Page 119 of Felix

And the important people… Well, I think they change right along with you.

Chapter 30

Christian

I smooth my shirt as I stand at Emil’s door, glancing down to make sure my outfit is in pristine condition. It was a short walk over here, but I still want to look perfect for my boyfriend. The one who gave me the courage to make this outfit in the first place.

When he opens the door, I think I might have just accomplished it.

Emil’s eyes flare wide, and he doesn’t speak for the longest moment, his gaze raking up and down my body.

“Holy shit,” he finally breathes. “Christian… You look…stunning.”

“You like it?” I ask, lips curling into a smile.

“I want to crawl under that skirt and show you how much.”

I bark a laugh. “I don’t think there’s room for you beside all the tulle.”

Emil shakes his head, eyes roving over the floor-length skirt. It’s made from the embroidered fabric I picked up not long ago when Emil and I went shopping. The base is a gentle snow white, but starting at the waistband and cascading downward in increasing volume are flowers in a variety of colors. They lift from the fabric, the petals fluttering gently each time they pick up a breeze. At the bottom hem, the flowers are heaviest, so dense the white is no longer visible. My top is simple: a sleeveless, white crop top that ends a couple inches above the skirt’s waistband, a snowy canvas by which to draw the eye downward.

Judging by Emil’s expression, the effect is exactly what I was going for.

“Gorgeous,” he says simply, finally stepping back to let me in. “Anything you need to do before we go?”

“I’m all set,” I tell him, walking inside. My subtle makeup is on, and my hair is pulled half-up, a few strands falling loose in front to frame my face.

Maybe this is just an awards ceremony for a rather niche porn market, but I’ll be proud to walk into that ballroom with Emil on my arm.

“You look handsome,” I tell him, following Emil into the living room as he checks on Arthur and Hermin. He’s wearing dark gray slacks with a matching vest, the simple white shirt and bright blue bowtie he paired it with a nice complement to the textured gray.

“Thanks,” he says, glancing over his shoulder, a shy smile on his face. “I just need to feed these two, and then we can go.”

“What are they having today?”

“Cantaloupe and kale,” he answers.

I huff a small laugh. “Bet Arthur will love the kale.”

“He won’t, the diva,” Emil says, putting it in the terrarium regardless. “But Hermin seems to like it.”

“Has anyone ever told you you’re a wonderful crab daddy?” I ask, stepping close and wrapping my arms around his waist. He inhales a breath, stomach moving under my palms.

“Alex, actually. But it sounds less weird coming from you.”

I hum, kissing his cheek, just as Emil’s phone pings. He pulls it from his pocket.

“Your mom again?” I ask, looking down at the screen.

He makes a small hum of acknowledgement. “Yeah. She’s been smothering me lately.” The uptick in the corner of Emil’s mouth lets me know exactly what he thinks about that.

“Good,” I say, glad his parents are staying true to their word and giving Emil the attention he deserves.

He sends a reply before turning in my arms. “Ready to go?”

“Let’s do it.”

The awards ceremony is being held at a hotel downtown. Emil and I get a ride so he doesn’t have to worry about driving us home afterwards. Much to my surprise, there’s a red carpet set up outside of the hotel entrance, and a small group of reporters are standing by, throwing questions at the people heading inside.

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