Page 150 of The Addict

“It’s Delane, silly!”

I smiled weakly. “Hey, Delane.”

“Oh, you sound sad…are you okay?” she asked.

I clutched my face, my lips quivering as each measured breath left my mouth. “No. I’m fine, thank you.”

I could practically feel her smiling through the phone. I could feel her light. “That’s good. I’m glad.”

“So,” I questioned, wiping my eyes. “Why did you call?”

“Well,” She paused. “The limo arrived at my house and well…I’m here now, so…”

“You’re here?”

“Yes.”

“Like, here? At the estate?”

“We’re pulling into your driveway now, yeah.”

I pushed myself upwards to look out the window. Sure enough, a limo was circling in the driveway. Several valet cars were dropping people at his front door.

“I’m on my way.”

Chapter forty-two

Masquerade

DELANE

Iwasn’t breathing. I placed my cell back into my purse, wondering what I looked like now. Was my hair okay? Did my makeup run? Was there any rips or tears in the dress? I adjusted my mask.

I was panicking.

Before I had the chance to dig into my purse for that backup makeup Chelsea gave me, the limo door swung open, and I was exposed.

I took a deep breath and stepped out into the setting sun. There were so many people gathered around Noah’s home already, that now I started to feel jitters.

And there he was, holding open the door for me, staring as I adjusted my dress.

I took a little dip. “Hey.”

It was impossible not to meet his eyes through his navy-colored mask. I felt my face begin to burn and I fiddled with my dress nervously. He looked incredibly handsome.

“H-How do I look?” I questioned meekly.

His mouth opened but nothing emerged.

Damn.

My confidence faltered.

That bad?

“You look absolutely stunning,” he breathed.

I could feel my lips lift into a smile. “Uh, thank you.” Relief washed over me in waves.