I am well and truly fucked.
Chapter 16
Rainbow
I snuck out. After a weekend full of orgasms, I found the spare key and made myself scarce before he woke up. I wouldn’t be able to handle the inevitable once he woke up after the most amazing weekend I’ve ever had. It wasn’t just the sex, though. It was more. We watched TV, then he fed me, andwho knew how much he liked to cook? When we weren’t eating food, he made it his mission to eat me. I’ve never known a guy who likes to give oral as much as he does.
The weekend was totally unexpected in every way, which is why I left him sleeping. Slipped away before the awkward conversation. Yes, it was a copout on my part, but it was for the best. I know I’ll see him again, being that he’s Ric’s best friend and all, but work this week has been all-consuming. By the time I get home at night, I shower and then practically pass out. Which, considering we’re still in the midst of a heatwave, is a surprise in itself.
I haven’t even had a chance to catch up with Ric since he returned from his business trip two days ago. I’m worried I won’t be able to look him in the eyes without him seeing right throughme and immediately knowing that I hooked up with his best friend.
Thankfully, tonight I’m going out with the girls to Mayfair Luxe for the Midsummer Masquerade. Mayfair Luxe is the club Harrison and Hunter acquired, and where they now hold quarterly masquerade balls. The best part is that it’s all in the name of love.
I met Abi and Ari at the Valentine’s Masquerade there back in February and they have accepted me with open arms, but it feels like I’ve always known them.
I was meant to get ready at Ari’s, but work was so busy that my shoot ran over. Plus, I had to come home to get my dress anyway, so they offered to pick me up on the way instead.
Applying the finishing touches to my makeup, I spritz myself with some perfume, give myself a once-over in the mirror, and pull on my mask.
Entering the living room, I stop short when my brother turns towards me, a huge smile spreading across his face.
“There she is,” he says, pulling me in for a gentle hug. “Where are you off to looking like a Goddess?”
He takes a step back and circles his index finger in the air for me to twirl for him, so I do.
“I’m off to Midsummer Masquerade with the girls,” I reply, smoothing down the front of my dress. It’s a fancier one than I’m used to, but the navy is stunning. “Are you sure I look okay?”
He reaches for my hands and squeezes them.
“You look lovely. Maybe I should come and ward off any arseholes.”
I laugh at that. Ric will forever be my protector. Even when we were growing up, he never made me feel like an unwanted sibling.
My cheeks heat. “No, you’re good,” I reply. “I’ve sworn off arseholes, you know that.”
He cocks a brow. “Good, you deserve only the best.”
Ric knows about most of the shit shows that have been my relationships. He’s the one who listened while I cried on the phone until silly o’clock, and yet he’s never judged me for my poor choices.
The best part of moving to Mayfair was starting over, and I’ve already screwed that up by quite literally fucking his best friend.
I clear my throat and startle when my clutch vibrates, followed by a loud ding.
Ric laughs. Other than my camera, and a scrolling session on social media I pretty much repel technology, which is why my phone’s battery always dies.
I pull it from my clutch and swipe the message.
Ari: We’ve just pulled up. Shall I come up and get you?
Me: No, you’re good. Stay where it’s cool. I’m on my way x
“It’s Ari,” I tell Ric. “They’re meeting me downstairs.”
I slip my phone back in my clutch and let out a shaky breath.
“Are you okay?” Ric asks.
“Yeah, of course, just a little nervous.” It’s not all a lie.
