by Amy Brent
“You’re here, aren't’ you? You’re damned lucky that Aiden took pity on you. He said you looked like a fool and he didn’t want the other guests to be embarrassed as they came in.” Sadie’s voice was tinny and tinged with the perfect amount of acid.
“Well, I wouldn’t have been standing there like a fool if you hadn’t left the house without me. You knew I’d need the invite to get in.” I knew that was the point. Neither had wanted me to get in, to ruin their night.
“Well, you sure wasted your time making doe eyes at Aiden Prince, and if you’re a smart girl, you’ll stay away from him. He’s ours and much too far out of your league.” Halle rolled her eyes as she spoke and wrapped her arm wrapped around her sister’s.
“I’m not interested in Aiden.” I clasped the pendant at my collar bones. “I’m only here to entertain your parent’s idea of the two of you needing a babysitter, but don’t worry, I have plans of my own.”
“And what would that be?” Sadie sneered and crossed her arms in front of her.
“I’m here to socialize to hopefully gain interest in my jewelry line.” I held my head high, I was Layla Ford’s daughter, and the idea wasn’t that far of a stretch, even though the two broke out in laughter and exchanged a creepy smile.
“Good luck with that,” Sadie said with an eye roll.
Halle nodded and stepped closer. “Yeah, good luck, because no one here is going to want your crappy jewelry. They’ll see you as a Layla Ford knock off and nothing more.”
Sadie let out a long breath. “Just make sure that you’re not in our way, and I don’t care who you peddle your shit to. But don’t tell a soul you’re with us and stay away. We don’t want you making us look bad like you did the other night in the club.”
“Yeah, pretend we don’t exist and consider this a night off.” Halle narrowed her gaze into a warning glare as if her dead eyes were staring straight through to my soul.
“Yeah, you won’t have to worry about me.” I tossed their masks onto the counter and turned and stormed out.
Who the hell did they think they were? I’d not even wanted to go to the gala to begin with, and it was only by her parent’s encouragement that I decided to attend. As for Aiden Prince, who’d actually said he wanted to talk to me later in the night, I was sure he’d already forgotten all about me.
I stormed away and left the girls in the bathroom. I could only imagine what kind of trouble they would get into through the night and I’d probably take all the blame. Those two could rob a bank, and their mother would hold me responsible.
I walked out of the hallway and into the huge front room where the party was crowded masked people. It was kind of eerie in a way, not knowing who was who, not that I knew everyone anyway. Other than the twins, not a soul.
“There you are.” The familiar male voice sounded behind me, and I turned to look over my shoulder at the gorgeous man standing there as handsome as humanly possible in his fitted tux.
“Hi.” I looked around to see if the twins were over my shoulder sharpening their knives for me talking to Aiden.
“Did you find your friends?” His eyes and warm smile were full of genuine concern, and I wanted to reach up and pull off the rest of his mask to see what else I was missing.
“I did, but they’re busy.” I lifted a shoulder casually and glanced back over my shoulder, anxious that at any minute they’d see me there with him, and worse, they’d see the smile he was giving me, one I’d be certain they’d not appreciate.
“Would you like to get busy?” His face fell the moment the words left his mouth. He held up a hand to apologize and shook his head. “God, that came out all wrong. I just mean we could do something too. Would you like to dance?”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.” I glanced over my shoulder and then around the other direction, but still no sign of them. Aiden took my hand and led me to the other room with him, and I let him feel more confident that we wouldn’t be caught there together by the twins the moment they stepped out of the bathroom.
“It’s a wonderful idea,” he said, stepping us through the crown and toward the dancefloor. “Besides, you can’t turn down the host for a dance. It’s considered bad manners.”
I felt the blush rise to my cheeks as he put his arm at my waist and held my hand. “You look stunning, by the way. I meant to tell you that earlier. I bet you hear that all the time.”
“No, not really. My mother always said it, but you know, she’s biased.” I was quite aware I made it seem like she was still alive, and for the moment, I liked pretending she was. That I could go home to her at the end of the night and tell her how amazing it was to catch Aiden’s eye and dance with the richest man in the city.
“I bet you look like her,” he said.
“A bit. I have her smile, but my eyes, they’re probably like my father’s.” I stiffened knowing he’d caught that.
“Don’t you know?” He spun us around, and I caught a glimpse of the twins looking through the crowd but never saw me as they continued to the next room where the refreshments were.
“No, I never knew him or who he was.” I lowered my chin, and he seemed a bit embarrassed for changing the mood of our conversation.
“My father died,” said Aiden.
“I’d heard about that. I’m sorry for your loss.” I let out a long breath and sighed. I’d always hated hearing that from other’s when my mother passed. It was such a generic thing to say, and hardly ever enough.
“Thanks.” He narrowed his eyes as if sensing my distaste for the term.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound insincere, it’s just after my mother’s death, I’d vowed I’d never say those words to another. They just don’t seem to cut it.”
“They’ll do. It’s enough just knowing someone understands you’re hurting. That’s all those words ever meant to me. And I appreciate it.” He took a deep breath and stared down into my eyes. “So, did you lose her recently?”
“Yes.” I didn’t want to talk about death or my mother or anything else that would bring me down. Despite the twins and their drama, I wanted to have a fun time. At least make the most of dancing with him, which would surely end the moment the twins found us.
“That’s a beautiful necklace.”
“Nice subject change.” I figured he’d only remarked on my necklace realizing I didn’t want to talk about death.
“I’m serious. It’s beautiful. But, yeah, I wanted a way to steer away from that darkness. I know all too well, believe me. It sounds like we’re going through something similar.”
“Thanks. I made the necklace myself, though, in case you’re interested. I like making jewelry, and it’s always been a passion of mine.” His eyes seemed to light up with surprise, and I wondered if it was the fact that I could make such intricate pieces, or if he was surprised someone like me had passion.
“That’s amazing. You’re very talented. May I?” He gestured to the pendant, and when I nodded, he took the cool, silver pendant into his fingertips. “You’ve got passion and skills. I like that in a person.” He tilted his head and dropped his hands back down to mine. “I’m glad you came.”
“Thank you. It’s a lovely party.” I looked around at the decorations and could see the gorgeous mansion beneath it all. This was all his, and taking it all in. I realized I was dancing with a billionaire. The entire place was decked out in gold and white for the gala, with big vases of the biggest red roses I’d ever seen.
“Oh, it’s okay. It’s not really my style. That’s why I insisted on inviting the locals. She wanted the entire party to be nothing but rich snobs, but I thought that inviting all of my friends would be a bit of a shake-up.” His playful grin sent chills down my spine.
He’d invited all of these people solely to get a rise out of his mother. It wasn’t that they were his friends or he’d wanted to enjoy their company or even meet someone new, nope, he thought inviting the locals would be a nice dig at his mother. My stomach turned thinking
he was probably the conceited asshole that rumor had labeled him, and I didn't want anything more to do with him.
“You’ll please excuse me. It was lovely talking to you, but I think I had better go freshen up.” I stepped away from him before he could say much in protest.
In my heart, I was upset that he’d turned out to be just another jerk, but I knew I’d dodged a big bullet.
Chapter 10
Aiden
Ella tore away from me so fast that I was left spinning in my mind. I thought about what I’d said and hoped that nothing had distracted her. Surely, she was just worried about her friends. I walked across the room, and Zep came up behind me tapping me on the shoulder.
I spun around and sank against the wall.
“What’s gotten into you? Are you already starting to wear out tonight?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s that girl. Ella, the one who showed up earlier without an invitation. She’s a goddess, and I think I’m falling in lust with her as we speak.”
“Well, shit, that’s not good. I have a feeling the only way I’m going to land Sadie is if you’re promised to be there. She’s hung up on you, man.”
“Sadie is a lunatic. No thanks. Besides, with any luck, I’m taking Ella to bed tonight.”
“That wholesome little thing? Good luck with that. Just help me land my pair of aces, and you’ll be free to disappear with your girl. All they’ll need is a promise.” Zep shrugged and gave me a wide grin. “Once I get them in my bed, it’s not going to take much work to keep them there.”
“I’ll do it if you promise to keep them out of my hair tonight. I don’t need them scaring off my girl, and we need to try and find out who she came here with. It doesn’t matter, but I’m curious. I want her story.”
“I’ll see what I can do. What if she’s some lunatic too?” Zep chuckled. “You’re not going to want to snag Sadie back from me, are you?”
“Not a snowball’s chance in hell of that, friend. She’s all yours. I could take my pick of anyone else if this doesn’t work out, but honestly, I’d be happy just to get her to talk. I’m liking what I hear so far. She’s got the talent and passion I wanted, and she’s an artist.”
“Oh shit, brother. You’ve got that starry-eyed look. Already dreaming of a bright future.”
“Let me tell you, if things go like I think they will, my mother could get her wish.”
“Let’s just hope this girl isn’t a waitress or a stripper.” I gave him a narrowed glare, and he held his hands up. “Easy, boy. I’m not trying to insinuate anything.”
“Then do as I ask, and I’ll make sure you get your threesome.” He nudged me as the twins crossed the room, each taking out arm, Halle with Zep’s as usual and Sadie with mine.
“I think you two have that psychic twin connection because Aiden and I were just talking about you.” Zep laid on the charm as the two ladies exchanged a smile.
“Oh really, and just what were you two boys talking about?” Sadie met my eyes with hope in hers.
“Well, you girls have an advantage over the entire house being more like us than the others. I mean, we’re practically brothers, wealthy, handsome.” I smiled at the girls as they giggled, falling for my lines as I’d hoped.
“I mean, let’s face it. None of these others losers can size up.” Zep shrugged, and I nodded.
“My only problem is my mother expects me to do the right thing and watch the party, lay on the charms, and of course, look available.” I gave Sadie a sultry smile. “That’s tough when I already know exactly what I want.” I wasn’t about to tell her I wanted her, but I’d have to do enough smiling her way to make her think it. Her ego would do the rest.
“I told him that I’d take care of you ladies for the night, at least until he’s done and then, well, we can all go back to Aiden’s room and have a little fun.”
“What kind of fun?” asked Halle, who was practically purring as she writhed against Zep, her knees crossing as if she had an urge.
“Well, brothers like to share as much as sisters do, so I think if you’re okay with it, we’d like to take turns. Have a little foursome of sorts? You know, make this night so much more interesting.” Zep gave me a smile, and I nodded, laying it on nice and thick for them.
Sadie stepped in closer and locked her arm around mine. “Would that turn you on, Aiden, seeing me and my sister being fucked by your friend?”
I met Zep’s eyes careful not give anything away and then I glanced down into hers letting them smolder. “More than anything. Why don’t you give her a little kiss for me right now? Give me something to tide me over while entertaining the others.”
She took Halle’s hand, and the two leaned in close and pecked each other on the lips, no more passionate than a mother and child. Then they grinned. “You’ll have to wait for more than that. We don’t perform for an audience, private guests only.”
“Then I’ll just have to sit and daydream.”
“I could give you a little kiss to tide you over,” Sadie offered.
I leaned in and gave her a little peck, about as quick and painless as the one she’d given her sister. “You’ll have to wait too, but feel free to get started without me, I want you nice and limber when I get ahold of you.” I slapped her ass, and she gave a maniacal giggle that would give a horror fan chills.
“Then it’s a deal.” Halle smiled and kissed Zep on the mouth. And Zep leaned in and took Sadie’s face in his hands and slowly kissed her. It went a little deeper than I’d expected from her, but she gave me a little wink after.
I leaned in and ran my hand up the back of her neck and pulled her ear close. “That’s such a fucking turn on.” Stepping back, I gave her a wink. “I had better go and entertain the others. You keep my friend, Zep here happy and out of trouble for me, okay?” She gazed back at me with such wonder in her eyes that I knew she was good to go. I shook Zep hand and slapped his back. “Make sure you take good care of our girls.”
“Sure will. I’ll have them ready for you.” He gave me a wink before the three of them strolled away. Then, I knew I had to move fast and find Ella.
Having to pretend with the twins was enough to make my stomach turn but as soon as they were gone off with Zep happy, I put my attention back on the mysterious Ella. I didn’t even know her name and knew that was the first thing I’d have to remedy, especially if I wanted to find out anything about her. Zep was supposed to keep the twins at bay and keep his ears open for any clue about Ella.
I walked through the house going room to room where the party crowd had gathered and caught a glimpse of Zep already bringing the ladies up to my room that I kept here in the main part of the house. I hoped my mother wouldn’t see them because I knew she’d make them go back downstairs. I didn’t know where she was hiding out, but I hoped that while I pursued Ella, she’d stay out of sight.
I strolled into the room where the refreshments were kept hoping that she had gone for something to eat, but when I glanced around she wasn’t there. I went to the ballroom to see if she was in there dancing, hoping like crazy she’d not met someone else, especially any of the rich pricks that my mother had invited.
My blood turned cold at the thought, stilled in my veins as if it had frozen and my anger suddenly spiked. I didn’t want her with anyone else. I had to find her and fast. I searched around and didn’t find her. I stopped and was about to turn and go back out the foyer to see if she was leaving when a slight movement caught my eye on the veranda beyond the dancefloor.
I rushed across the floor, pushing past the other couples as they danced and made my apologies. Not one tried to argue or called me down, and a few even excused themselves as if they were to blame.
I stood in the door and watched her as she stood against the railing to look out at the stars. The moon was hanging nearly full in the sky and the night was so clear that the sky was a dark shade of navy and sprinkled with millions of tiny stars. They were nothing compared to the sparkle in her eyes which had been t
he bluest blue I’d ever seen. I couldn’t move as I watched her, her shoulders were square, her posture perfect as she stood inclining her head to the sky as if everything she wanted in the world was right there before her.
At that moment, I wondered, how could I compete with that?
Chapter 11
Ella
Growing up my mother had always taught me that it didn’t matter how much money people had, that everyone was worthy of love and respect. She’d taught me not to bully or belittle others and that it wasn’t important to be everyone’s best friend, but it was important to be friendly to everyone. She’d also taught me something else that I often found more challenging than anything else, and that was to look for the good in everyone because everyone had some good in them.
As I stood staring at the bright night sky, I thought of her and missed her like crazy. And I also kept thinking of her lessons and hoped they were true. I didn’t like thinking of Aiden as an asshole, but then maybe he hadn’t had anyone in his life show him how to love like I had.
“I was beginning to think you’d left.”
I turned to find Aiden across the room standing right in the doorway under a rose garland that probably cost more than my dress. “I thought about it.”
“Why? Aren’t you having a good time?” He walked over and stood next to me.
“I didn’t feel very welcome, considering I’m not rich or famous and I don’t have any blue blood running through my veins or millions in my bank account.”
“Most people here don’t either.” He lifted his shoulder and tilted his head.
“Well, I think it’s mean to invite people just to make fun of them, or to get back at your mother.” I couldn’t believe the tone I’d taken and wanted to pull the words back in as soon as I’d let them out. “I’m sorry, it’s not my business, it’s not you forced anyone to come.”
“And I didn’t invite anyone to make fun of them. I happen to like everyone I invited. They’re my friends. I think you misunderstood me. I don’t care if my mother likes them or not is all I’d meant to say. We don’t see eye to eye on who is worthy of my friendship.”