Chapter 8
Present
“HE’S SUCH A DICK!” KALI groaned in frustration as we fixed ourselves in the bathroom mirror.
An older lady gave us a nasty look before hurrying out and leaving us alone.
“I can’t believe he’d threaten you! You looked so pale, Nat…”
It was the only excuse I could come up with as to why I looked like I’d seen a ghost when Kali found me with her brother.
Excuse? It was the truth. The voice in my head persisted. He did threaten me.
But he had also touched me…
And I’d let him.
My skin was still sizzling hot. Goosebumps still ghosted my skin. An intense blush still coasted my cheeks.
I couldn’t forget the feel of his rough touch against one of my most intimate parts, let alone his hands on me or in my hair – so masculine and possessive. My thong had been soaked, and for a moment, I thought Trevor would drag me into the nearest secret room and have his way with me.
The idea didn’t scare me. What did, was that I’d wanted him to.
Never mind the party, or the three hundred guests, or his sister .
I was even ashamed at the fact that I’d been disappointed when he’d let go.
I’d never felt this way before in my life. Such a strong, unexplainable reaction to someone else… I wanted him. And it scared me to the depths of my soul.
But him and I… We couldn’t. Ever.
“Whatever,” I played it off like my heart wasn’t still racing. “Let’s get back to the party?”
Kali popped her lips, smoothing out her gloss before giving me a to-die-for smile in the mirror.
I could swear, as we walked through the dark hallway, before returning to the party, I could still smell the lingering of a familiar cologne in the air. It clouded my thoughts all over again.
A little while later, while the party was still in full swing, I was sitting on one of the couches, surrounded by a couple of my friends and family, who’d insisted they wanted to see my reaction to their gifts.
I went through each, drowning in designer pieces, collector’s books, and gift cards to private members clubs and spas. I gave the same, perfect smile which was returned by the respectable guest.
Once everyone was gone, Kali clapped her hands. “Alright, my turn!” Grabbing three pink presents from the table, all packaged the same, she dropped them next to me on the sofa. “From me, and my parents.”
The first was a no-limit gift card to a popular technology store, with a note telling me to treat myself to whatever IT students need. The second, was the biggest, and I opened it to find limited edition makeup from a renowned brand’s new collection, which so happened to be my favorite.
“Thank you! I love them. Tell your parents I said thank you.” I leaned in and hugged Kali, guessing those two were from Richard and Maya Su.
She laughed and pointed to the third gift. “There’s still one left!”
We let go and I placed the last, a thin box, on my lap.
My breath stopped when I opened the last gift.
A gold, elegant necklace with the most beautiful pendant I’d ever seen: a rare, pink heart-shaped diamond.
So gorgeous, I was sure my eyes were glowing.
Not only did it match everything in my closet, but also my birthday dress.
“Will you?” I asked Kali, who nodded eagerly. It was around my neck within seconds.
Bringing my hand up, I felt the precious diamond underneath my palm.
It was easily the most beautiful gift I’d ever received.
“I love it!” Throwing my hands around Kali’s neck, I kissed her cheek, making her laugh. “I promise to never take it off!”
When we pulled away, Kali lifted her champagne glass in the air. “To the birthday girl!”
The night went on.
Everyone was dancing, drinking, laughing – having a good time.
I wished I could do the same.
I had. For a while.
But there was the unshakable feel of a black cloud looming over me and my life – despite all of the blessings I’d recently received.
I tried to seem happy. I was surrounded by everyone I loved.
Everyone except Maria.