Maybe I should really murder Hailey.
Because standing in front of me is Mr. Kit Parker.
My lover.
4
KEATS
The jazz music sets the mood. As much as I hate the idea of a party that entails dressing in character, I have to give Hailey credit. There is a long center table with high candlesticks and even gold glitter surrounding the place settings, complete with name cards.
“Nice touch with the tucked handkerchief,” Oliver mentions as we stand in the corner with drinks in hand, watching guests arrive.
I smirk mid sip, and I must admit that I put in effort. The tux tonight will help fit the part, I guess. “Well, I am Mr. Kit Parker, the party’s favorite gangster.”
Oliver chuckles. “I heard there’s been a murder, and it’s a good thing that the detective is here.” He tips his hat to me since that’s his character.
I hit him with a wry smile. “Does that involve investigating the host?”
He likes that comment. “So be it if Hailey needs a thorough search that might involve no clo—” Oliver stops mid-sentence when he looks over my shoulder and an overdone smile appears. “Liam, my man.” Ah, Oliver needs to coverthe fact that he has dishonorable intentions for his friend’s little sister.
“Hey, guys.” Liam arrives and clinks our glasses with his. He’s part of our friendship group, working in marketing for the team, but he spends most of his free time with his girlfriend, Ava. “My sister really took this a step too far, but you’ve got to love it.” He grins. “She knows how much Ava loves this stuff. It will be perfect for later.”
“Nervous for the big question?” Oliver asks.
Liam beams a smile. “I’m totally ready. The ring’s already in my pocket.”
I’m happy for him, and he’s calm too which is a positive. “Who are you tonight?” I ask.
“Mr. Feathers, a businessman with mafia ties, and Ava is Mrs. Feathers.”
We only take brief notice to the new group of people arriving. “What’s your character?” he wonders.
Oliver sputters a laugh. “No need to inquire about Mr. Kit Parker; apparently the talk of the town is about his mistress.” He clicks his fingers. “Who is playing that role again?” What an ass, which is why I roll my eyes. “Ah yes, none other than Esme. Your favorite human on earth.”
The guys let out a deep hearty chuckle. “You know we were all hoping for that. Makes it all the more fun,” Liam adds.
“Wonderful. Inflicting misery on me.” I’m not enthused, but that’s a lie I keep telling myself. And it’s only confirmed when I do a double take at the woman entering the dining room.
A short, black sequined flapper dress, long string of pearls, and a feather on her head. Ah, fuck it, the neckline is plunging. I nearly fall back because Esme is both tantalizingand naturally beautiful. Her red lips deserve to be touched with admiration then destroyed by my dick, too.
But it’s all the more reason I only let my body tighten for a second before I adjust my shoulders and grimace. Abandoning the guys, I vaguely hear them mumbling. Instead, I catch Esme’s eyes in my approach to her, and I can’t help but notice that she’s eyeing me up and down, with her lashes fluttering in what I would assume is approval.
“Is this what my mistress looks like?” I greet her.
She puffs out a breath and grabs a champagne glass from a passing tray. “Yes. Forgive me if I didn’t consult you on my costume choice. Avoiding you the past two weeks felt like the better option.” Esme arrived with sass tonight.
“You know, we’re in luck. According to the assigned seating, we are sitting at opposite sides of the table.”
Her hand finds her heart. “Oh golly, what will I do?”
Stepping closer to her, she doesn’t seem to mind. “Behave. I could be the murderer and keen on adding you to my list of victims.”
Her brows rise at me. “Don’t worry, you murder my soul every time we speak.” She seems proud of her little quip.
My tongue darts to the corner of my mouth, and my eyes drift down. I can’t help sneaking a small glimpse of her cleavage. But never mind. “Listen, doll, we both know that Liam is popping the question tonight, so shall we be on our best behavior?”
Esme studies me for a second before she juts her chin out. “Fine.”
