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“Let’s go.” My voice came out gruff and abrupt, and I inwardly cursed myself.
“Ethan? What’s the matter?” Her hesitant voice came from close behind me. I could feel her body heat, and her perfume wrapped itself around me seductively. The Avery I thought I knew had disappeared, and in her place was a woman who was so much more, a woman I had no idea how to deal with. I scrubbed a hand over my face, trying to compose myself.
“Ethan!” A high-pitched screech sounded from the direction of the stairs, and my head shot around. Mother.
She hurried towards us. She looked the same as ever—shoulder-length buttery-blonde hair, impeccably dressed, so much Botox that her face was almost expressionless. Reaching me, she air-kissed somewhere near the vicinity of my face and hugged me briefly, her arms barely touching me.
“Mother. It’s good to see you.” I smiled down at her.
“Ethan. Who is this delightful creature hiding behind you?” She peered around my shoulder.
“Hi, Mrs. Barrett. I’m Avery, Avery Jenkins.”
“Call me Georgina,” she instructed, shaking Avery’s hand limply before turning back to me. “She’s a bit different to your usual women.”
“What are you saying, Mother?” On instinct, I slid my arm around Avery’s shoulder, pulling her into my side. She stood stiffly, clearly uncomfortable.
“All I’m saying is that she doesn’t seem like your type. Have you seen Clarissa? I know she’s dying to catch up with you again. Not only that, she’s also very single.” She gave me a pointed glance.
I loved my mother, but she was so infuriating sometimes.
Clenching my jaw, I gave her my most stern expression. “Mother. Avery is my girlfriend. I would appreciate it if you would treat her with the same respect you offer everyone else. No more mentions of ‘my type’ and ex-girlfriends, thank you very much.” I ran my hand up and down Avery’s arm reassuringly as I spoke, and she moved closer to me, as if I could shield her from the cold, disdainful look my mother was currently directing at her.
“Fine,” my mother huffed, relenting, her eyes flicking back up to mine. “Shall we?” She indicated the stairs.
“After you. I need to have a quick word with my girlfriend. We’ll see you down there.” I watched as my mother glided off down the staircase, and turned to Avery.
“Hey, are you okay? Avery? Look at me.” Worried, I leaned down so I could look into her eyes.
“I’m fine.” She took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. “I wasn’t expecting someone to try to make me feel inferior, that’s all.”
“Listen to me right now. You are not inferior, and you have nothing to worry about. Remember, as far as anyone is concerned, you’re my girlfriend. This weekend, we’re a team. I’ll protect you from the backstabbers; you protect me from the vultures. Deal?”
A small smile played across her ruby lips. Her glossy, perfect lips.
The
urge to kiss her was back. No. I shook my head to dislodge the thought, focusing on the task ahead.
“Thanks. I know I’m not inferior. And it’s a deal.” Her determined blue eyes met mine. “Okay; let’s do this. I’ll pretend I’m an actress in one of my favourite plays.”
I chuckled and rolled my eyes. “If you’re thinking of one of those musicals you seem to favour, promise me you won’t break out into song.”
“I promise. Unless there’s karaoke?” She looked at me hopefully, and I laughed.
“Avery, I can say, with almost one hundred percent certainty that there will not be any karaoke happening this weekend.”
“Shame,” she murmured, and I could hear the humour in her voice. “I’m ready when you are.” Cocking her head, she studied me, a contemplative expression on her face. “Actually, do you have a red tie?”
“Yes, why?”
“Because it will make us look more like a team. Your tie matching my dress?”
A slow smile spread across my face. “I like your thinking. I’ll be right back.” I hurried into my room and swapped my tie, then returned to her side. “Shall we?”
Nodding, she closed our suite door and took my arm.
Downstairs, we entered the large panelled library where the drinks reception was being held. The room was full already, and I scanned the crowds to try and spot my sister. I caught a glimpse of glossy chestnut hair over by the grand piano that stood in the far corner of the room and made a beeline for her, Avery clinging to my arm. I kept my head down, hoping to avoid being dragged into conversation by anyone. At least until I’d spoken to Victoria.
