Chapter One
Lucy
“What’s the matter, Sugarplum?” My roommate, Sara, asks as I stomp through our tiny student apartment.
Sugarplum is the nickname I adopted since starting college. All because I’m a short arse. No matter where I go, I get told how much I look like a fairy.
“Everything! I’m still waiting on the Paris ballet contract to come through. I’m sad that we only have a few more days of college left, and I won’t get to live with you anymore. And to top it off, I am starving!” I whine. I popped out my bottom lip to emphasise how miserable I am.
“Well, you never know, we could still be living together if we both got into the Paris Opera Ballet. Also, there’s a thing now called a mobile telephone.
You use it to ring people, you can even video call.
” She mocks with a little gasp, clearly taking the piss out of me.
“Come on, Sugars, let’s get you some food before you combust.”
I’m not the world’s biggest eater, but with the amount of training I do, I need to eat little and often, because otherwise, I’ll get so hangry that everyone has to run in the opposite direction.
Ballet school isn’t for the weak, that’s for sure.
Even on the days we aren’t training, we still have to go to the gym and do limbering classes to keep up our flexibility.
Most young girls at nineteen would be out partying, enjoying their social life, having sex!
But that’s not me. I don’t have the time or energy after hours of dancing.
Sara holds her elbow out for me to link as we head out of the apartment. I know exactly where we’re going without even asking her. I can already taste the Thai food as we cross the street to our favourite noodle bar.
“I wanted to speak to you about something,” Sara says as we step into the queue to order the goods.
I eye her wearily, raising an eyebrow. Whenever someone says something along those lines, it always ends up being bad news.
She takes a large breath before continuing.
“I’m going back to Kent tomorrow instead of the weekend.
It’s the only day my parents are free to come and get me, and you know I can’t lug all my shit home on the train. ”
My heart feels like lead. Sinking deep into the pit of my stomach. I do get it, and I don’t blame her, but I was already feeling shitty, and now even more so, knowing I won’t see my bestie after tomorrow.
“Couldn’t you wait until after I had food in my stomach to tell me this? You know how depresso espresso I am right now.” I say as I feel a light stinging behind my eyes. “So, we only have today?”
“I’m afraid so.” Her own eyes were shining with unshed tears. “I’m sorry! You know I wouldn’t leave you if I had a choice. Let’s go and enjoy our last night of freedom together. Just you and me.”
“You'd better make this a night to remember.” I moan dramatically, sticking out my bottom lip. “I can’t believe you’re leaving me so soon.”
“I know, girl. I know. Let’s be wild for once in our lives. God knows we need it.”
The door to my bedroom slams open, leaving an utterly stunning Sara standing in my doorway.
She has tamed her usual frizzy curls by smoothing them back in a tight half-up style.
The rest of her dark spirals trail down her back.
The burnt orange cut-out style dress looks unbelievable against her skin tone, a luscious, deep bronze.
“Girl! You look unreal! Your legs go on for days.” I clap my hands excitedly as I take her in.
“That’s because I never get a chance to show them off.” She winks and spins around, showing me the full look. Then she stops, eyeing me sceptically. “Why in god’s name aren’t you dressed yet?”
“I’m almost ready,” I reply as I lean towards the mirror, finishing off my makeup. “My hair took me far too long, and I can’t decide what to wear!”
Usually, I would leave my curls to do their own thing, but tonight I want to go all out.
I’m going for the Hollywood glamour look, with my auburn waves all over to one side, loose and soft.
We’re definitely overdressed for a weeknight, but we never go out.
Like ever. So, we promised each other to go full glam.
“You have to wear this!” She exclaims, throwing the black leather tube dress at me from the pile I’ve laid out. “You will look like our very own Jessica Rabbit.”
“I wish,” I say as I start to change into the dress.
This is nothing at all like what I’d usually wear.
It fits me like a second skin, every curve of my body is visible through the shiny leather.
Who am I kidding? I have never had the opportunity to wear anything like this.
I don’t even remember buying it, it must have been wishful thinking. I fake a cough to get her attention.
“Oh, my days!” Sara drags out. Her mouth agape as she takes me in. “Sugarplum. You look hot as hell!”
I laugh. “Do I meet the assignment?”
“You get an A star girl!” She beams. “Now come on, I’m ready to party.”
It doesn’t take long for us to reach our destination for the evening, as our apartment in London is close to all the local nightlife, and by the looks of things, most people had the same idea as us.
Almost everyone is dressed up and ready for the clubs.
Thank God we are dancers and wearing heels is an everyday occurrence for us in our heel’s classes, as the streets are cobbled for most of our walk.
Nearly all the girls around us are doing impressions of Bambi on ice, trying to navigate their way to the door.
The bass of the music thumps through me as I make my way past the bouncers, and we’re not even inside yet.
My body is already swaying to the beat as we make a beeline for the bar.
I look at all the bottles lining the shelves, not knowing what to order.
How funny, I’m nineteen and don’t even know what type of alcohol I like.
I drink when I go home to family, but usually just whatever everyone else is having.
I don’t exactly get the chance to drink much.
“What are you having?” I frown, turning to ask Sara, who is already nose deep in the cocktail menu as the server comes over.
“We will have two strawberry daiquiris, please,” She orders for both of us. “Don’t worry, Sugar, this is a sweet one.”
“Not as sweet as you.” A deep male voice says softly behind me, sending a scattering of goosebumps down my neck.
That’s not just any voice, it’s one I know very well.
I turn, fully taking in the man I haven’t seen in months. The one person who I’m even closer to than Sara. Still looking as handsome as ever, with his messy dark hair and cheeky demeanour. The smile he always saves just for me takes over his face as he opens his arms wide.
“Max!” I exclaim as I dive into his waiting embrace. “What are you doing here?”
“I have the pleasure of taking you home tomorrow, and I thought I might as well come a night early to meet up with some of the boys. I’m staying in a hotel not far from here.” He replies, still not letting me go.
Before I can say anything more, Sara nudges me with her elbow, signalling to the bar where our drinks are waiting. She peers over my shoulder, taking in the sight behind me.
“Since Sugarplum isn’t going to introduce us, I’ll do it myself,” she winks in that flirtatious way of hers, stretching her hand out to him. “I’m Sara, Lucy's roommate.”
Taking her hand in his, he laughs. God, that laugh of his could affect a nun.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sara. I’m Max.”
As soon as he utters his name, Sara’s eyes widen before darting to focus on me.
On one of the few drunken nights we’ve had in our apartment, I had a little too much wine, which ended with me divulging everything about the one man I have always wanted, and how I think he has always wanted me too.
But I can never, ever have him. Because Max isn’t just my closest friend. Or just my childhood crush.
He is also my stepbrother.