Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 87

Chapter 87: The Offer Was Sudden 

Brianna

When it was time to get ready, I had Jane help me set my hair in very loose curls. I will brush it out to make a natural wave in my hair. I will be wearing it down. And since the dress itself in black and shiny enough I am going with a simple strapped heel and one bracelet. Jane also does great make-up which she did for me tonight. A car would be coming to pick up Callan and I alongside Elizabeth. At least I still have a buffer.

“I am so jealous, you two get to go and I can't.” Jane pouted.

“Want to take my place?” I teased her.

“You will be fine,” she assured me and I just nodded.

I had to second guess her opinion when he brother finally walked outside her room and was wearing a classy, well tailored, dark suit with white button down and black bowtie. He looked fantastic, masculine and elegant all at once. His inked hands can never be hidden no matter how fancy he dresses. His hair was styled and he smelt so good, again, I had to look away but I could feel his eyes on me which burned me either way. I was glad when I received a text for us to meet Elizabeth downstairs in the car. Since we live l above a cafe there are a few flight of stairs you have to come up and because the building is old there is no elevator. When we got to the steps Callan stuck his elbow slightly out as if offering to help me down. I pretend not to see it and held onto the railing. I held my dress up since this gowns long. I didn't wait to catching in my heel, Callan said nothing and just walked down by himself.

This house was massive and impressive and all felt wealthy aristocrats, the yard was done up solely of white which was a smart backdrop for all the different gowns and suits his guests were wearing. You couldn't get past the gate without an invitation card which we all had, white drapery, white tables and tablecloths white decorum. He had lovely marble stairs that came down into the yard like a grand staircase. Whenever a new guest arrived, it was like you were walking down the runway with all the attention that was set on the guests descending the stairs. Alinco was five feet tall, even shorter than me. His hair was dyed, almost shiny as my dress and it was slicked back. He was wearing a cravat instead of a bowtie or tie and his accent was very heavy but he did speak English and greeted us that way.

“Mr. Harold, what a nice surprise.” He graciously accepted Callan crashing his exclusive party. He gave him a double cheek kiss like many of them do here with both Elizabeth and myself.

“I will be back.” Elizabeth patted my arm before walking off and hugging some woman.

Alinco was speaking with Callan, so I just drifted slightly off and looked at the lavish party. Some guests were young and beautiful, most likely models and some were as old as Alinco himself. Everyone was dressed in his clothing though, it was an array of a lot of gold, black and shiner materials so that we really did all stick out as the decorum ourselves. Like a candlestick set against a plain wall. When Alinco noticed me slipping away, he decided to include me in their conversation.

“Are you a model, Miss?” He asked, whether to be cheeky or because he really didn't know.

“Me? No, I am Miss Addams intern.” I replied.

“You look like a model,” he placed his hand over his mouth like he was telling me some big secret but spoke loud enough for Callan and myself to hear.

“Thank you,” I sheepishly accepted the comment.

“Excuse me, I have many more guests arriving.” He bowed once before walking away, leaving me and Callan alone for the first time. He glanced down at me and I looked up to him without knowing how to react.

“How are you?” He finally asked, and I wanted to snort.

“I am good, and you?” 

“Same,” he nodded, he looked around the party and then back at me.

“London suits you then?” I fidgeted with my clutch and nodded. 

“I think so,”

Sliding his hand into his pocket, he rounded his shoulder out to be wide and this is the stance that always makes him radiate this strong dominance no matter where he is standing or who else is with him. He was like a statue in the lawn here, cut from marble and the toughest stones, set to look like art.

“It was a pretty sudden departure.” His deep voice finally spoke up again after a minute of silence.

“The offer was sudden.” I shrugged, he hummed in response.

“And you will be here five months, I believe Jane mentioned it.” He side eyed me but was facing the party.

I was technically beside him, also looking out at the party and most people were speaking native language, so we were off to the side.

“Yes,” I said quietly and again he hummed as a response.

“Are you displeased that Jane will be away that long?” I asked, wondering why he was bringing this up.

“It is a long time to be away from somebody.” He pointed out, I glanced up at him through my lashes but looked back down when his eyes moved to the side to look at me.

“Yes, well she doesn't have an obligation here. If she gets sick of it, she can easily move back. I didn't realize you and her even saw each other so often.” I muttered, they seem like sporadic siblings if you know what I mean.

“Is she happy here?” He ignored me and asked a question instead.

“I think she is,” he nodded and straightened his jacket.

“Well, then, you want a drink?” he asked, looking towards one of the several bars set up with bartenders to serve you. 

If I was going to spend time beside him, I most definitely need a drink. Elizabeth ended up returning to us and introducing us to some people, and forced us into conversation. When Callan went to drop off his glass back to the bar, I noticed two women approach him and began flirting. I looked away and tried ignoring the burning inside my gut. I had some old guy hitting on me and there goes Callan with two of the models, giving him their undivided attention. I could help but look over there a number of times while the man in front of me blabbed and tried joking with me and touching my arm for no reason. A woman suddenly appeared beside me and muttered.

“Sweetheart,” she muttered, bringing me in for a hug, though I had no clue who the woman was at all and I hugged her back just as an automatic reaction.

“Excuse us,” she said to the man I had been speaking with, walking us away.

“I am sorry, have we met?” I asked. 

She aged very gratefully but you could tell she was older and just not how old. Her hair was rolled into this fancy bun at the back of her head and the diamonds in her ears could blind me if the sun hit just a little. She smirked and patted my arm.

“No, sweetheart. But I saw that bore and decided to save you.” She said in her London accent. Not too heavy, her English was perfect. Who is this fabulous woman? A smile broke out across my face.

“Oh, thank you. I am Brianna Fletcher, I am Elizabeth's intern if you know her.” I decided to introduce myself, she had saved me from that man for sure.

“Pleasure, sweetheart. I am Jennet Alinco.” She introduced herself and gave me a french kiss in greeting instead of shaking hands.

“Like?” I pointed at the house to ask her if she is related to Alinco.

“ Yes, I am his wife.” She smirked, something about this woman was so cool. She was the lady of the event, yet she has come over to save me and so casually introduced herself to some nobody intern. She looked past me at something and asked.

“Is that your boyfriend?” I realized she meant Callan who was still with the models.

“Him? No.” I quickly denied it.

“Hmmm,” she hummed.

“What?” I asked, she was looking at me with an unreadable expression.

“I saw some longing glance, Miss Brianna Fletcher.” She said, but not in a harsh way, more so playfully.

“I…” I didn't even know what to say about that.

“It is alright, sweetheart. He looks over at you too.” She added.

“He does?” I was surprised at both her forwardness and her observation.

“He does.” The little smirk played on her lips again.

“Do you like champagne, Brianna?” She switched gears so quickly.

“Umm, sure.” I shrugged.

When she lifted her hand in the air, about three servers approached her at once.