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“Anything,” Kendall cheerfully says.
Ryan grins. “Surprise us.”
“Shoulda never told me that. I’ll be right back.” I shake my head, then shoot them a smirk.
I rush to the bar, passing the cake on the way. It’s a sugary statue-like masterpiece with blinking LED lights and edible flowers. I order our drinks, then carefully carry them back, trying not to spill a drop. I almost ask Tristan to give me a hand, but he made it very clear to pretend he’s not there, so I do.
“So when are we cutting the cake? That thing is gigantic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that tall before. It has lights, Kendall. I mean, I saw the picture you texted me, but it literally didn’t do it any justice. I’m surprised it’s not surrounded by a moat of champagne.” I snicker.
“That would’ve been a good idea, though,” she admits as I hand over the glasses. “I almost thought about getting one with diamonds and gold, but Ryan would’ve lost his shit on me.”
“We don’t need to eat a multimillion-dollar cake. It all comes out the same, if you know what I mean,” he tells me, and I can’t help but laugh as Kendall playfully rolls her eyes. One thing that I love about Ryan is even though his family is filthy rich, he doesn’t act like it. He’s mindful of how money’s spent and doesn’t depend on his parents. It was important for him to have his own career outside of the St. James name.
Ryan looks at the shot and smells it. “What is this?”
I start chuckling before I can get it out. “It’s called Death by Sex. ’Cause I’m sure that will be you two later tonight.”
“God, I hope so,” Kendall admits, biting her lower lip and meeting Ryan’s eyes.
I hold up my glass and they join in. “To the happy couple! So excited you’re finally getting your happily ever afters.”
We shoot them down and Kendall’s seems shocked by the taste, and I know it’s because they don’t burn like most shots.
“So when are we finally cutting that giant-ass cake?” I ask again as my sister goes over the itinerary with me one more time. Just as my Aunt Mildred walks up, I take it as my opportunity to excuse myself. The last thing I want to do is start answering questions about my career or when I plan to get married. I have a lot of things on my bucket list to check off before I’ll think about settling down.
Tristan moves in close to me as I make my way through the crowd. He places his hand on my back and guides me around as he watches our surroundings. Although he doesn’t really say much to me, and holding a solid conversation with him is impossible, I appreciate his company. Having him near eases my mind.
Right on schedule with the super-strict itinerary, Kendall and Ryan cut the cake. He places a little chunk in her mouth while she smears frosting on his face. Then she stands on her tiptoes to lick it off. I pull out my camera just in time to video it because I might share a few clips with my followers.
“Do you want a slice?” I ask Tristan, and he shakes his head.
“Damn, you’re missing out. It’s orgasmic,” I say, going for a second one. I think I see a smirk play on his lips, but then he goes back to his stoic self.
After the music starts again, I decide to sit at one of the high tops that faces the dance floor. My feet are killing me, but that’s what I get. I talk to a few family friends and decide I need another shot after being asked when I’m gonna get hitched and pop out babies. As I make my way across the room, a man with a crazed look in his eyes approaches me.
He grabs my wrists with a tight grip and forcefully jerks me forward. “What are you doing?” I scream, nearly losing my balance. His nails dig into my skin, and he’s holding me so tight I can’t get away.
“You’re mine, bitch,” the man says, and that’s when I realize it’s my stalker—Jack. Tristan slams into him with all his weight, and Jack falls into a table, knocking it over. The music stops, and people scream when Tristan pulls a gun from his holster. The crowd rushes around us toward the exit, and security moves in. Someone crashes into Tristan, and he stumbles to the ground. The pistol slides across the floor. I try to help him up, but he’s already on his feet. When I look over, Jack’s gone.
He disappeared in the commotion.
“Where the fuck did he go?” Tristan hisses.
“I don’t know,” I breathlessly say as he pulls me close and escorts me outside. He’s talking to someone in code on the earpiece, and his jaw locks tight when he’s done. Adrenaline floods me, and I’m wobbly on my feet. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones leaving.
