Me: Never.
Eduard: Lmk when you’re free. I want to see what you can do with your tongue.
Why did I think this was fun? I was officially ashamed of myself. I dropped my phone, hand dragging down my face. I needed to widen my circle and talk to more men.
Me: I’ll let you know.
Eduard: Sounds good.
A horn honked from outside and I groaned. I got a text from Paul telling me to get my sweet ass outside. I threw on an oversized shirt and an unbuttoned black and white plaid shirt. Then touched up my makeup and ran downstairs. I flipped off one of my sisters judging me as I flew past.
“Bitch!” Paul yelled as I climbed into his truck. I buckled as quickly as possible before he peeled out of the driveway.
“I’d like to make it to the party,Polo,” I muttered as I clutched the door handle.
“I’m going to ignore that. We need to talk about what you’re wearing. Did you even look in the mirror?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said as I looked down at my outfit.
“Pajamas, as in Victoria’s Secret. Think silk, robes, lingerie,” he said as he motioned to my shirt. “Not silk.”
“You’re not wearing silk,” I said, dread filling me as I stared at his jeans and shirt.
“I’m a man,” he deadpanned.
“I forget sometimes,” I teased. He stuck his tongue out at me and I giggled. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me!” He burst into laughter, his voice booming in the enclosed space.
“You look like you’re going to a third grade sleepover.” Tears were spilling out of his eyes as he struggled to keep an eye on the road. I slapped his arm before crossing mine in front of my chest.
Ugh.
“This is why I don’t go anywhere,” I whined.
“You look fine. Just doesn’t match the theme.”
“I’m aware,” I groaned, slumping in my seat.
“Don’t worry. Alyssa isn’t dressed up either,” he added.
“I didn’t,” a voice piped up from the back seat.
I screamed, jumping out of my skin as I twisted around. Alyssa, Paul’s cousin, was curled up in the shadows of the back bench wearing oversized jeans, a baggy sweatshirt, and a beanie pulled low over her eyes.
“Holy shit! You scared the life out of me,” I gasped, clutching my chest. She offered a tiny, distracted wave before looking back down at her phone.
“Her brother is hosting,” Paul explained, shrugging as he entered a pin. The massive gates swung open, allowing us into the gated community. “Highly doubt he wants to see his little sister dressed in silk and lace.”
“I’m too old for this shit,” I groaned. “This is what I get for trying to have a life.”
“Relax. The Alphas will still be lining up to tap that,” Paul teased, scanning the line of luxury cars for a parking spot.
“That isnotwhat I want tonight,” I said.
“Oh? Tonight, huh? Specific,” he countered with a knowing smirk.
“I just want to drink and have fun, Paul. No strings, no drama, and definitely no Alphas with hero complexes.” I tried tosound confident, but my heart was already thumping a frantic rhythm against my ribs.
“Period. That’s the plan,” he said as he parked.
