Page 82 of This Reckless Home

“WITHOUT YOU” BY URSINE VULPINE, ANNACA

BLOSSOM

Several days pass after Steele and I had our early morning conversation, after he assured me he wasn’t leaving and proved it by staying. Things aren’t what they used to be, I’m not sure they ever will be. But they’re something. They’re ours. And it fills me with hope.

It’s Friday evening, and I’m in my room, just getting changed in preparation for Friday night family dinner when my phone rings.

Father flashes on the screen.

“Hel—”

“There’s a gala tonight we are to attend. Be ready in an hour.”

He hangs up before I can say a word, and my stomach swoops. It’s a mixture of hope and something I don’t want to name but feels like dread.

“Tina!” I call, making my way to my door and the top of the stairs. She is peering up at me when I get there. “My father called. Apparently there’s a gala tonight. I’ve got to be ready in an hour. Is that okay?”

Her lips purse. “Of course, dearie.” Tina’s never made any secret that she doesn’t like the way he treats me.

“Thank you,” I rush out, hurrying back to my room and straight to the bathroom for a quick shower. Then it’s make-up, dress, shoes and jewellery. It’s a routine I’m semi familiar with. The only time my father spends with me is when we go to events like this, where he likes to show that he’s a family man.

I guess I should be grateful really, that he sees me at all.

I’m putting the final touches to my lipstick when I hear tires on the gravel driveway, so grabbing my beaded clutch, I make my way out of my room and to the top of the stairs. The golden silk of my dress brushes along my bare legs, my red bottom heels sinking into the carpet as I begin to descend, light scarf draped around my shoulders.

I look up from my feet to find three pairs of eyes staring at me. Ice blue, deep brown, and light green. Three faces that aren’t moving. Three bodies that are stock still, and I flush from head to toe. There is heat in their eyes, possession and pride. My breath catches in particular when I meet Steele’s gaze. He’s looking at me with the same desire as the others.

What happened between us isn’t forgotten. But we’re moving forward, together, and that means the world to me.

The way they look at me lends me courage for the night ahead. Makes me feel stronger and less fragile. But I also keenly feel the contrast of where I’m going, to a father that has never once looked at me with love. With pride. With anything other than calculation.

Just as I reach the bottom step my feet tangle in something, because of course I can’t just have a Cinderella moment. I go flying with a squeak, only to be caught in strong, bronze arms, laughing green eyes looking down at me.

“You already had my attention, Petal. You didn’t need to fall to grab it,” Nox teases, and huffs a laugh as he helps me back to my feet. “You look breathtaking, Princess.”

The way his voice lowers on that last word has my core pulsing, my cheeks heating further. Then his lips brush my cheek, in a barely there kiss that I’m sure he knows makes me desperate for more.

“Thank you, Sir,” I reply, loving the way his arms tighten a fraction and his pupils dilate.

“Absolutely exquisite, Bloom,” Ant states, taking my hand in his tattooed one and tugging me gently to him. He kisses it, like he did in those first few days, and it’s just as searing as Nox’s touch. Using his grip he spins me until Steele comes into view, his deep mahogany skin soft and warm in the low evening light.

“You are beautiful, Flower,” he tells me, Ant releasing my hand so I can go to Steele. It feels a little, fresh maybe between us? Like it’s a new seedling that needs careful handling but is full of promise. His large hand comes out, dark fingers caressing my blushing cheeks.

“Thank you, Steele,” I reply, turning my head slightly and placing a soft kiss on his palm.

The door behind Steele opens, and I freeze, my whole body going icy when my father walks in. He’s handsome for an older man, charming when he wants to be. The same golden brown hair as mine, though his skin is more tanned than my porcelain. His eyes are brown, a cold brown of the frozen earth and not like Steele’s warm brown at all. And that chilly gaze sweeps the hallway, stalling on the guys, then resuming until they find me. His nostrils flare, no doubt at the sight of Steele’s fingers still hovering over my cheek.

“F-Father,” I whisper, all three of my men turning. “I was just coming. Allow me to introduce Anatole Reed, Nox Kane and Steele Vaughn. They’re staying with us along with Anatole’s brother, Justin.”

A small gasp leaves me as he gives them an up and down look, his lip curling into a sneer that he doesn’t bother to hide. He moves to looking back at me. He doesn’t acknowledge them. Doesn’t offer a greeting or hand. Just treats them like they don’t exist.

“Come, Blossom. We’re going to be late.”

With that, he spins on his polished heel and walks back out to the car.

I’m stunned speechless, my blood rushing around my body so fast I feel almost dizzy.

How could he be so rude?