by Becca Steele
“Cocky, aren’t ya?”
I won the game. Just.
TWELVE
Speeding down the mostly empty road, one hand on the wheel, the other on the gearstick, I finally felt fucking free. This shit with Winter was messing with my head.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s “Swervin” melted the speakers, the thrumming beats echoing through the car as my phone started ringing. I hit the button to answer, turning down the stereo as I accelerated into a turn, feeling my R8 respond under me, the fucking sweet purr of the engine surrounding me and calming my mind.
Too bad it wouldn’t last.
After the adrenaline rush of burning rubber, leaving dust in my wake as the unfortunate people in their average cars tried to keep up with me, I eased off on the accelerator and came to a halt outside my dad’s mansion, waiting for the gates to open. Why did I get roped into this shit? Me and West had tossed a coin to see who would come here and pick up our suits that we’d had custom made for the ball, courtesy of my dad’s tailor, but he’d guilt-tripped me so I didn’t have a choice, whatever the coin had decided. To be fair, there wasn’t much I wouldn’t do for my younger brother, and if it meant making myself uncomfortable for half an hour or so, I’d do it, to save him the torture of being around Christine. I’d purposely timed my visit for early morning—if I was lucky, she’d still be in bed.
“What’s up?”
My brother’s voice came through the speaker. “Just wanted to remind you to pick up my Hydra cufflinks. I can’t find them; I think they’re still in my room, probably in the top drawer.”
“Yeah, alright. I’ll get them,” I assured him, getting out of the car, holding my phone between my shoulder and my ear as I slammed the door behind me.
The front door was opened by one of my dad’s security guys—I never knew their names, and he told me my dad was outside, training. Of course. He liked to stay fit, so he had a personal trainer come over first thing in the morning, three days a week.
I headed out through the kitchen and followed the path round to the stone terrace out the back of the house, where I found my dad with his personal trainer, doing cool-down stretches.
“Morning, Caiden,” he greeted me, when he saw me standing there. Grabbing a towel, he rubbed it over his face, then handed it to his trainer. “You’re early. Here to pick up your suits?”
“Yeah. Where—”
“One moment,” he interrupted me, as his phone started blaring, vibrating across the stone wall it had been lying on. He strode over and swiped at the screen, talking to whoever it was in a low voice. I sank down on the wall to wait, while the trainer packed up the stuff he’d brought with him—skipping ropes, resistance bands, and shit like that—putting it all inside a duffel bag. A movement in the corner of my vision caught my eye, and I glanced up to see Christine in a silk robe, gesturing at Allan, her face hard as she leaned forwards, shaking her head at him. I sighed aloud—guess I hadn’t turned up early enough to miss her. Fingers crossed I could stay away from her, though—this early in the morning and she was already laying into the staff? Fuck going near her.
My dad snapped his fingers to get my attention and covered his phone with his hand as he turned to me. “This may take a while. Your suits are hanging in your room. See you all at the ball tonight, and behave, both of you.”
I nodded, although he’d already dismissed me, returning his attention to his phone. Whatever. Now Christine was up, I wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible. I managed to get upstairs, retrieve our suits and West’s cufflinks, and make it out of the front door without her seeing me.
Thank fuck for that.
Walking into the kitchen, I was greeted, or more like assaulted, by a sight that it was way too fucking early to see. Cassius, naked as the day he was born other than a black apron that said “Warning: Concealed Sausage” on it, switching between grilling bacon and having what sounded like another code name discussion with my brother and Winter.
I groaned, loudly, and all three of them turned to look at me. “Cass? Why the fuck are you naked?”
He shrugged. “Why not?”
Okay then. I shook my head at him, crossing to the island. Sometimes with Cass, it was best not to ask.
“Did you get my cufflinks?” West eyed me hopefully, and I nodded.
“What cufflink—ow, fuck!”
I looked round just in time to see Cassius jump a mile in the air, gripping his ass, his expression pained.
“The fucking bacon fat jumped out of the pan and burned me!”
“Wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t have your ass out. Just saying.” I shrugged.
“Aww, Cass. You want me to kiss it better?” Winter smirked, and my amusement died away. I glared at them both, and Winter mouthed joking.
Not funny. It was too early for this shit.
Zayde walked in, took one look at Cass, turned around, and walked straight back out again, making Cass and Weston collapse in fits of laughter, the burn forgotten. Weston picked up a spatula, and shouted “en garde,” to Cassius, and they started fucking around, having a pretend sword fight with the utensils.
Rolling my eyes, I pulled out my phone, letting them get on with it. I caught Winter’s eye, and she gave me a tiny, hesitant smile, which I returned straight away, making her eyes sparkle as she just looked at me. She was so fucking gorgeous, even when she was sleepy and trying to wind me up.
Playing around apparently finished, Cassius dropped his wooden spoon, staring between us, as Winter yawned widely. A gleam came into his eye. “Hey, Winter. You seem like you’re tired. You know what you need?”
Her voice was flat and unamused as she took in his expression. “What.”
“Vitamin D. From Cade.”
For fuck’s sake.
“Vitamin D? What?” She raised a brow at him, and he gestured to his crotch.
“Ladies love the vitamin D.”
“Really.” She shook her head, caught between an eye roll and a smile. “Is that bacon done yet? I need food to keep my strength up. Got to be ready for the ball.”
The ball. Yeah, that was going to be a shitshow. Being forced to go with Jessa was torture enough, and seeing Winter there—okay, she was going to be with my mate—but that didn’t mean it would be any easier. Especially since we weren’t together at the moment.
Which reminded me, better leave everyone with a reminder that even though we weren’t together, she was mine.
I slid off my stool and walked around behind her. She kept facing forwards, still talking to Cassius, but her breathing sped up, and I saw goosebumps spread over her arms as I pressed my body up against hers, brushing her hair off her shoulder. Fuck, she felt so fucking good against me. I needed to get my shit together and get my girl back.
Leaning down, I spoke into her ear, keeping my voice low. “Jessa may be my date tonight, but that’s as far as it goes. You’re the only one I want.” I had to grip the marble island on either side of her, crowding her in, to stop myself from touching her, doing something I shouldn’t, like picking her up and carrying her out of the kitchen and fucking her until she couldn’t see straight.
She made a tiny noise in the back of her throat. “I…oh. Cade.”
My name coming from her lips? Best fucking sound ever. I glanced up at the boys to see them both watching me, and then I kissed her cheek and stepped back, giving her space to breathe.
Hopefully, all three of them got the message.
She was mine.
THIRTEEN
This whole situation was fucked up. For a start, the date situation. But even worse than that? Yes, it got worse. My mother had decided to brush our little disagreement in the coffee lounge aside and pretend it had never happened, and she’d invited me to get ready at her mansion. Actually, “invited” wasn’t really the word I’d use, more “insisted.” I’d been tempted to refuse, but I didn’t want to rock the boat with this night being important to so many influential people—including the Four, thanks
to this huge business deal that was currently being negotiated. I wasn’t aware of any of the details, but if it all went to plan, it would allow Alstone Holdings to expand internationally and create more employment opportunities.
So that was why I was currently standing in the bedroom I’d been allocated in the Cavendish home, being scrutinised by Renée, the stylist hired by my mother to prepare me. Clearly, she wasn’t taking any chances with me choosing anything inappropriate. Somewhere in the house, she was being attended to by a whole team of people, but thankfully she’d deemed that one person was enough for me.
“I have a few different dresses that could work,” Renée mused, tapping her lip in thought. Reaching into the bag at her waist, she pulled out a phone. “Allan, please could you have the garment bags numbered four, seven, and sixteen brought up to Miss Huntington’s room? Thank you.” Replacing the phone, she turned to me. “Please could you remove your clothing, other than your underwear?”
“Um. Okay.” I padded into the bathroom and stripped off, pulling on a robe over my underwear. By the time I’d finished and re-entered the bedroom, there were three garment bags laid across the bed.
“Let’s try the first outfit.” Renée carefully unzipped one of the bags, revealing a long, shimmering grey dress. I shrugged out of my robe, and she helped me into the dress, smoothing the silky material down, then stepping back to run a critical eye over me. “Turn around, please.”
I obediently spun around, and she pursed her lips. “I don’t think this one is quite right for you. Let’s move on to the next one.”
As she unzipped the next bag, withdrawing a bundle of black tulle, my heart started beating faster. The fabric slid over my body, slipping into place effortlessly.
Renée clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes shining, and she pointed towards the mirror.
“Oh.” I stared at my reflection. Was this really me? “This dress is perfect,” I whispered, as Renée came to stand next to me, fluffing out the skirt.
“Perfect for you. Not everyone can pull off the black, but for you? It works beautifully.” She smiled. “No need to try the other dress. This is the one.”
I nodded in agreement, still staring. The dress was a black, floor-length ball gown. The bodice was sheer lace overlaid with black applique embellishments which covered my breasts and connected with the skirt, with tiny gems interlaid in the fabric. The skirt itself was made of layers of tulle, flowing down from my waist and skimming the floor, with a small train at the back.
“With the hair and make-up, and the mask, you’ll be a vision. Hurry, we don’t have long.”
The doorman gave a small bow as I passed between the huge stone columns and entered Alstone Town Hall. My mother and Arlo had headed inside already, but I’d taken a moment to compose myself, needing to prepare to face what waited for me inside. Namely Caiden, with Jessa. There was no doubt that she’d be all over him, and no matter what, I couldn’t make a scene or let her know how she affected me.
I glanced at myself in the large mirror that hung in the entrance foyer, adjusting my mask. My hair had been curled, falling in waves down my back, and underneath the crystal-studded black lace mask I wore, my eyes were rimmed in smoky shadow. My lips were slicked with a simple, natural lip colour, and my skin had been lightly dusted with a shimmery powder. I wore no jewellery, the mask and the dress making enough of a statement on their own.
Taking a deep breath, I walked down the corridor to the doors that would lead me into the ballroom.
“Would you like to wait for your escort, madam?” I turned, my hand already reaching out for the door, to see a uniformed man eyeing me, a polite smile on his face.
“Um. I’m meeting him inside.” I’d sent Cassius a message just before we’d left the car, then strapped my phone to my thigh with the ingenious garter purse Renée had given me. Earlier, he’d sent me a photo of the mask he was going to be wearing—black, metallic, Roman warrior style, with gold embellishments showing two Pegasus horses, and a skull with crystal eyes in the centre. All of the Four, in fact, would wear the same masks, but I knew I wouldn’t have any trouble spotting them, regardless.
The uniformed man nodded, opening the door with a gloved hand.
I stepped inside.
I was standing at the top of a huge, sweeping staircase, descending down to the darkened ballroom below, illuminated by soft spotlights that bathed the room in shades of blue and purple. Balconies ran down each wall, held up by tall marble columns. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, which was decorated in gold leaf. A large stage stood at the far end of the ballroom, where what looked like a full-on orchestra played. Groups of people decked out in beautiful gowns, tuxedos, and all kinds of masks filled the entire room, talking, dancing, and drinking.
Faking a confidence I most definitely didn’t feel, I straightened my shoulders, held my head high, and carefully descended the staircase, holding the tulle skirt of my dress so I didn’t trip.
At the bottom of the stairs, from behind a Roman warrior mask, a pair of stormy ocean eyes arrowed straight to mine. His jaw fell open, and then he closed it, swallowing hard. No one else existed in that moment.
“Winter.” His voice caressed my ears. “You look… You’re so fucking beautiful.”
I stepped towards him, my heart pounding as I took in his darkened gaze, his body filling out his dark suit so deliciously, his hair styled to perfection.
“Caiden,” I whispered. I needed his touch.
“We can’t,” he said hoarsely, as I reached him.
“I know.” There was a lump in my throat. I felt a hand on my arm, and then Cassius was steering me away.
“That was quite an entrance, babe. Good thing Jessa and Portia weren’t there to witness Cade’s reaction to you. I’ve never seen him look like that before. Ever.”
“What reaction?” My heart fluttered.
“He looked at you like you’re his world.”
I couldn’t reply.
I just let him lead me deeper into the crowd, away from the one person I wanted to be with, but couldn’t be.
“Listen. I know it’s hard, yeah? But remember our goal. Make Granville think you’re not interested in Caiden, try and get him to drop his guard so we can get some answers. And try not to kill Jessa.”
I gritted my teeth. “Where is she, anyway?”
“I dunno, she had to go with Portia to the bathroom or some shit. Come on, let’s get a drink, then we’ll see if we can spot Granville. All these bloody masks make it ten times harder, but thanks to my skills, I found out he’s wearing this one.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and showed me an image from James’ social media account, posted earlier, showing him with his arm around a brunette in a red dress (from what I could see of it, anyway) who was blowing a kiss at the camera, both of them wearing gold Venetian-style masks.
“Okay, let’s do this.” I scanned the crowds as we walked, taking the glass of champagne Cassius grabbed from a passing waiter. “Shall we dance once we’ve finished our drinks? The dance floor is a bit clearer—we might be able to see better.”
“Yeah, good idea.”
On the dance floor, I let Cassius tug me closer. “Cade was right. You do look beautiful. He’s a lucky fucker.” He paused. “Or he will be, when he gets his shit together.” His eyes travelled down my body. “Your tits look fucking phenomenal in that dress. Just saying.”
“Cass, please,” I groaned, but I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my lips. I shook my head at him. “As much as I should comment on what you just said… Never change.”
He grinned widely, giving me a wink from behind his mask, and we moved across the dance floor in time to the music.
“Winter!” I spun in Cassius’ arms at the sound of Weston’s voice, and then I was in his arms. He kissed my cheek, then drew back to look at me. “Wow. Has Cade seen you, yet?”
I nodded, my mouth twisting.
“Sorry, sis. I know it’s hard to be here.
If it’s any consolation, it’s just as hard for him. Y’know?”
“I know. I just hate it. I wish we were together. I haven’t even seen him with Jessa yet.”
“That girl has got nothing on you.” A quiet but firm voice came from near my ear, and I glanced away from Weston to see Lena standing next to him. Unlike the last (and only) time I’d seen her, she didn’t have a sulky pout on her face. Her blonde hair was curled, like mine, and although she still had masses of black eyeliner rimming her eyes, with her black, feathered mask, the whole effect was striking. She had on a long, black, off-the-shoulder floor-length prom dress, fairly modest and not what I would have expected, going by the last time I’d seen her.
She must’ve read my thoughts, because she sighed and rolled her eyes, gesturing at herself with black-painted nails. “My mother picked out this dress. I got to choose the colour, and the mask, but that was it.”
“Oh. I wasn’t judging, by the way.” I cleared my throat and met her eyes. “To be honest, I was thinking that it didn’t seem like something you’d pick. Not that I know you. In fact, I don’t think we were ever properly introduced.”
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have picked this.” She gave me a wry smile. “I’m Lena. Aka the moody bitch, according to my brother.”
Cassius laughed. “Not wrong, though, am I?”
“Cass.” Weston frowned at him. Or at least, I think he did. It was hard to tell with the mask he was wearing.
“I’m Winter.” I jumped in before Cassius could make the situation any worse.
“I know. Love your tatts by the way. I wanted to tell you at the other party, but I wasn’t in the best mood. No offence, but your mother’s parties are boring as fuck. I’d have more fun at a funeral.”
A surprised laugh burst out of me. “You and me both.” I turned to Cassius. “Why don’t you invite Lena over sometime?”