Page 61 of House of Bass

“I knew you’d find your way back home, Saint.” He kisses my shoulder and sets me down.

We manage to make ourselves look presentable in order to leave our little pocket of peace to dive back into a world of people doing no different to what we have been up to.

Everyone has gone back to partying like the fight that happened is another blip in their day, barely paying either of us any attention barring the few glances that are directed our way. I lift my chin up, not letting anyone think they are getting to me. It’ll be a cold day in hell before that ever happens.

“Are you feeling okay?” MJ says, embracing me as soon as she spots me, I give her a sharp nod. Making sure not to act any different than I normally will.

“I’m fine. I just want to enjoy the rest of my night.”

“Right… there’s just one more thing,” she winces. “Reste calme, ce n’est pas si grave.” Remember to stay calm, it’s not that bad.

My brows furrow in confusion until she moves to the side to reveal the last person I’ll expect.

“Surprise!” my little sister says, standing there with a big bright smile in her all-white dress, a halo perched on her head and angel wings strapped to her back. Panic rises within me, anger bubbling as I wonder how on earth my teenage sister managed to travel the distance to this party without our parents noticing. Her grin begins to wane when she realises the shock on my face isn’t a pleasant one.

23

HARLEY

Harley was a little nervous about tonight’s whole ordeal, she’d almost stayed in her room. Things with her and Scarlett were a little rocky since they refused to address the elephant in the room. She had been to work twice since the revelation about her family and neither time Scarlett was there. Nor had they really texted. Their conversations over the phone had been short and Harley wasn’t even sure if she was going to make it tonight.

Maybe it was for the best since, Harley knew that the hate Scarlett felt for Annabel was unrivaled but she couldn't help but feel if she was going to spend time at a party with these people, she would want to do it with someone she could actually stand the sight of for more than a couple minutes.

The room smelt strongly of warm bodies, smoke and alcohol, the latter was due to the fact that she’d been lounging by the bar while Daniel spoke to people. It wasn’t surprising that he seemed to know everyone that he walked past. Though it was his birthday and most of the people passing by were telling him just that, he was also able to hold a conversation so naturally that Harley was jealous of his carefree demeanour.

There were bartenders working tonight, Annabel had made sure the entire night was going to be perfect. She was very type A when it comes to situations like this. Her image was important to her.

There was a massive line for drinks in a way she’d only seen at big events she’d waited on for in the past. Daniel had jumped the queue and was now behind the bar getting her something to drink and also making Annabel’s drink.

A tap of her shoulder brought her out of her daydream, Daniel held three drinks in his hand one for the both of them and the vodka lem that Annabel had requested. He handed her her own and she nicked a straw from the font and immediately took a sip.

“Sorry I took so long, the wings made it difficult to make room to do anything without spilling,” he said as he pointed to the wings he’d now folded a little.

“It’s okay,” she said.

“Be honest, you hate all of this. Don’t you?” he asked, referring to the party and all the people around them.

Harley took a sip out of her drink, “A little.” He tilts his head skeptically, “Fine, a lot.” Then he chuckled.

“I get it, it can be overwhelming being around all of this.”

“How would you know? Hasn’t this always been your life?”

“Yes, but sometimes I wish it wasn’t.” He confessed. Harley was about to ask what he meant when she saw her. Scarlett had arrived and she was surprised by how thought out her costume was. She was wearing a light green corset and matching mini skirt, there were leaves dangling from the outfit, sewn on. The chunky green heels made her noticeable but she didn’t need that to be the centre of attention. She stood out no matter what.

Scarlett Argent was stunning and she knew it.

Daniel followed her line of sight, then excused himself, “Gotta get these to Annie before she starts twitching. I’ll see you later, Harley.”

He gave her a friendly wink before leaving, a small smile unwillingly peeked through and she knew even she had fallen victim to the irresistible charm of Daniel Akinson .

Just as he left, Scarlett scoured around and spotted Harley at once. The scowl on her face softened, she spearheaded straight for her. As soon as she reached her she twirled and smirked as she said, “How’d I do?”

“Almost too good to be true,” Harley said, looking at her. And then Scarlett did something unexpected, she blushed.

Harley cleared her throat, “Did you buy it or did you make it yourself?”

“Truth be told, Bloss and Mum did. All I did was sit and watch,” Scarlett said.