Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 49088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
“What do we plan on doing here?”
I swallow a bite of strawberry and say, “Let’s just stick together. I hadn’t thought that far. Besides.” I wave my hand up and down between us. “We look good, so let’s just enjoy the free food and booze.”
“That I can agree with.” That’s the first time I’ve seen her smile since we arrived. We both have killer bodies that could rival most of the women in this room, although we don’t have the same level of sophistication. These women definitely make me feel less than adequate. Back home, men fell over themselves to talk to me, but now I’m surrounded by women who make themselves seen. I guess it’s good because then we won’t create any buzz and my brother won’t find out.
Kelly and I cling to each other for the majority of the next hour, although on several occasions, men come up and ask us to dance. I’ve passed up the offers, but I let her go with one hot guy, hoping she doesn’t spill the beans on who we are and the fact that we’re barely eighteen and most definitely don’t belong here.
I’m just in the middle of swallowing down another glass of wine when I catch the eye of a man I recognize, and there’s no mistaking he remembers me.
“Oh my goodness,” I say through clenched teeth as Robert Simmons approaches me with a smirk.
“Funny seeing you here, little thing.” He looks around the room. “Especially because I swear Tobias said he wasn’t coming tonight.”
“Hi, Rob. What brings you here?” I ask, hoping that he can forget all about my brother for a moment.
“My wife likes donating to these events and hanging with her friends.” I’ve heard they’re swingers, but it’s none of my business. There’s a mischievous grin in his eyes that worries me, and I wonder if he’s going to snitch on me.
“Please don’t tell my brother that I was here.”
“I won’t. Although, I’m surprised you got in here at all. Landon Black is extremely cautious that all twenty-one and older events are just that. As I remember, your brother stated clearly you’re fresh out of high school, little thing.”
I twist my lips, giving him a conspiratorial smirk. Leaning in, I whisper, “I might have faked some documents.”
He gives a slight chuckle that’s not loud enough to draw attention, but suddenly I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up as if I’m being watched. “You need more than fake documents. Maybe you intrigued one of the guys at the door because I assure you that Black owns the best security in the world, and there’s no way you conned your way in with fake docs.”
“Who do we have here? Toby’s sister?” Mia’s stunning in her all-deep-purple dress and diamond collar that screams of money.
“Yes, you remember Lara, right, Mia?” Rob says.
“Yes. How could I forget?” She gives me a warm hug that seems to last too long for my tastes. With an arched brow, she says, “If there was ever a woman I’d share you with, she’d be it. She’s sexy. Now, come. We need to talk to Stella and Nelson. It was good to see you.”
“See you later.”
“See ya.” I give them a shallow wave, and I want to leave now because I’m afraid that maybe I’ve bit off more than I can chew. If I thought he was flirting with me, it was nothing compared to his wife’s attempts. Those were as bold as brass.
Maybe I’m not cut out for this after all. I look around the room and feel eyes on me, but I don’t know where they’re coming from. I’m too short to see above the sea of people in tuxes and gorgeous gowns.
Needing another drink, I grab one from a passing waiter and down it faster than I have the rest. It’s silly, because this is like the second time I’ve drunk and I’m going to be super shitfaced soon. I need some food. A greasy burger or pizza would be great because those snacks did nothing to chill the buzz coming over me.
Kelly comes back to my side a minute later, giggling while waving the guy off.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room,” I say.
“I’m coming with you.” She grabs my hand, and we head into the crowded bathroom where two women are clearly doing a bump. I try to look in another direction, pretending to be unaware, but my roommate’s curious. I drag her away from them, and we both go into the stalls. I make it quick. I’ve had too much to drink, and my bladder isn’t liking me right now. As soon as we step out, I head over to the sink and check my appearance. Do I look as overwhelmed as I feel? I need to get my act together or just leave. As I contemplate that idea, I’m reminded that I’ve already been caught by one of my brother’s friends, so I might as well lighten up. If I leave now, what would be the point?