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Chapter Eight
Abby
It was supposed to be one of those nights that a woman looked forward to—a date with a hotter than hell man who happened to be filthy rich. Most women would be ecstatic to be dressed up like a Barbie, waiting for such a man to collect her for a nice evening. Abby dreaded the entire affair. Another few hours in Damian’s company plotting to betray him. How did people do it? How did her mother and sister stomach the doing of such vile things? Abby knew for a fact that Elaina had slept with several men for reasons other than being attracted to them. Her sister proudly bragged about her past conquests, and Abby always thought it was disgusting.
Now, she was doing the same thing. As much as Damian deserved everything he would get, she felt like she was quickly losing herself as the instrument of his destruction. Staring into the full-length mirror, Abby felt the sudden urge to take off her pale blue dress and tear it to shreds, then rip out every pin that held her hair up in the elegant up-do. Although the clothes she wore this time were hers, she felt like she was looking at someone else. She hated the person looking back at her.
Abby was sure she wouldn’t be feeling so horrible if she hadn’t enjoyed yesterday’s lunch with her enemy so much. Why did Damian have to be so charming? He’d been the epitome of a gentleman and a great conversationalist. She’d wanted to slap him for being so damn nice. Now, she felt twice as horrible for her part in conspiring against him. Then, he’d called that morning, and the sound of his voice had sent a jolt of energy through her. His sexy baritone had perked her up more than a triple shot of espresso.
“I hate this,” she said. “I hate myself.”
“Now, now, baby sis, don’t say that. You’re not a complete loss.”
Abby closed her eyes and pulled in a deep breath. “Now is not a good time, Elaina.”
Elaina floated to the bed and crossed her legs. “I just came in to make sure you weren’t wearing some basic and totally inappropriate outfit for your date. I’m pleasantly surprised. You actually look good. Where did you get the dress? It isn’t mine.”
“God, Elaina, I do own a few decent dresses. I just choose not to wear them unless it’s necessary.” Abby paused and wheeled around. “Did you just say I look good?” She eyed her sister suspiciously. “What are you up to?”
“Why would I be up to anything?” she asked. “Of course you’re not accustomed to compliments on your looks. I mean, you always look like a hobo.”
“Ah, and the real Elaina has returned.”
She rolled her eyes and folded her arms under her ridiculously enormous breasts. Abby wanted to laugh. But a verbal brawl with Elaina was something she could do without. She was already on edge about seeing Damian again so soon.
“You’ve delivered your once in a lifetime compliment, Elaina. Thanks. You can leave now.” When Elaina remained silent. Abby regarded her sister with uncertainty. “What’s with you, anyway?”
“I’ve been thinking.”
Clutching her chest with mock surprise, Abby gasped. “You mean you’re capable of such a feat?” A cold stare capable of freezing body parts was sent her way, and she stifled her laughter. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I mean, this is what we do, the verbal sparring. That’s been our relationship since I was old enough to talk.”
“Yes, because you’ve always been an irritating little brat.”
“I believe brat describes you better than it does me,” Abby said.
“Just shut up for a second, Abby. How have you ever held on to a man with all the talking that you do?”
I haven’t, Abby thought on the verge of laughter. But she wasn’t about to give her sister the satisfaction of such a confession. “Fine. I’ll shut up. Speak.”
“I’ve been thinking about what mom had said yesterday. About Daddy still being alive if he’d listened to her. Didn’t you find it strange?”
“Of course I did.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because I always say something, and all it ever gets me is Celeste resenting me more.”
“Since when do you give a rat’s ass about Mom’s approval?”
Abby sighed. Since forever. She simply hid her desire to have her mother look at her with approval exceptionally well. Her nonchalance when it came to her mother’s treatment of her was something she’d practiced and perfected over the years. Abby turned to stare out the window. “I didn’t say I cared. I’m just tired of always being the mouthpiece is all.”
“Great time to start controlling your tongue, Abbs.”
“Don’t call me that. Only Wyatt is allowed to call me that.”
“Oh, I forgot. I’m not a member of your geeky sibling club,” Elaina said. She got up and stomped to the door.
Taken aback, Abby stared at her retreating sister. Were Elaina’s feelings really hurt? No way. The woman was incapable of feeling. But when Elaina didn’t turn around to give her one last jab, Abby’s concern rose. “Elaina? Wait.”
