Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 141251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
“No,” I laugh. “What the hell? Look at us at a fancy art auction.”
Thomas returns with our drinks and we take a look around as we sip them.
We went to a restaurant and had dinner with the boys first, as well as way too many cocktails. Star’s art auction starts at 10:30 p.m. so we arrived just in time. In fact, we have half an hour to spare.
I’m wearing my tight black dress that hangs just below my knees. The spaghetti straps expose my shoulders, and a long string of gold beads adds a little flare, matching my gold heels and clutch bag. My hair is down and I’m wearing red lipstick. I put in a little extra effort tonight because I needed a boost. My mind is weighed down with thoughts of Julian at home, as well as what Emerson said about him when we were getting ready earlier.
She’s right about everything; I’ve made a mistake. It’s annoying that I can’t stop thinking about him and how he dismissed me with such coldness.
I feel like shit, to be honest.
Thomas says something, but I can’t hear him over the crowd. “I beg your pardon?” I can’t hear you,” I tell him.
He leans in and puts his arm around me at my waist, pulling me closer so I can hear him.
“I said… do you want to go and grab a coffee sometime next week.”
Oh.
“Like, on a date?” I ask, surprised.
He chuckles and pulls me closer to kiss my cheek. “Of course, on a date. What do you think?” I look up across the room, my eyes landing straight on the cold, hard glare of Julian Masters.
I immediately stiffen.
What the fuck?
He's standing with a group of six men, all around his age, good-looking, and each one wearing an expensive suit.
I smile awkwardly and drop my head. It’s then that I notice that Thomas still has his arm around me.
Holy fucking shit.
I look back up and Julian is glaring, openly furious.
This night just took a gigantic nosedive.
What the hell is he doing here?
Chapter Seventeen
Julian
My rage rings in my ears.
She’s here with someone…
On a date?
His hand is in the small of her back, and when he says something she smiles up at him. Bree's wearing a little black dress that hugs her every curve.
She looks edible.
I snap my eyes away angrily. No wonder she was so fucking keen to get out of the house.
My blood begins to boil.
“What’s wrong with you, Masters?” Seb frowns. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”
Adrenaline starts to pump through me and an unfamiliar burn of jealousy starts to take over. “Nothing.” I glare at Brielle across the room, and then I turn my back to her.
“I’m going to bid on the Panton,” Seb says as he flicks through the program. “I’ve got another two of his in the beach house.”
"How much are you going to pay?" Spencer asks as he reads through the listings.
“I’ll check what I paid for the last ones first.” He pulls out his phone and begins to trawl through his emails.
I clench my jaw to stop myself from turning back to look at her. “Brielle’s here,” I tell them quietly.
“Who?” Seb frowns.
“My nanny.”
“Jesus.” He smiles. “Where?”
“Across the room. The one in the black dress. Long, dark hair.” Seb searches the room and then releases a low whistle. “Fuck me, she’s gorgeous.”
“Who’s gorgeous?” Spencer asks, finally joining in the conversation.
“Master’s nanny is here.” “Where?”
“Black dress, long hair. The brunette, remember her from golf?”
He looks across the room, too. “Holy fuck, yeah she’s hot.”
“What’s she doing?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“She’s talking to a guy, but she keeps looking over,” Seb whispers.
I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath as I try to calm my beating heart. It doesn’t matter that she’s here with another guy. I don’t give a damn, as long as she gives me what I want.
I drain my glass of scotch, and my heart pounds furiously.
Spencer grins smugly. “Look at you, Masters. Are you fucking jealous?”
“Don’t be stupid,” I snap.
“You are. You’re sweating.” He laughs and elbows Seb. “Masters has done his nuts.”
“I have not,” I bark.
“Julian, can I speak to you for a moment, please?” Bree asks, grabbing my elbow from behind.
I turn to her and lose control. “You’re on a fucking date?” I growl.
Bree’s eyes widen, and they flicker to my two friends, filling with embarrassment.
Spencer smirks and sticks his hand out to shake hers. “I’m Spencer.” “I’m Sebastian,” Seb tells her. They stand smiling as they watch me, clearly enjoying the show.
“I-I’m Brielle.” She smiles meekly.
“We know exactly who you are,” Seb says arrogantly.
Bree frowns at him and turns her attention back to me. “Can I speak to you outside? Now… please?”
"You're on a date. I can't fucking believe you," I grind out.
She purses her lips. “You’re not getting needy, are you, Julian?” She puts her hand on her hip. “There is nothing more unattractive than a needy man.”