“Can it, Logan,” Neil scolded him sternly before turning back to give my body a quick once-over. He was rubbing it in my face how wrong I had been to test him.
“We’ll take my car. I’ll meet you at the car in half an hour.” He pulled out his pack of Winstons and walked out the French doors to the garden.
I was stunned by what had just happened. I blew out a shaky breath and stared out the large glass window where his imposing frame had just disappeared.
“He won’t do it,” Logan said softly, breaking the silence.
“What?” I turned to look at him, and he moved toward me.
“He didn’t really mean it. You provoked him, and he reacted. That was what you wanted, right?” He smiled at me, and I refused to meet his eyes. I bit my lip, considering. Neil had clearly been upset at the idea that I would actually go out with the intent of…
“He insulted her.” Alyssa folded her arms over her chest and looked at her boyfriend, annoyed. “You do realize that, right? Your brother is a total asshole. I’ve seen for myself how he’s constantly coming out of the pool house with Jennifer. So why can’t Selene be free to have fun however she likes or with whoever she likes?” she continued, coming to my defense.
“Because…” Logan tried to explain but just ended up sighing impatiently and giving up. “Eh, I don’t know! Neil is twisted; he’s just…Neil. That’s just the way he is,” he muttered in exasperation.
“No, your brother is a sexist jerk. He’s arrogant, domineering, and gross. He—” Alyssa retorted, really laying into him, and although there was a part of me that agreed with her, the other part—the irrational part—resented her for running him down.
“Let’s just go get ready.” I cut her off, walking toward the marble staircase without another word. I didn’t understand myself. I should have been mad at him, but, instead, I was frightened of him and drawn to him at the same time. And although I fought those unhealthy emotions with all my might, I couldn’t win.
He was becoming an addiction, something that had already thrown me into an abyss of chaos. Neil’s eyes were my obsession, and I smelled his scent whenever I breathed in.
You want to play with me? Then I’m going to play too.
Moments later, Alyssa and I were posted up in my bedroom, focused on making ourselves presentable. Forty minutes later, and I was still huffing as I tossed aside yet another dress.
“Try this one.” Alyssa showed off another option.
She’d already chosen the perfect dress for her: a lacy blue sheath that fit her like a dream, highlighting her sinuous shape without being too short. The back, however, made up for it. It plunged almost to the base of her spine, which made her look irresistibly seductive.
“Pink?” My face twisted into a skeptical expression. Pink looked fine on me, but it also made me look angelic, and I was feeling anything but. I rejected her suggestion and plopped down on the bed, surrendering myself to the idea that I simply didn’t have anything adequate to wear. I’d have to settle for a sweater and a pair of jeans.
This was exactly why I hated parties. You always needed to dress to impress, show off, and go over the top…
“Hmm…” Alyssa strode on her stilettos to the walk-in closet that Matt had set up for me, though Mia had mostly likely done the actual clothing selection. I’d never worn most of the clothes. Honestly, I’d never even imagined I would need them.
“What about this one?” She came back to me with a little black dress on a hanger.
It was…stunning.
I got off the bed and ran my fingers over it, admiring the soft fabric. It consisted of a bodice with a sweetheart neckline, two thin straps, and an embroidered band just below the bust, which was covered in small, bright stones. The skirt draped softly over the hips, and there was a little bow on the back.
“I like it,” I said, not looking at her.
“Try it on,” she prompted me before turning to look for a matching pair of shoes.
I took off my clothes quickly and slipped the dress on over my head. I didn’t know what brand it was, but I was pretty sure I’d never worn anything so expensive and eye-catching in my life. If I somehow ruined it, I knew I’d never be able to pay Matt back.
I paused in front of the mirror to consider my reflection, tilting my head to one side. The skirt was short, and the neckline was low, dipping down to the base of my sternum. My firm breasts were clearly visible, my push-up bra only making them more eye-catching.
“Oh my God, Alyssa! No way. I need something less…” I didn’t get to finish that sentence because she approached me then with a wicked smile and a pair of sky-high heels in her hands. I felt naked, uncomfortable, and…
“Try these on with it.” She arranged them beside my bare feet, and I shook my head.
No, I could never go out dressed like this.
“Get a move on, Selene.” She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for me to do as she’d ordered. Delicately, I climbed into the pair of stilts she’d given me, trying not to lose my balance.
“Oh my God! You’re a bombshell!” Alyssa positioned herself behind me, and I looked myself up and down in the mirror. I was a few inches taller than her now. My extra-long hair fell over my shoulders in soft waves while my wayward bangs covered my scar. My makeup brightened me up without being too heavy. I’d put some basic pink lipstick on my lips and used mascara to darken my thick lashes, making my eyes look bluer and more compelling.
