Chapter 47
Jade
T he mood is somber and nothing like how we normally get ready for a night out as we get ready for the gala. I catch Lily’s eyes a few times as we both look over at Trixie who seems so unlike herself, so reserved and quiet. “Hey, Trix?” I call over to her trying to break the tension. “Can you come over and help me with my eyeliner? I can’t for the life of me get it to look right.”
“Sure.” Her stunning floor length deep purple strapless dress swishes around her ankles as she walks towards me, putting her earrings in as she does. She takes the eyeliner from me and within seconds has my eyes lined. “Beautiful.”
“Thanks, Trix. You look out of this world tonight. That dress is stunning.”
Glancing down at her dress she beams. “It is beautiful, isn’t it? Ezra picked it out for me and these sandals too.” She pulls her gown up slightly so she can show me the most gorgeous pair of gold Miu Miu sandals. I gasp.
“Trix they are… I have no words.” Giggling she places her foot back down, but the smile she has is only brief. “Hey, what’s going on in that head of yours?”
“I know you two have your concerns about Ezra, especially after what you’ve told me about Ria. But I’ve spoken with Ezra, and he is remorseful. He regrets the way he treated her, and I believe him. I’m grateful that you worry about me. But I really like him.” She genuinely looks happy as she sighs dreamily. “I know you aren’t blind either and know my feelings towards Beck, but I can’t wait around for him anymore. If he saw me as more than a friend, there would’ve been something before now, and there just hasn’t, so I have to try and be happy. And Ezra does make me happy. I just don’t want it to ruin things with Beck, because above all else he’s one of my best friends, but the way he’s pulling away it hurts.” Her voice tails off as she catches a glimpse of a picture of all four of us on Lily’s dresser.
“If Ezra makes you happy then that’s all we can wish for, Trix. But know this, the moment he steps out of line, I will not be held responsible for what I do. I won't let anyone hurt you.” She nods at my words.
“I second that. I’ve read enough dark romance, I’m certain I could hide a body,” Lily chimes in and we giggle.
“Babe, seriously though, Beck, he won’t be going anywhere. A lot is changing, and you know how he deals with change.”
“He doesn’t.” Lily sniggers. “Let’s get these margaritas down us, and enjoy ourselves tonight, because girls, this is our year. We have so much to celebrate. Tonight Trix this could be your big break and I can’t wait to see where you go.”
“Thanks, girls.”
“Right none of this emotional crap, as I’m already shitting myself about tonight I don’t need to add emotional mess to that list as well. So let me tape the girls into my dress.” Lily gives her chest a little shimmy. “Then we’ll get slightly buzzed, sing and dance, who’s with me?”
Stepping into the ballroom of the Winter Hotel, one of London’s high end hotel chains, feels like a scene from a film. The room is awash with white and gold accents which screams wealth. Everyone in attendance is dressed to impress with dresses and tuxedos in every color and style. There is faint music coming from the back of the room where a harpist plays a haunting rendition of “Clocks” by Coldplay with a violinist accompanying.
The crowd parts as Beck and Hunter approach, gaining a few appreciative looks. Hunter prowls towards me. There isn’t a hint of a smile on his face, just pure lust. I picked this dress because it reminded me of our first night together. It’s deep green, with a plunging neckline, nipped waist but with a floaty and feminine skirt. I thought he would love it. Feeling the heat of his gaze right at my core, my hands grip my clutch in a death grip.
He towers over me placing one of his hands at the nape of my neck, his thumb stroking my jaw gently while the other grips my waist possessively. “I knew you would look beautiful tonight, but I wasn’t expecting you to knock the air right out of me.” Breaking the moment, he brings his lips to mine and I get lost in his kiss, forgetting that I’m in a room full of people. Nuzzling his nose with mine he whispers low enough so only I can hear, “Mine.” And those words are like a trigger as I melt into his touch.
“Well, damn.” Turning, I spot Lily and Trixie fanning themselves, while Beck is gazing at Trixie, a look of longing and regret in his eyes, but he quickly puts his guard back up.
“Ladies, you look stunning,” Hunter tells the girls. They mutter their thanks just as Ezra comes into the ballroom and the temperature drops. He doesn’t come straight over to Trixie, instead, he stops to talk with some suits, just giving her a look, and motions for her to join him.
“Sorry guys, I best go and be with Ezra.” We all watch her go.
“I’ve got Leo and Deacon keeping an eye on her tonight,” Hunter says to Beck who nods silently before he heads over to the bar.
“I’ll go look after him.” Lily runs to catch up with him.
“What a display that was,” an American feminine voice says from behind us and I turn to see a woman who has the same deep blue eyes as Hunter.
“You must be Ria.” I extend my hand out to her to shake, but she takes it pulling me in for a hug.
“It’s so lovely to meet you.” She takes me in. “And wow, Hunter, she really is stunning. I see why you’ve fallen so hard.” She notices my shocked look at her embrace. “Sorry, I’m a hugger.” She extracts herself going to kiss Hunter on his cheek. “I see you’re marking your territory early in the evening with that display.” All Hunter does is shrug, snake his hand around my waist, and drop a chaste kiss to my temple.
“Yo, little Ri Ri.”
“Urgh, hi, Leo.” Leo joins us with who I assume is Deacon and grabs Ria to swing her around. “Put me down, you idiot.” Leo laughs, puts her down, and kisses her on the cheek.
“Nice to see you again, Ri Ri.”
“Don’t call me that, you know I hate it.”
“Exactly.” Leo bops her nose and she bats him away.
“Such a child.”
Hunter introduces me to Deacon. What is it with Hunter being friends with hot men? Deacon is gorgeous but in a broody and broken way. The slight crinkles around his eyes suggests he used to smile often but the blankness there shows that he hasn’t smiled in a long time.
A couple pull my attention away from the group as they make their way over to us. My pulse quickens when I lock eyes with the tall, handsome older man with deep blue eyes and salt and pepper hair. The woman is graceful and effortlessly beautiful, greeting Hunter with a wide and affectionate embrace, then Ria. “Hey, Mama S. Where’s my hug?” Leo sidles up next to her and she tuts as she brings him in for a hug too.
“How could I forget you, Leo, but I did only see you the other week. This one however,” she points a perfectly manicured finger at Hunter, “this one I’ve not seen for too long and he’s been keeping this beauty hidden away.” Her smile is infectious. “You must be Jade. I've heard so much about you.”
When she hugs me, I’m shocked by her strength. It's like she doesn’t want to let me go. “I’m so pleased to finally meet you. Hunter has been talking about you non-stop.” Releasing me, she assesses me. “And I can see why, honey, you’re beautiful. I’ve also seen the work you’ve been doing for us and I think you’re the gem we’ve been looking for.” That term of endearment makes my heart clench.
“Thank you, Mrs. Stone. It's lovely to meet you too.”
“Oh hush now,” She waves me off, “you call me Ada. Now I want you to tell me everything about you.” She guides me away from Hunter and the rest of the group.
“Hey, don’t I get to introduce myself?” a deep voice cuts through.
“Not now, Thomas.” Ada rolls her eyes at her husband and he shakes his head. I can feel the love he has for her in the way his eyes soften as she embraces me.
“It was lovely to meet you, Mr. Stone,” I throw back over my shoulder, giving him a wry smile which he returns with a wink. I move my concerned gaze to Hunter who seems to have the same look on his face as his dad.
“I’ll save you in a bit, Tink.” Sticking my tongue out at him I return my attention to the force next to me who has her arm through mine when another arm loops through on my other side.
“I’m not missing this.” Ria beams down at me and the glee in her voice should terrify me but I can’t help but laugh. I feel comfortable with these women; like I belong.