Page 155 of Top Shelf

There it is. The first paper cut.

“It’s a little…loud for a setting such as this.”

Lucian makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like a scoff. My mother’s gaze flicks toward him briefly before returning to me.

“Although, I suppose that’s always been your preference.”

Paper cut number two.

The old version of me would’ve smiled away the awkwardness. Brushed the hurt under the carpet.

The new version? The new version is fuckingtired.

“Good to see you, as always, Mother.”

Her smile tightens.

“I’d just been telling Wren before you arrived that she was looking stunning tonight,” Ronan smoothly slides in. “The green really brings out her eyes.”

“Well, yes, of course,” my mother quickly covers herself. “She’s fortunate enough to get her cheekbones and clear skin from me.”

Ah yes, naturally, any good qualities I have are thanks to my mother.

Father steps in, shaking hands with each of the guys. “Boys, it’s good to see you. You’ve been playing one hell of a season so far. We’re excited to have you all joining the Serpents in September.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Ronan responds diplomatically.

Shifting his focus to me, my father continues, “I understand you all attend Valehurst together, but Gwendolyn, it’s not a good look for you to spend the entire night surrounded by three guys, not to mention three players who have signed with our team.”

“It’s important you socialize, dear,” my mother steps in, as though smoothing out my father’s implication. “Take this opportunity to network. Some of our donors are here. I’d happily introduce you.” Reaching out, she squeezes my arm, and when Ilook into her eyes, they sparkle with excitement. I immediately dread whatever is going to come out of her mouth next. “Gregory Cornerstone is here. His family is a huge supporter of the Serpents, plus he’s smart, handsome, and single.”

I feel all three men bristle around me.

“Good for him,” I deadpan in the face of my mother’s exasperation. “But I am not.”

“Not what, dear?” My mother blinks at me, oblivious.

“Single.”

She laughs like I’m joking. “Don’t be silly, Gwendolyn. Of course you are.”

I’m glad she finds it so preposterous that I’d be able to find a guy on my own…one who actually wants to be with me.

“Actually, she’s not.” The undercurrent behind Lucian’s words has me stilling as my parents snap upright.

“What are you implying, son?” my father demands with his own threat of warning.

“Not implying anything.” Lucian shrugs casually, and I swear, I’m going to murder him if he causes a scene. “I’m bluntly telling you, since you don’t seem to believe her yourselves, that your daughter. Is. Not. Single.”

My parents’ wide eyes bounce back and forth between Lucian and me.

“Gwendolyn,” my mother hisses in outrage. “Tell me he is joking.”

I simply stand there, staring into my parents’ expectant faces.

My mother’s face morphs through several different expressions, which is impressive given the amount of Botox she’s had, before settling on one I’m very familiar with: Fury.

“You’re being reckless,” she hisses.