I turn away from the mirror and transfer the important things from my book bag to the matching clutch of the dress and sigh. I guess I am doing this, so I swing the matching cape around my shoulders and order a car.
I join the stream of formally dressed guests climbing the wide stairs nervously and paste on a brittle smile as I give my name to be checked off the guest list and I’m almost a little surprised that Tate or Jude did add me as a plus one. I check my cape with the attendant and then force myself to lift my chin and straighten my shoulders as I walk through the open double doors to the event dining room and pause to scan the crowd. My eyes widen when they land on someone I wasn’t expecting to see and I quickly walk across the mostly empty marble dance floor to go to him.
“Unc…um…Mark? What are you doing here?”
He turns to me and almost freezes for a beat but then the usual warmth floods into his eyes.
“I could ask the same thing of you, Princess. I figured you’d be tucked in tight with a good book on a cold night like this. Why aren’t you at home? You told me you didn’t want to be associated with the Sevan name so I handle these events for us.” He gives me a tight smile and scans me from head to toe. “You look incredibly lovely, though. This is quite a change in style for you. I love it. What brings you here tonight?”
I press my lips together and smooth my skirt. “I, I’m just doing a favor for a…friend. Are we donating to the team?”
He laughs lightly and brushes a hand down my arm. “It would be strange if we didn’t, sweetheart. Our name is on two of the bigger sports buildings on campus. Your father was a huge supporter of the athletics departments at his alma mater. He would have been so proud to know you chose to attend here and continue your family legacy.”
I offer him a small smile and nod, nervous now that maybe I shouldn’t be seen talking to him for too long in case someone figures out who I am in conjunction with one of the school’s biggest donors. As if he can read my mind, Mark gently squeezes my elbow.
“Go on then, sweetheart. Go find your friend. I’ll call you soon about plans for the holidays.”
Gratitude and love wash through me at how my godfather is always there for me so I lean in and place a small kiss on his cheek and whisper, “Thank you, Uncle Mark. Love you.”
His eyes go sad at my words and I think he must be missing my dad, who was his best friend, but he nods and lets go of my arm.
“Have a good night, Princess. Enjoy yourself.”
I turn away and accept a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and when I look up from my sip of the golden brew, almost choke on it. All four of them are standing across the floor staring back at me and they’re too beautiful for words in their tailored suits. I tip back my glass and drain the rest of the fizzy beverage. I think I might need many more to make it through this night.
TATE
And just like that, Savy takes my breath away. Who knew she was hiding a goddess under her baggy clothes and big glasses? The woman walking towards me is absolutely stunning and the cold look in her eyes tells me I need to level up hard if I want to win her, to deserve her. I also want to know who the man she just kissed is. Who is he to her that she would be so forward with him? I cringe at realizing that I know next to nothing about the woman I’m trying to convince to be mine and vow to change that. She comes to a stop in front of us and looks at each one of us with a flat, bland look before landing on me.
“Well, I’m here. Now what?”
“Baby…” I trail off when she narrows her eyes at the endearment and try again. “Savy, you look incredible. You’re the most beautiful woman here.” Her brow furrows slightly at the compliment and she looks away. I realize she doesn’t believe me so I reach for her hand. “Will you dance with me?”
Her eyes slide to the others, pausing a little bit longer on Jude, and then she gives me the slightest nod so I escort her to the dance floor and take her in my arms. I hate how stiff she is and how she keeps her eyes fixed over my shoulder but it gives me the chance to study her. Her eyes are the color of a perfect summer sky and contrast beautifully with all that dark silky hair that ripples down her back. I want my hands in that hair, my face buried in it again. I let the hand holding her waist trail up her back and see her swallow hard but she shows no other reaction. It’s driving me crazy that she’s not giving this a chance so, of course, I say something incredibly stupid.
“Relax, Savy. Stop being so stiff, people are watching. You’re kind of phoning it in right now.”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know it was the worst thing I could say.
Her eyes snap to mine and if anything, she goes even stiffer in my arms.
“I’m NOT phoning it in, Tate. I’m refusing to accept the call at all.” She shakes her head at me with angry eyes. “Pretty lies wrapped in silk so you get your show just like I said. Well, do me a favor Tate Valor, when you leave tonight, be sure to look both ways before you go fuck yourself. Because I sure as hell won’t be.”
She pulls out of my arms as I curse my stupid mouth, stupid brain, and overinflated ego. Savy heads straight for the doors but Jude heads her off and I’m at a loss on how to fix this…again. I go back to Asher and Beckett who can’t seem to take their eyes off the girl I might have just lost permanently.
JUDE
Right now, she’s thinking it was a mistake coming here. Fucking Valor. She almost makes it to the doors when I step in her way with a cringe filled expression trying to show her I get it. I can see she’s over all of us when she hits me with an icy glare. I throw my hands up like I’m trying to ward off the icicle missiles she’s blasting my way.
“Whoa! Baby doll, I come in peace!” A grin starts to form on my face as I lean closer to her and slip an arm around her waist. “Want to blow this off and go play a game? You can be peace.”
It takes her a few beats to get it but then her eyes squeeze closed and her mouth fights the smile she’s trying to fight off and then loses. There’s my girl.
“I don’t know what he said wrong so fast but fuck him. Be here with me, baby doll. You’re the brightest, shiniest gem in a sea of rocks and I need to be under your light for at least a few hours before you run away from me.”
I can’t keep my hand from wrapping around the back of her neck and sweeping the delicate skin with my thumb. She’s so fucking beautiful. I feel her pulse speed up under my fingers and a small tremor rolls through her.
“Savy, seeing you like this tonight, I have to ask. Why do you hide this from the world? What are you hiding from, angel?”
