Thanks to LiteraryRhapsody and MyraValhallah for their kind words of encouragement. I am grateful for any and all reviews.
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Chapter 3
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Three days later…
Sarah stood in front of her full length mirror and admired her reflection. This was going to be a great party and since she was the guest of honor, she needed to look drop-dead gorgeous. Her cocktail dress was a midnight blue mini with a silver lace ¾ sleeve and vee neck. The dress itself was covered in crystals and it looked like it was covered in stars. Sarah slipped on the 3-inch blue rhinestone high heels and silver chained purse. Her chocolate brown hair had been styled in a high ponytail, letting the curls dropped down her back almost to her waist. Her makeup was simply some mascara and eyeliner to accent her jade colored eyes and a rose colored lip tint. Just before she stepped into the elevator, she sprayed some of her perfume into the air above her and allowed it to rain down over her. She really loved the slight peach tone of the fragrance.
Sarah walked into the elevator, inserting the lift key into her floor button and activated the lift. Stepping out into the night air, Sarah spied the limo. 'Oh that Nigel, how he loves to spoil me' she mused.
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Across town, Jareth stood on the terrace of his penthouse on Twenty-ninth Street in Chelsea, staring at the moon. In his hand was an invitation to the Chelsea Gallery cocktail party, celebrating Sarah Williams five-year anniversary launch into the art world.
It was sheer luck he found himself thrown into her path yet again. He longed to see his champion and make her truly his own. He had already made a date to meet her for coffee tomorrow but if he could see here tonight, so much the better. And all this had happened without the need for games, tricks or magic. Not that the mighty Goblin king wouldn't use magic, but if he didn't need it, then he didn't. He was ready to be the ideal escort for his Sarah. His Sarah! 'Yes, you will be mine, make no mistake', he thought with satisfaction. He snagged his suit coat as he headed out the door and into the waiting elevator for the ride down to his car.
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Bruce scanned his image in the mirror and ran the lint brush over his jacket one last time to be sure there was no hint of dust or lint to be seen. Nigel would probably call again to whine how he wasn't there but he must be flawless. Black tux jacket over a plum colored tuxedo shirt and a white bow tie. Nigel would be so pleased as he slicked his auburn hair back into place and sauntered out the door.
When he finally walked into the gallery he saw the relief wash over Nigel's face.
"Oh thank goodness, you're here! I thought Sarah would arrive before you!" Nigel embraced his paramour. "You look so handsome, as always."
Bruce smiled. "You look handsome too, Nige. Let's have a great party for our girl. By the way, is she here yet?"
"No. but Jace Cormac just arrived in his Maclaren sports car. Quite impressive!"
"I missed his car again. What rotten luck."
"Speak his name and he appears!" Nigel remarked as Jareth walked through the door, commanding attention like some kind of rock star.
"Good evening, Nigel. Bruce. I hope I haven't missed the guest of honor's arrival." Jareth scanned the space behind Nigel but the beautiful brunette did not appear to be here.
"Jace, you are right on time! And you do look 'smashing' as they say in England!" The three men laughed and shook hands as they moved away from the doors. At just that moment, the limo pulled up and Bruce cleared his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Chelsea Gallery is delighted to announce the guest of honor, the incomparable artiste, Ms. Sarah Williams!".
Sarah blushed and smiled. "Thank you everyone. I am touched you all came tonight. I feel honored to welcome you all to this party. I want to thank Nigel and Bruce for hosting this party to mark my fifth year in the art world. I am extra pleased to announce that at the end of the festivities, I will be unveiling my newest painting. But until then, let's all enjoy the food and drink."
Nigel ran over to hug Sarah. "Darling, you look like the very heavens in that dress! You are an absolute dream!" Nigel's praise caused Sarah to blush.
"Thank you, you are always so good to me." She hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek.
Leaning against the wall, the Goblin King watched the exchange with mild amusement. His eyes raked over her curvy frame approvingly. Sarah was a stunning beauty, even more so when she was dressed so provocatively. He didn't fail to notice how the dress clung to her in all the right places and showed off her slender and shapely legs. Aboveground fashions did have advantages. He looked at her lovely face and for just a moment he couldn't breathe. Jareth shifted his stance to gain control over his body's response to the attractive woman before him. He needed to keep his desires in check. No need to be that obvious. But when she saw him looking at her with such desire in his eyes, Sarah smiled, winked and impulsively blew him a kiss. 'Oh, precious, you will be the death of me' he groaned, under his breathe.
Sarah had surprised herself. 'I can't believe I blew Jace Cormac a kiss!' She blushed bright red when she realized the implication. 'Oh my god!'
Bruce saw what transpired and spoke first. "Oh, you noticed we invited Jace Cormac to the party. I hope you are pleased."
"Well, um, we barely know each other, but yes, I am glad to see him here. I do like him." Sarah stared at her hands and played nervously with her fingernails.
"Oh, sweetie, I can see that you 'like' him alright." Nigel chimed in. He grinned using air quotes to emphasize the word like. "Why don't you sashay your pretty self over there and talk to the man. He has eyes only for you!" As the three broke apart to mingle with the other guests, Sarah walked over to Jace.
"You are a vision of beauty tonight, luv." Jareth whispered huskily, his voice slightly hoarse from longing for her. "Your paintings will not be able to shine as no one will be able to tear their eyes away from you." His breathe brushed up against the tender flesh just under her ear as he whispered. "You have quite bewitched me, my Sarah."
"Jace, it is wonderful that you are here tonight." She was suddenly nervous and she ran her tongue over her bottom lip, softly sucked it into her mouth and bit it.
Jareth let out a ragged groan and impulsively leaned in and brushed his lips over hers in the faintest whisper of a kiss. Sarah stepped back, a bit off balance and touched her fingers to her lips.
"Sarah" his voice sounded like a lover's caress. "I'm sorry, but I just couldn't resist you. Don't be cross with me." He placed a hand on her arm.
"Jace, I am not cross with you, I just didn't expect you to kiss me in the middle of all these people." Sarah was confused. She liked the sexy Brit in front of her. Okay, she was hot for him! He looked good enough to eat. His tailored slacks clung to toned thighs, the navy blue shirt and loosely open black tie gave his look a casual air even though it was clear he had dressed with care. He bowed slightly and offered her his arm.
"Allow me to be your escort tonight, my lady."
"Oh, Jace, don't tease me. This isn't a grand ball and I am not Cinderella." They both laughed as Jareth took her around the gallery. He was the prefect escort. Every time someone approached to engage in conversation, Jareth made sure the topic returned to Sarah: how lovely she looked, how talented she was. He wanted her to shine like the perfect jewel she was.
The couple had made the full round of the gallery and stopped in front of a sheet draped object. Nigel stepped forward with Bruce. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Chelsea Gallery is delighted to unveil Sarah Williams latest painting: 'Conquering Warrior'. As the sheet fell away from the painting, people applauded, followed by gasps of surprise.
Nigel was the first to say what everyone was thinking. "He looks like Jace Cormac!" Nigel squealed.
Sarah blanched white as the sheet on the floor. "I, I guess he does." She whispered, her throat dry suddenly. How had she not seen it before?
Jareth stood a bit shocked as well but he recovered quickly and smirked, "I am flattered, to be sure."
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Bruce dragged Sarah by the arm into the office, followed closely by Nigel. "Okay, Sarah, spill. Why did you paint Jace Cormac? What is between you two?"
"Nothing. I only had coffee with him one time. I was inspired to paint and I guess this is the result."
"Hon, you have got it bad for him, anyone can see that. Question is, what do you plan to do about it?" Nigel was crowding the poor girl and she started to feel oxygen deprived and dizzy.
"Nige, give her some space. You are overwhelming her." Bruce fanned her with an envelope from the desk.
"I don't know what is going on. I think I might be falling for him." Sarah whispered. This was happening all too quickly. It would be so unwise to fall too hard, too fast. That is what got her into trouble with Corbin. He had left her afraid to love. Suddenly Sarah felt like there was no air in the room. And then everything went black, as she lost consciousness.
"Sarah! SARAH!" Nigel and Bruce both shouted as they rushed to either side of the woman and grabbed her, sitting her into the office chair so she wouldn't hit the floor.
Coming around after a minute, Sarah weakly stated. "I need to get out of here. I have to go home."
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Sorry this chapter is a bit short and ends so abruptly. I promise more to follow very soon. I am really inspired and the muse is strong with me right now. Hang in there with me. Any and all reviews greatly appreciated!