ChapterTwenty #2
I’m tempted to defend Lillianna, but all I know about Sebastian’s sister is what he’s shared. Still, I didn’t get the impression she’s the frivolous mooch Sade is painting her to be.
“Then there’s Thorne. He’s an even bigger bastard than his father.” Sade’s lip curls. “That shit he did with Tiffany was wrong. Sure, the woman’s a bitch, and Sebastian could do so much better, but his own brother…” She shakes her head.
“What happened?” I ask quietly, not sure if I really want to know.
Paige obviously doesn’t have the same hesitation. She is literally on the edge of her massage chair.
“Almost everything.” Sade huffs. “Sebastian walked in on them one thrust away from having sex. ”
A wave of sympathy crashes into me, followed by a surge of anger. How could Thorne be so callous and selfish? And how could I even consider aligning myself with him? My resolve to protect my bookstore wavers, overshadowed by a growing impulse to shield Sebastian from further pain.
“No shit. Daaamn,” Paige gasps. “And Sebastian is the master distiller. The top man. I bet he makes his slimy brother pay every day. I would.”
I knew there was tension between them, but this goes beyond mere sibling conflict.
The mere thought of the folder I’m supposed to steal burns like a guilty flame.
Thorne claims it contains information that could damage Sebastian’s position, but help their family’s company.
What if it’s all a lie? What if this is just another way to twist the knife?
The tightening in my throat intensifies, making it difficult to breathe. But if I don’t help Thorne, I lose everything. My store, the reading programs, and probably my father’s house.
Maybe .
The revelation about Thorne and Tiffany burns in my chest. “How could he? His own brother.” Disgust coats my words, though I know I’m being a hypocrite. “He’s going to be at the gala tonight. How am I supposed to make it through the evening without throwing my drink at him?”
But even as I judge Thorne, I know I have to find another way than stealing from Sebastian. The SBA meeting, the grants—they have to work.
“Aw, look at you, getting all protective over your man,” Paige says.
“He’s not my man.” However, the more time I spend with him, the more I wish for the opposite.
Sade’s brows rise. “He’s not?”
Oops . “I meant we’ve just started dating. We aren’t official or anything.” I shift in my seat. “I have to admit, it’s nice to learn the rich are as messed up as the rest of us mortals.”
“Yup.” Sade sprays my hair with a product that smells of lavender. “The only difference is they have the money to hide their mistakes. ”
Paige pats my hand. “And honey, you aren’t going to fit in with the group. You’re going to outshine them all.” She looks behind me at Sade. “You should see her dress.”
My heart skips and trips, falling to my belly. “I should have gotten the black one.” I planned to play it safe. Get a sophisticated gown, maybe even subdued. Instead, I went with a crimson number with a plunging neckline.
“I am so glad you didn’t. It was lovely, but this one…” Paige fans herself.
“And combined with your hair and makeup.” Sade stands back, then makes the chef’s kiss gesture, handing me a mirror.
I reach out and touch the cool, smooth surface of the mirror.
The woman in the reflection is a vision.
I lean closer, marveling at the way my brown eyes pop thanks to the expertly applied makeup.
My skin glows, and the contours of my face are highlighted to perfection.
And my hair is an intricate updo that makes me feel like royalty; each curl, twist, and braid is a work of art.
I turn to Sade, my pulse fluttering. “You’ve transformed me. I barely recognize myself.”
Sade grins. “Oh, honey, I just enhanced what was already there. Mr. Blackstone won’t be able to take his eyes off you tonight.”
Butterflies dance in my stomach, imagining his intense gaze sweeping over me, his hands itching to touch me. My phone chimes with a text, and my heart flips. Sebastian’s name flashes on the screen.
Counting down the minutes until I can see you. Save me a dance?
His words ignite a full-body flutter of excitement. I can almost picture the charming grin as he types out the message.
My fingers hover over the screen. Am I ready to dive into flirtation? To let myself be swept away by the handsome and enigmatic Sebastian Blackstone?
After a moment’s hesitation, I type, surprising myself with my boldness.
Prepare to be dazzled. I may even save you more than one dance if you play your cards right .
I hit send and a thrill rushes through my veins. This is a side I rarely let out to play—the confident, flirtatious woman who knows her worth. It is exhilarating and terrifying.
Yet beneath the excitement, a nagging voice reminds me of my deal with Thorne. I shouldn’t develop feelings for Sebastian, knowing that I might ultimately have to betray him.
I push that thought away, determined to enjoy this moment of lighthearted connection. Tonight, I will allow myself to be dazzled by the magic of the gala and the charm of Sebastian Blackstone. Tomorrow, I’ll worry about the consequences.
After I return my cell to my purse, Sade wishes me a fabulous night. I attempt to tip her, but she informs me that Sebastian included it in the final bill. His thoughtfulness continually surprises me.
“Are you ready to put on your dress? Ready to spend the evening with Mr. Blackstone Bourbon?” Paige asks. “I can’t wait to see it all together.”
I nod, stepping behind the privacy screen. Slipping into the gown, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m stepping into a role I’m not prepared to play.
Zipping up the dress, I take one final look.
I’m walking into a minefield. And I don’t mean just tonight, but with this whole Sebastian thing. Everything could explode in my face. I can only hope that when the dust settles, I’ll still recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror.