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Leaning behind the massive pillar, I cross my ankles, hiding in the shadows where no one can see me, and I wait. I’m not invited to the Christmas gala, hosted by Thomas and Nora Johnson. If Thomas were to see me— Henry’s son, he would most definitely have me thrown out and then the scandal would make it to the tabloids.
I’m here for a different reason though.
I’m here because I have a feeling Riley is going to need me tonight.
She’s making a public appearance after three years.
For three Christmases, she was always able to escape going to the charity gala, but this year, Riley’s father has been adamant about her attending. Probably because he’s started looking for potential suitors for her.
I’m not on the list of suitors, of course. Since I’m a Bennett. But that’s not going to stop me from stealing my Little Wallflower away tonight.
I pop Riley’s favorite mint candy in my mouth. Crossing my arms over my shoulders, I wait for her to arrive. Twenty minutes go by, and thankfully, no one notices me. I’m carefully hidden in the shadows and I have the perfect view of the whole place.
But when the ballroom suddenly grows silent, buzzing with antsy energy, I instantly know who has stolen everyone’s attention.
My gaze slides over to the entrance, and I finally see her.
There’s a breathless second.
My chest aches at the sight of her. It’s unreal how fucking stunning she is.
Absolutely ravishing and exquisite.
She walks down the stairs with elegance— a bewitching enchantress who is in complete control. Riley has everyone under her spell, even me.
Her blonde hair hangs in loose curls behind her back, with wavy tendrils framing her face. A delicate silver headband is perched on top of her hair, and when the stones catch the lighting, I can tell they are diamonds.
Her white dress molds to every curve of her body perfectly. The sheer fabric is flowy and light. There’s a high slit on one side of the dress and the deep V-neckline would be considered inappropriate for such an event. When she shifts to the side, I see that her dress is backless with chain strappings.
Everything about her screams goddess.
Riley looks like she just walked out of Mount Olympus, the personification of Aphrodite herself. Even if I were a blind man, I’d still be swayed by her beauty.
But her dress of choice is scandalous—an act of rebellion.
And that’s why I’m here tonight.
Because if she’s planning to piss off her father, then we’re going to rebel together.
She’s not walking into this battle alone.
I hear gasps from the crowd and the whispers start. Her father’s face reddens with fury, and he stalks toward her. Oh, no, no. Not so fast, Thomas. He better stay the fuck away from her. He’s not going anywhere near Riley as long as I’m here.
I finally step out from the shadows, making my presence known.
Time to cause some chaos.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Riley — 22 years old
My father’s furious gaze slices through me, and panic slithers through my body.
But I refuse to let fear control me anymore.
I knew rebelling against my father would cost me a lot; there will clearly be a price to pay. But I’ll worry about that later. I want to enjoy my moment of rebellion, even if it’s just for a minute.
My mother looks absolutely horrified, as if I’ve, somehow, caused her unimaginable humiliation. I don’t understand why they are being so dramatic. The dress isn’t even that scandalous. I’ve seen celebrities wear much worse on the red carpet.
