I might get an opportunity to do some snooping, so I readily agree. “No problem.”
“That’s my girl. And don’t forget about the charity event on Saturday.”
“Aw, Dad. Do I really have to go?” I swear it feels like there’s one every month, and they are always the same bore-fests. What really annoys me though is most of the money raised—that’s supposedly for charity—ends up paying for the lavish events and covering fat bonuses paid to so-called directors. It makes me sick to my stomach.
“This is an important one, and the people spearheading the event value family highly. I want to present a united front.”
I sigh. “Fine.”
“You know appearances matter, princess.”
So he keeps telling me, but the longer I’m around the people in our social circle, the less I support that mantra.
Chapter Three
Emery
“Remind me again why I agreed to this?” I mutter as Uma forges a path through the crowded hallway of Everett’s plush Manhattan pad.
She grabs my hand, pulling me forward. “I’m here for the free booze, and you’re going to find some hottie to make out with so you can forget that asshole ex of yours.”
“Ladies, you made it.” Everett lands in front of us, and Uma almost crashes into him. Sliding his arm around her shoulders, he grins at her, and his eyes look a little unfocused. “You look hot,” he adds, his hungry gaze trailing the length of her body. “Understated looks good on you.”
Uma scowls, jabbing her elbow in his solar plexus, and he stumbles back, dropping his arm. “I didn’t give you permission to touch me.”
Everett straightens up, chuckling. “Fiery. I like it. Wanna fuck?” He licks his lips, piercing her with suggestive blue eyes.
Uma rolls her eyes, tucking her arm in mine. “I’m here for your booze, not your dick. Find some fawning fangirl to fuck you,” she scoffs.
We’ve noticed the guys have garnered their fair share of admirers this week. Girls are always dropping by their table at lunch, so I’m sure he’s not short on willing bed partners.
“I like a challenge, and you’re my new mission, baby.” He flashes her a cocky grin, and it’s clear no one usually says no to him.
“If you wanna waste your time, it’s no skin off my back. Just show me where the alcohol is.”
Ignoring her earlier words, he slings an arm around both of us, steering us through the busy living room. “Zayn’s looking for you.” Everett peers down at me.
“I can’t imagine why.”
He smirks. “He loves a challenge too.”
“Lord save us from idiots with hearing impediments,” Uma murmurs, shucking out of his arm and striding toward the island unit ahead where an array of different alcohol lies in wait.
“It seems your friend has found another challenge,” I coolly reply, spotting Zayn crowding a petite blonde in the corner of the kitchen. Uma is busy foraging for drinks, so she hasn’t noticed him. Zayn has the girl caged against the cupboards, and he’s leaning down, their faces so close they are almost kissing.
Everett inserts two fingers into his mouth, emitting a shrill whistle. Zayn lifts his head, looking over his shoulder at his friend. His brown eyes instantly lock on mine, and his lips twitch in clear amusement. Straightening up, he walks toward us with a cocky grin on his face and an arrogant swagger, leaving the blonde scowling and seething in the corner. “Decided to cash in that V-card after all, huh?” he says in a deep husky voice, leering at me.
“In your dreams.”
He puffs out his chest, and mischief glints in his eyes. “I think you mean in yours.”
His conceited grin irritates me, and I instinctively take a step back. “Fuck. You.”
Reaching forward, he reels me into his chest. “That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” Leaning down, he puts his face all up in mine as one hand lands on my hip. “You can protest all you like, but I see the way you look at me. Your thoughts are so loud they’re practically screaming.”
Moving his mouth to my ear, he grazes my cheek in the process. The light layer of stubble on his face abrades my skin as his warm breath ghosts over my ear. “You want me to part those pretty thighs and shove my cock inside.” The hand on my hip tightens as he pushes his body flush against mine. Need courses through my veins, and my heart slams against my rib cage. “You want me to dirty you up.”
Butterflies swoop into my chest at his sultry tone and his filthy words. No one has ever spoken to me like this before, and I’m equal parts insulted and turned on.
