My skin prickles at the back of my neck and I go very still.
Adrian knows I'm going to the party. He knows Carter invited me. And he is challenging me to break the rules.
I know what his hands feel like. I know what his voice does at the back of his throat when he loses control. I know what it's like to be the only thing in the room that he's paying attention to.
And I know what it's like after. The withdrawal, the careful reconstruction of distance.
My phone beeps with the alarm I set to thirty minutes before the car arrives to pick me up and I get into motion.
I style my hair in a high sleek ponytail. It takes three tries but I get it just right. Tight at the crown, not a strand loose. Then foundation, a touch of shimmering gloss on the lips. And on to the eyes. I hold my breath while I apply the eyeliner carefully, pressing too hard on the first pass and dragging the line.
I go back to the bedroom.
The crimson set is still on the bed where I left it.
The dress doesn't allow a bra. But the panties? Maybe?
I pick them up. The fabric is seductively soft. He chose this specific color, for tonight, knowing where I'd be going and with whom.Let's break the rules…
I put them on before I can think about it too hard.
Shoes next. I sit on the bed and work the buckles, three small clasps on each ankle, and I'm on the second one when the intercom buzzes.
I limp my way to the intercom, with one shoe on and the other almost.
A voice, brief and neutral, "Miss Cross. I’m your driver for the evening."
"I'll be right down."
I finish the buckle. I stand. I go to the hall mirror over the console table and take a final look.
I put my hand flat against my stomach and hold it there for a second, feeling it rise and fall under my palm.
One breath.
I pick up my bag and go.
When I get outside I immediately spot the car. An Escalade idling at the curb. Matte black, enormous, windows tinted so dark the inside is completely invisible from the street. Auniformed driver stands beside the rear door with his hands clasped.
He steps forward when I reach the sidewalk. "Good evening, Miss Cross. Are you ready?"
As ready as I'll ever be."Yes," I say. "Thank you."
He moves to the rear door. I follow, and I'm thinking about the night ahead, about walking into Vanta and how Carter will react when he sees me.
The driver reaches for the handle, pulls the door open and a hand comes out of the dark interior of the car.
Male. Extended toward me. An offer.
I bend slightly and look past it, into the back seat.
Adrian.
All in black, no tie, collar open at the throat. Leaning back and looking at me with intensity.
His hand is still extended.
27
