AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Course. Come on.” He slid his arm around her, and I watched as he manoeuvred them away through the crowds, using his strong body to protect her from being jostled.
Next to me, Cassius gave a heavy sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
He shook his head, muttering, “It doesn’t matter.”
“Cass. Talk to me.” I put my hand on his arm.
“Nothing. I don’t like seeing them together, that’s all.”
“West and Lena?”
“Yeah. I know our dads forced them to come here together, but I’m not blind. I know West’s got a bit of a thing for her, even though he denies it. It would be a fucking disaster if anything happened between them. My best mate and my sister? No fucking way.”
I stared at him, deep in thought. “Are you sure he’s interested? She’s still at school, isn’t she? I thought he liked older women.”
He shook his head. “Yeah, she’s still at school, but she’s eighteen now, as of last week. Not that it matters, West likes women, generally. He doesn’t care if they’re older or not.”
“Do you think she’s interested in him, though? And is he really into her? I don’t think he’s any different with her than he is with other girls.”
“He’s…I dunno, protective of her.” He shrugged.
“He’s protective of me, too,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, that’s true. Maybe I’m paranoid. I just don’t want anything getting fucked up, and me having to choose between them or something.”
I stepped closer to him, putting my arms around him, unable to bear his downcast expression. “Hey. You’re worrying about nothing. West likes having fun with girls, he doesn’t get serious about them. A bit like someone else I know—” I did a fake cough. “—you.” And he laughed. “I’m positive he wouldn’t do that to Lena. Your friendship with him is far too important.”
“Look at you, being all wise and shit.” He kissed my cheek, his expression brightening. “Thanks, babe. I appreciate it. You wanna dance some more?”
“Why not?”
During a lull in the music, I was catching my breath after being dragged all over the dance floor by Cassius, both of us hoping to spot James, when something, or should I say, someone caught my eye.
“Cass!” I hissed. “Don’t look, but is that…? Is that the prime minister? No, it can’t be.”
He followed my gaze, then nodded slowly. “Hard to tell with the mask, but I think so, yeah. Look over there at the security, trying to be all discreet and blend into the background.”
“Wow.”
“Alstone elite, baby. These people are connected.”
“I’m starting to see that,” I murmured.
“Oh, fuck,” Cassius mumbled under his breath, staring over my head, and the prime minister was forgotten as I spun around to see Caiden. With Jessa.
FOURTEEN
There was no denying how good they looked together. Jessa’s long dark hair shone under the spotlights, and her slinky jade-green dress clung to her body. A matching jade mask, feathered and embellished with crystals, sparkled as they moved to the music.
I’d been expecting the hot jealousy that burned through me at the sight of them, but it still hurt, and I gripped Cassius harder, making him hiss. “Winter.”
“Shit, sorry, Cass.” I loosened my grip where my nails had been digging into his arms.
He pulled me closer, speaking into my ear. “Are you ready? You know when she sees you, she’s gonna want to rub it in your face?”
“Yeah, I know.” I gritted my teeth.
