Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
The second we step out of the limo, my father is standing there. It’s not surprising, and I’m prepared for it. But still, I was hoping he wouldn’t be right there, especially not after that.
He’s one of the largest donors to this charity event, along with Ronan’s father, and always stands outside to greet the other sponsors. It shows that he cares about them and the cause, when, in fact, he only gives a shit about how many millions they’re donating and how likely that is to reflect their bank accounts.
To keep up appearances, my father smiles in front of the photographers and extends his hand for Ronan to shake. And what does my devastatingly handsome fiancé do? He shakes his hand with the one he just finger fucked me with.
His wicked grin is telling, although my father doesn’t catch on.
Holy fuck. The balls on this man. I can’t even look at my father, so I simply follow Ronan’s lead. All the while, the photos snap, and I can’t help but stare at him as he smiles for them and wraps his arm around me like he doesn’t have a care in the world. And like he’s proud of me.
After we’re inside, I simply shake my head at him in astonishment, and he smirks wide, knowing precisely what I’m insinuating before he winks at me. He excuses himself to make a call he assures me will be quick and to use the restroom. No doubt to wash his hands.
I’m left alone in an otherwise quiet hall with a simple side table and intricate mirror hanging above it.
As I wait for him at the side of the restroom, a familiar group of friends slash frenemies sees me. I’m quick to smile and wave as if there isn’t a thing wrong. As if I don’t know they’ve been talking about me behind my back.
Fake hugs go all around, and I half wonder if any are genuine.
Our entire group from way back when surrounds me—Christoff, Jasper, Asher, Ivye, and Chloe. And as always, Christoff has more than just a black card burning a hole in his pocket. There’s cocaine there too. I’m taken back to a few years ago as he easily and covertly brings a quick bump up to his nose and passes it onto Ivye, who then offers it to me.
I shake my head. “I’m good.” I’ve done my fair share of extracurriculars in the past, but there’s no way in hell I’m doing anything tonight with them. Cocaine—and more aptly, Christoff—has gotten me into more trouble than it’s worth.
“Oh,” Jasper mocks, although he doesn’t take a hit either. “Has the big bad B become a good girl now that she’s engaged to an almost tenured professor?”
“Hardly. My father is here.”
“That’s never stopped you before,” Ivye chimes in. “If anything, it’s always provoked you to do more.” She dusts under her nose, then glances in the mirror. They’re the only two who partake, and they don’t push any further. Christoff does note that it’s our loss, though, and Asher laughs, focusing his attention back on his phone.
Everyone is dressed to the nines. All the guys are wearing tuxes while the girls are dressed in ball gowns. The whole event is filled with people dressed like they’re ready to spend a shit ton of money.
“Just don’t feel like it tonight. Thanks, though,” I tell them and end the discussion. I glance over my shoulder to see if Ronan is coming, but he’s nowhere to be seen.
“Congrats, by the way,” Ivy says. “You two look good together.”
I thank her, but I’m talked over.
“Took me by surprise. Didn’t know you were into older men,” Jasper jokes, and I offer him a laugh.
It’s odd between us. But we've drifted apart for the last couple of years, so I’m not surprised. But I also notice them watching me, like they’re trying to figure out what I’m up to, and I hope they can’t see. I hate this. I hate all of it, but I play along with the small talk and listen to the gossip. A server passes by, and Jasper grabs a round of drinks for all of us.
I gratefully accept the glass as if it’s a peace offering.
“Where’s Aspen?” Ivy asks me, and oh, how I wish she was here.
“Is she coming tonight?” Christoff questions.
I shake my head. “She had a previous engagement.”
“Engaged like you?” Ivy quirks, and again, I laugh. The back area begins to fill, and once again, I search for Ronan, but instead, I find someone else. Someone I’m shocked to see.
Chloe follows my gaze, and her hand lands on my elbow. “Did you know she’d be here?” she asks with obvious concern. Suddenly, we don’t feel as if we drifted as much as I thought we had.
“No,” I answer in a single breath.