Chapter 17

The opera is not my idea of a good night, and as we arrived only minutes before it began, I must suffer it before I am supposed to seduce this so-called future Mayor of the city. We are in a private box above the theatre, and I feel a little like ‘Pretty Woman’ up here—it’s practically a remake if I was setting the scene, although Alexi outshines Richard Gere hands down in his sexy black tux.

The box is private, dark and comfy, with a red curtain draped to one side should we want more privacy. The dark red velvet seats are like posh dining chairs with extra oomph and padding and are weirdly very formal. It’s a V.I.P. box as we are the only ones in here, and it seems we have a prime view of the stage below us, with complimentary binoculars, a balcony and a curtained entrance to our rear that leads to an outer corridor.

My strapless dress is red too, seeing as he said it was my colour; it is long, fitted, and has ultimate cleavage-boosting abilities under a glittering faux