, and tempting man. I could call him my dream come true a million times and it still wouldn’t suffice because frankly, I was living a reality that was far better than any dream. 

I didn’t realize just how much I was smiling like an i***t to myself until Theo tilted his head at me amused and confused all at the same time. My cheeks instantly blushed as he leaned his face closer to me. 

“Are you happy?” He asked sincerely, his voice soft somehow mixing with the slow music. 

“More than anyone else in the world.” I replied honestly, my heart thumping loudly and beating just for him. 

I wish this would never end. This dance, this moment, everything with Theo. 

But just like everything else, there was always an end to things no matter how much you didn’t want it to be. 

“Theo Donovan?” An unfamiliar man appeared beside us on the dance floor, arms hooked with a rather flamboyant woman in an even flashier dress. 

I heard Theo groan quietly before clearing his throat and putting on a fake smile when he turned to the person. Quickly lifting his mask up as courtesy to the stranger. 

“It is you - Leo Donovan’s son! Oh how many years has it been? You were just a small lad the last time I was at your place.” The man spoke energetically as he let out his hand and shook hands. 

“This is my wife, Felicity. This is the heir to the Donovan Enterprises. You know, the one who owns practically half of North America.” He blatantly said to his wife and I could see her eyes go from unamused to full on gold digger look and if Alexa was here, she would have whispered the same thing to me. 

“Nice to meet you, Theo. Handsome young man you are.” She said seductively and instead of letting her hand out to shake, she leaned closer to Theo and was going for a kiss on the cheek but Theo put his hand out. 

I had to stifle a laugh at the look of surprise and somewhat rejection on her face. She awkwardly pulled away from him and agreed to just shake his hand. 

“Nice to meet you.” Theo replied rather coldly and they were befuddled to say the least. 

“And who may you be?” The man turned to me and I stiffened up at the sudden spotlight on me, both their eyes curious to know who this person was next to a very important one. 

I was definitely not as important as a Donovan. I was merely… Luna Valentine. Eighteen years old, upcoming Sophomore, and aspiring Veterinarian. Wasn’t a millionaire, most certainly not close to becoming rich and famous, but I do believe that I have a big heart and one day I hope to be able to open a pet shelter. 

“Luna Valentine, my girlfriend.” Theo responded immediately, his body language somewhat becoming a little protective as he stepped forward almost as if blocking the man away from me and this helped me feel less nervous at the least. I was getting more used to people as compared to the awkward Luna back in high school, but nonetheless I wasn’t that confident yet.

“Whoa there, I was just asking.” The man lifted his hands up in a defensive manner as he let out a light chuckle. “You grew up a strong man, didn’t you?” 

Theo cleared his throat, again. I think he was trying really hard to keep his calm composure and I moved my hand a little closer to his, getting a hold of his pinky finger just to somehow tell him I’m here. It’s okay. 

And it worked instantly. I saw his body loosen up and a quick smile at me that disappeared just as fast as I saw it appear on his lips. 

“Come with us to our table. I want to introduce you to some people.” The man offered, or more like demanded, for Theo to go with him as he motioned with his hand. 

“Alright, I’ll meet you there.” Theo replied with a polite smile he managed to muster and the two went on their way, clearly not able to push him any further. 

He turned to me, sighing deeply before looking down at my hands that he was holding. I could see that he was evidently stressed and unhappy about the situation, how we were having a good time together but we were disrupted. 

“Hey, hey. It’s okay.” I said softly as I lifted his chin up and gave him a wide and reassuring smile. 

“This is an amazing opportunity not just for you but the whole Donovan business. Make your parents proud.” I told him as he frowned a little.

Guilt was obvious on his face as much as he tried to keep it to himself. I knew he wanted to stay with me, to dance more, to eat, to talk and go around the Ball, but he was an important man and I came to terms with that a long time ago. I couldn’t have him all to myself. 

“Go, Theo. Please.” I told him softly, even putting my hand on his chest and pushing him slightly. 

“Thank you. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He said while stepping backwards further from me. 

“You better.” I joked and we both smiled. Small moments like these tugged at my heart and his smile is forever etched in my mind.

“I love you, Valentine.” He mouthed but before I could say it back, he disappeared into the crowd of well-dressed and wealthy people. 

And then it was just me and my gorgeous yet stupid expensive red dress, perfectly handcrafted black mask my boyfriend got for me, and the necklace he gifted me during Fall.

I sighed deeply as I turned to the side, about to walk my way out of the dance floor when my eyes landed on it. Chocolate fountain. 

I was taken out of my slumpy mood when I remembered the giant and beautiful fountain of chocolatey goodness. No matter how old I get, I don’t think I will ever not let myself get lost in the sweetness of strawberries, chocolate sticks, marshmallows, and whatever else you can think of drizzled in smooth and decadent chocolate. I think my parents wouldn’t mind letting me indulge during this trip. 

I happily hummed a tune as I slowly but excitedly made my way to it. I didn’t want to trip on my own two feet before I could taste the dessert, did I? I couldn’t help but think of the next hour or so when I would be able to feel my normal feet again. These three inch heels Alexa forced me to wear were killing me, but oh, for the love of beauty and elegance. 

My eyes widened and my mouth practically watered. I took one of the small plates and began getting all that my heart and stomach desired, not caring for anything or anyone else around me. 

The second I took a bite and another one, and yet another one, I think I was transported to chocolate heaven and I wanted to stay here forever. Or until Theo came to get me. 

“I’m not sure if your marshmallow is swimming in chocolate or drowning.” A man with an English accent and deep masculine voice spoke up and I turned around a little flustered and maybe slightly guilty for the amount of sweets in my hand. 

“I think I ought to save my marshmallow then.” I said jokingly before taking it and in a split second it was already in my digestive system. 

The man let out an amused chuckle, his eyes a very light blue almost gray squinted a bit. Although the mask covered half of his face, you could still see his sharp features - sculpted jaw, soft lips, back swept black hair. There was also a slight charm in his aura that made me realize that he was definitely not a muggle of some sorts like me. He was someone important. Maybe even very important. 

Honestly, for a split second, I thought I was looking at Theo. They even had the same mask on. 

“Care to share some?” He grinned widely and my cheeks blushed at the immediate realization that I had somehow made the fountain my own. Oops. 

I stepped away, holding my plate that was still drowning fruits and sweets in chocolate and as I was getting further, a voice stopped me. 

“Hey, where are you going?” I turned back around, brows furrowed at his sudden question. 

“Um, to admire the huge light fountain outside while I devour these sweets hoping I don’t get diabetes.” I replied at the top of my head. I hadn’t really thought of that until now, but it did sound like a good idea. 

It was by the back of the hotel just a few walks from the grand ballroom and Alexa mentioned that there was a show there during the night so I already put it in my head to visit. Of course with Theo, but he was busy so a second visit with him later on will do. 

“Hm…” The mystery man looked to be in thought, his hand holding a plate that was less intimidating to one’s health compared to mine but he still seemed to like his chocolate as well. 

“Would you mind if I tag along?” He gave me a smile that was mixed with a smirk and I couldn’t help but feel amused at his refreshing presence.

I wasn’t sure what direction mystery man was on to, but it wasn’t like I was doing anything else and surely had no one else to hang out with as Alexa and Aiden had disappeared into faraway land also known as their secret rendezvous.

“Be my guest.” I said with a conclusive tone and a neutral smile before walking my dreadful heels onto the floor. 

I was determined to keep myself from humiliation in front of hundreds of very important and exclusive people as I focused everything in my walking and breathing calmly as we made our way to the outside. 

I think mystery man noticed my dilemma and he gladly let me have my silence. Once in a while nodding his head and muttering a soft greeting to other people who passed him while I kept my profile low, not that anyone cared who I was.

As soon as we stepped out, a gust of wind passed and I slightly shivered, my dress not really meant for the cold night and I unfortunately realized that too late. 

“Here.” I see a black jacket getting passed on to me, and all my senses immediately heightened but I declined his kind offer. I wasn’t comfortable accepting anything that wasn’t from people I was close with. 

“Oh, no, no. I’m okay.” I replied, waving my hand in a no and for a few seconds he just looked at me like he was waiting for me to take it back, but eventually gave up. 

“I guess people aren’t the type to take today.” He muttered under his breath and I would have barely heard if not for my sharp hearing. I figured he didn’t want me to hear it though so I just brushed it off. 

Fortunately, there wasn’t any need to stay in the awkward situation after declining him as we reached the fountain and I think my jaw dropped to the floor. 

“Wow.” Unable to keep my reaction to myself as I felt like a tiny speck of dust in front of the giant fountain. 

The water was springing in all directions as it waved and danced while lights of all colors mixed to create a dazzling show of beauty. 

“Magnífica.” He said in a very convincing local accent I couldn’t help but turn to him with a curious smile. 

“What? I know some Portuguese.” He looked at me as if I had told him he was too English to be South American, which, maybe I did think of for a very quick second. 

“How about you? Are you from here?” He asked curiously before taking a bite out of his sweets. 

“If by here you mean 4749 miles away in California, USA then yes. Born and raised.” I replied almost sarcastically before devouring two strawberries in a not very lady-like manner. 

I guess there was something in mystery man’s presence that made me feel like I didn’t have to act all elegant and rich, which I wasn’t really. I didn’t mind being my messy and normal self. 

“A California girl. Interesting. Is it true then? What they say about California girls in Katy Perry’s song?” I turned my head to him and practically snorted at his question, unable to control my laughter. 

“What?” I laughed even more when he looked at me innocently, proving that he was very much serious with his question. 

Somehow the two of us began to talk. Mostly he asked about me and what it was like in California as he has never been and then how I ended up far away from home. Eventually the crowd outside started to get bigger as the fountain show was going to start and my eyes lit up when I saw Theo, his matte black suit and bewitching aura easy to spot in a place filled with strangers. 

“Well, it was nice meeting you-” I paused when I realized I didn’t even catch his name. 

“T- uh, Ford. My name’s Ford.” He said almost suspiciously, my brow raised at how it seemed like he didn’t even know his name but I brushed it off as I wanted to get to Theo immediately. 

“Okay, Ford. See you around.” I said with a small smile.

“And you? Who are you?”

Just as I was about to respond, the lights dimmed and suddenly loud music came out of the speakers and the once calm fountain began to spew out water everywhere. I was so shocked that the calm composure I had been so successful with disappeared as I felt my feet wobble and at that moment I realized how thoroughly and utterly screwed I was. 

My eyes widened in horror at the realization that I was falling and in my attempts to save myself from the worst embarrassment ever, I let my hand out, trying and hoping to be able to hold onto something before I fell into the fountain and I felt hopeful when I saw Theo nearing me.

“Ah!” 

My eyes instinctively closed as I felt warm hands get a hold of my waist and pulled me in, a feeling of relief washing over my body, and then I hit someone’s hard chest. My heart almost jumped out of me when I opened my eyes and was greeted by his. 

“Don’t worry, I got you.”