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Finally, he pulls back, and I gulp in a breath, dazed by what just happened. The smile on his face makes my chest clench. “Be my date at the syndicate party tonight.”
I don’t hesitate. “Okay.”
His smile widens as he backs away, his eyes still locked on mine. “See you later, free bird.”
Shaking my head at his silly, carefree grin, I toss him a wave before heading to my next class. My happy daze doesn't last long, though. Especially when I turn around and my gaze locks on the murderous expression on Rohan’s face, glaring at me from across the hall.
It’s only then I realise why Liam dragged me to this side of the hallway…he wanted Rohan to see us.
Shit!
* * *
“I’ll be two minutes, max.”I glance at Beibhinn over my shoulder as we both run up the stairs to change out of our uniforms before we rush into town to go dress shopping for tonight’s party.
“Okay, hurry though, cause we need to get back and get ready. It starts at seven, and we still have hair and make-up.”
“Two minutes, I promise.”
Leaving her at her bedroom door, I continue down the narrow hallway. Once I’m at my room, I push through the door with my hip and drop my school bag to the floor.
It isn’t until I have my coat off that I notice the large black box lying in the centre of my bed.
With curious but cautious steps, I walk over to find a note on the top.
Mo bhanríon,
Ní bhíonn gach ríocht faoi rialú ag ríthe. Sábháil damhsa dom. (Not all kingdoms are ruled by kings. Save a dance for me.)
R x
Inside my chest, my heart pounds wildly as a flood of emotions takes hold. I haven’t spoken to Rohan since the night I threw him out of my room. Today in the hallway — after my kiss with Liam — is the first time I’ve seen him since then, too.
Floored by his written words, I sit on the edge of the bed and slowly draw the box onto my lap.
It’s huge, like the ones you see at a designer fashion boutique in Paris or Rome. With a deep breath, I gently glide the lid off until it pops open with a release of air. Placing the lid next to me, I unfold the layers of white packing paper, until my eyes land on the delicate lace bodice surrounded by tulle. The colour is beautiful, somewhere between orchid and lavender, and I know it will suit my olive skin tone perfectly.
My heart beats wildly as I gently lift the dress from the box, assessing every intricate detail. Lost in a daze, I don’t hear Beibhinn enter until she’s next to me. “Holy shit, is that a Ciara Keely dress?”
“A who?”
She lifts the dress from my hands and holds it out for inspection. “She’s a new Irish designer. Highly sought-after and her dresses cost a kidney and a liver.” She draws the dress closer to her chest, peering down at herself as though she’s envisaging what it will look like on her. “Ah, it’s gorgeous. Did Liam get you this?”
My face falls into my palms, and suddenly she’s placing the gown over the back of my vanity chair before sitting down next to me and wrapping her arm around my shoulder. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Peeping at her through the cracks in my fingers, I sigh. “It’s from Rohan.”
“Well, shit.” Her mouth pulls wide, understanding why I’m so flustered. “I won’t ask how he got it in here.” Her eyes flick back towards the dress.
“It’s stunning, isn’t it? I can’t wear it, B.”
Her head swivels back to me. “Why the hell not?”
“Well, for one, I’m going with your brother, and wearing another man's gift is not exactly appropriate.”
"Let me tell you something you need to hear,” she prompts, turning her body to face me fully. “You are not dating either of these guys. If they want to woo you with fancy shit, let them.”
“I know, but it’s too much.”
“It’s not, Saoirse. I vote, wear the dress. A little competition won’t do either of those guys any harm.”
“I can’t. I’m already on a high cliff with Liam, and I think wearing something Rohan bought might just send him over the edge.”
“Look, just try it on. And then, if you decide you’re in love with it and all its beauty, wear it. What Liam doesn’t know won’t hurt him, right?”
I knew the second Beibhinn suggested it — wearing this dress was a terrible idea, but the second I see Liam’s gleaming face as I descend the staircase, the reality of just how bad this situation could turn out, settles in, leaving my stomach in a twisted knot.
Is it too late to change?
