Chapter 10
Ari
I swear I’ve been walking around in a lust-induced haze for the last two days, my channel squeezing around nothing as I’m reminded of the pleasure both Harrison and Hunter evoked from me.
The encounters, if that’s what you’d call them, have me all kinds of conflicted and confused. Like I somehow cheated on someone I’ve never even met, and yet something felt familiar with both Harrison and Hunter. And it has nothing to do with them being my stepbrothers.
Abi’s been doing my makeup for the last hour, and she’s asked multiple times if anything is wrong.
I keep telling her I’m fine, and yet it’s on the tip of my tongue to confess what happened with Harrison and Hunter.
But the words don’t come. Once I admit it out loud, there’s no way of denying it any longer.
I try not to fidget, but it’s impossible when I keep getting pulled back to the memories of how they pleasured me. Who knew they could both be so, so generous when it comes to giving? And that thought has me even more suspicious of them.
With an internal sigh, I try to focus on the fact I’ll finally be meeting my mystery man and attending a prestigious masquerade ball in Mayfair, instead of thinking about the devil’s spawn.
Abi and I came up with a plan months ago to make sure I can attend, although I can’t stay out all night. No, can’t have anyone else waiting on my stepfather when it comes to his breakfast.
It’s pathetic, really, and yet the main reason I put up with any of it is for my mum. I wonder if she’s doing the same for me. Does she feel as trapped by him as I do? We rarely get a chance to talk, not like we used to. He’s never far away, and that hurts. We used to be so close.
My heart pangs, but I push it away when Abi smiles brightly.
“There. All done,” she says and takes a step back.
I take a deep breath and turn to look in the mirror. I gasp at my reflection. Abi is like my very own fairy godmother.
“Wow!” I stand up and step closer to the mirror as I stare back at my reflection. “You really are going to be the best makeup artist.”
She’s worked literal magic. I know it’s me, but it’s almost like it’s not.
“You look amazing, Ari. You always do. This just enhances your natural beauty.”
I can’t help but blush from her compliment. She’s one of the few people who gives them out to me so freely, and it’s always genuine.
“Thank you. I can’t believe that is me,” I admit as I study my face once more.
“Believe it. You’re stunning, my lovely, not just on the outside but the inside too.”
I reach out and pull her into a hug.
“As are you,” I reply sincerely, squeezing her tight.
She pulls back and tucks her hair behind her ear. She blushes and goes into her walk-in wardrobe. Her face is still free of makeup, and even when she gets ready, I know her port-wine birthmark will be on show, as it should be.
I love the fact that she stopped trying to hide it a long time ago. Even though her birthmark was the reason she learned to apply makeup in the first place, back then, it was to cover up and hide that part of herself from the bullies.
She’s been called all kinds of nasty and vicious things, which only spurred her on to break the stigma. But it’s also hardened her in some ways, too. She rarely lets anyone get too close.
She sees her housekeeper more than she sees her parents, and that’s just tragic.
I’m pulled from my thoughts when Abi comes out carrying a dress bag, one bigger than her.
“So I don’t want you to be mad, but I may have gotten you a gift.”
I frown at her. “Abigail, what did you do?”
She lays the bag on the bed, her fingers on the zip as she looks back at me.
“So, I saw you eyeing up this dress when you purchased your mask, and I couldn’t let you go tonight without feeling like the Queen you are.”
Carefully, Abi unzips the bag, revealing the most stunning baby pink masquerade ball gown.
I cover my mouth with my hand, equal parts shocked and overwhelmed by her generosity.
“But that’s not all.” She practically skips to her walk-in wardrobe, which also has a door at the back that leads to her very own library.
She returns with a shoebox in her hands.
“Wouldn’t be complete without a killer pair of heels.”
Lifting the lid, I find the most gorgeous pair of shoes I have ever seen. They must have cost a small fortune.
“Oh. My. Goodness.”
I reach out and take one from the box.
They are simply ethereal, a butterfly high heel adorned in champagne glitter across the wing and heel. A shoe sent straight from heaven… or in my case, from my best friend Abi.
“Try them on, Ari,” she says, taking out the other one.
“I don’t even know what to say,” I admit. I know I should probably be mad that she’s likely spent a small fortune on me, but I can’t find it in me. I’m too overwhelmed with gratitude.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, my hands shake as I slide them onto my feet and buckle the delicate strap at the ankle.
I push to my feet. They’re a perfect fit. I walk over to her floor-length mirror, turning to the side and moving my foot as I take in how beautiful they are.
“Thank you,” I say, springing towards her and pulling her in for a hug.
“You don’t have to thank me. Just promise me you’ll enjoy every second of it.”
She begins to pull the dress out of the bag.
“Shall we make sure it fits?”
I nod as I take in every detail. “It’s even better than I remember. I feel like this is something out of a fairytale and you’re my fairy godmother.”
Abi just laughs and shakes her head. “Happy to be considered family, but maybe less of a mother, if you please. Makes me sound old.”
I chuckle. “Sister, it is then.” Because that’s what she is to me. She’s more than a friend, she’s family.
“It’s as if you want me to cry,” she says, sniffing back tears.
“Would I?” I ask, my palm covering my heart.
There’s a noise outside her bedroom door before it opens, and in saunters her housekeeper’s son, Sebastian. It’s hard not to stare, he has a powerful presence.
“Ever heard of fucking knocking?” she asks with clear disdain in her tone.
He arches a brow. “Sorry, your highness. I didn’t think you were home.”
She passes me the dress, then puts her hand on her hip, and raises an eyebrow.
“Oh, really? Sounds like a lie to me. So do pray tell why you’re even in my room in the first place?” she asks, tapping her foot.
Unlike most people, he’s not the least bit intimidated as he steps into her space and stares her down.
I swear I catch a flicker of longing before it’s replaced with indifference.
“My mum said you might want this. I was going to leave it on your dressing table,” he replies, reaching for her hand.
She attempts to pull away from him, but he’s already pressing something into her palm.
Her lips part, no doubt ready to rip him a new one, but instead a small gasp escapes her as she closes her fingers over whatever he just gave her.
Without a word, he reluctantly lets go of her and leaves her speechless, walking away and closing the door behind him.
Her eyes rise to mine, a tear escaping.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
She opens up her palm, and sitting there is a gold rose brooch.
“I thought I lost it,” she says, unable to hold back her emotions.
It was a gift from her nan; she was always her one constant, making up for all the times her parents were gone.
“Oh, Abi.” I place the dress on the bed and quickly pull her in for a hug.
Her arms wrap around me, her body shaking as she cries.
I wait until she pulls away and study her face. “Are you okay?” I ask.
She swallows and reaches for a tissue from the box on her vanity and wipes her face.
“Yeah, just shocked. I searched everywhere for it.”
She glances at the door, chewing on her lip.
“It’s okay to be vulnerable, you know.”
“I know,” she replies, delicately placing the brooch in her trinket dish before turning to face me. “But right now, we both need to finish getting ready. You have a mystery man to meet, after all.”
And just like that, my stomach churns all over again with nervous anticipation, because as much as I do want to meet him, I still can’t stop thinking about Harrison and Hunter.