Chase by Chantal Fernando, Dawn Martens

one, and lift open the lid. Inside is a stunning, elegant black satin gown, with a sweet heart neckline. The second box contains a Jimmy Choo shoe box, and also a small box from Tiffany’s. Holy shit, I have never been more spoilt in my entire life. I’m not very materialistic, but this has me overwhelmed. I open the shoe box to see a sexy pair of strappy stilettos. The Tiffany’s box holds a beautiful diamond necklace. I grab the note:

    Layla,

    For the event tonight. You are going to look stunning.

    Chase

    The charity event. The reason I was about to head out to the shopping center. Chase had invited me to a business function, a charity event held by his company. I glance over the items excitedly, and then pull out my phone to send a text.

    L: You spoil me. I love everything. Thank you Chase xox

    C: I can’t wait to see you in it. Xxx

    I grin, and then head off to the salon to get my hair and makeup done.
    ******
    Chase knocks hesitantly on my door. “Baby, are you ready?”
    I look at myself in the mirror. The black dress clings to every curve, and I love it. My hair is artistically pinned, wisps of curls falling out. My lips are nude, my eyes smoky. The chain hangs around my neck, nestled between my breasts. I have never felt so beautiful in my life. I open the door and face Chase. He looks delectable, in a black suit and white shirt. I lick my lips. Chase takes in my hair, makeup and dress, his eyes turn heated. He takes my hand and spins me around, causing me to giggle.
    “Most beautiful woman, I have ever laid eyes on.” I highly doubted that, but he sounds like he means it. “I’m thinking maybe we should stay home, the way that dress clings to your body, shit Layla. I can’t get into a fight at a fucking charity event.” I roll my eyes; he is being dramatic as ever.
    “You look so handsome Chase, sexy as hell.” He grins and pulls me in for a kiss.
    “Let’s go baby.”

Chapter Fifteen

    I’m sitting at the table with Chase, getting several looks from women. The looks range from jealous and bitter, to smug. It’s the smug ones I despise, because they look as if they have already had a piece of Chase, and it’s making me jealous as hell. I get introduced to all of Chase’s associates; one man named Eric was eyeing me too obviously, causing Chase to hiss “That’s not where her fucking eyes are Eric.”
    Eric went bright red and excused himself, only causing Chase to mutter, “Probably excusing himself to go to the bathroom now, sick fuck.”
    When it hit me what he meant, I blushed like crazy. “Not everyone sees me as you do, Chase.” I retort.
    Chase just looked at me like I was insane. The dinner was delicious, and I loved watching Chase eat. He saw me watching him and purposely licked his lips. I stifled a groan. I was shocked when I saw a familiar face. My cousin’s boyfriend, Colton. I stand up when Colton comes over to greet me, wrapping me in a warm hug. I can feel Chase bristle at another man having his hands on me.
    “Where’s Sasha?” I looked around for my cousin.
    “She’s not here, we uhh, kind of on a break right now,” he says a little sheepishly.
    “Oh.” I reply. I had no idea; I thought those two were solid. I made a mental note to give her a call to see how she was holding up.
    “Chase, this is Colton. Colton, this is Chase.” They shake hands.
    “I’m her man.” Chase states smugly.
    They seem to be staring each other down, though I have no idea why. This man was considered family to me. I slowly elbow Chase, who looks down at me and frowns.
    “Nice to see you Colton, Chase and I are going to dance.”
    Colton gives me a smile. “You too Layla. You look stunning.” Chase pulls me to the dance floor before I can say thank you.
    “Chase..”
    “He was staring at you! Your breasts, your hips...” He hisses in my ear, so no one could hear.
    I sigh. “I seriously doubt that. He’s with my cousin.”
    “Not anymore apparently.”
    I roll my eyes at