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Momentarily, I wish I’m Karessa when he hugs her, reminding me how lovely he smells. I would have thoroughly enjoyed his nearness had I been sober at the wedding.
His attention on me ensures more unwanted sex dreams in my future.
“Ah, the baby,” he says reaching out his hand.
The others may not have caught the inflection in his voice, but I caught it loud and clear.
“Hi.” My greeting is brief because I can’t deal with him right now. My body acts out of character when he’s around. I barely shake his hand, yet a current of awareness shoots through me and hurts my nipples.
Nope. I can’t stick around with him here.
I’d prefer not to turn into a drooling, giggly mess.
My shit is back in my backpack quick and fast because I’m in a hurry.
“My work here is done, ladies. I'm going to check in at the bank.”
I’m flustered and he knows it. His laughter follows me as I leave.
Chapter Three
Caerwyn
If I had any doubts about my mission, baby LeClaire cleared them up for me. She may have appeared aloof to the others, but I felt the heat burning in those dark eyes before she jetted off like I asked for her soul. Good. A thrilling chase has never hurt anyone. I made sure to let the ladies know that skipping my party wasn’t an option. I need to get Imala there and isolate her before she partakes in libations. She was drunk last time. I need her sober.
My socked feet cross my temporary room to my bed. My asshole uncle extended the invitation for me to live here a week ago,
although I’ve been on the island much longer. I only accepted because this was my childhood home. Sitting, I pull on and tie my hand-crafted black leather shoes.
A knock on the door echoes in my room just before the door creaks open. I don’t look up since I know who it will be. The shifty asshole peeks in my room.
“I’ll be back,” Elmer announces. “I’m going to pick up my date.”
“Okay.” My response is dismissive since no woman in her right mind would date Elmer. She’d have to be money hungry, naive, or a tourist.
There’s something weird in his timing of his offer for me to stay here and his willingness to host the party. Elmer is up to something. His demeanor shifted about a month ago and he always looks tired. Any time I try to care and ask what’s wrong, he becomes evasive. I’ve found it’s easier to not try to figure out the bullshit in advance. Uncle Elmer will always show his true colors eventually.
Even with that, I’m excited about the party I didn’t know I wanted. Karessa and Esme are wonderful event coordinators; I’d recommend them to anyone. Rising, I close the door he left open then check myself out in the mirror.
“Not bad, Hale,” I whisper to myself, as I fix the bowtie. I’ve gone classic with my black tux because that’s what the theme says to me. Classic.
A few head pats and finger comb throughs later, my hair is just the way I like it. Satisfied, I take and send Karessa a picture to express my excitement. She sends some hearts my way and the image of Oran frowning amuses me. He gets all caveman when I talk to his Trophy.
The time is upon me and guests begin to fill in. Some greet me personally while others nod and wave. When you’re part of the founding family, a big party ensures you won’t know everyone attending since invites are sent to other rich families and business associates, so no one gets offended. By extension, some of those people attend for bragging rights and to be nosy. They, however, are not my concern.
Ever punctual, Imala glides in and makes everyone else disappear. Her soft gold dress has a princess bodice and is giving her full breast an amazing push up affect. The sisters' breast sizes vary. It’s amusing how they ascend from oldest to youngest. Small, medium, then large. I’ve never considered myself attracted to just one body part, but my dirty mind is making plans each time her next step makes them bounce. Tearing my eyes away, I study her entire appearance. The bodice is made of tulle flowers that stop a wide ribbon around her tiny waist. The dress flows out in a translucent tulle floor-length skirt. The light hits it to allow view of the fitted slip underneath. She looks like an earthy goddess. Flower beading dusts over her hips and strategically placed butterflies line the skirt, giving a 3D vibe. More flowers and butterflies collect at her feet around the hem of her dress. I know what she’s doing, this is her response to me calling her a caterpillar. She’s not a butterfly yet, but I’ll get her there. Her soft waves touch her shoulders and her glasses are missing.
I like her both ways; it doesn’t matter if she wears glasses. The challenge in her eyes is what has my brain chanting, “Mine.” The intensity surprises me and then I smirk as she pivots to walk in a different direction instead of coming to me like she’s supposed to, I chuckle to myself. Imala has no idea who she’s toying with; I live for a good game of strategy and willpower. If she wants me to come to her, she’ll have to wait hours.
An hour into my party, I check my phone because I’m beginning to worry about Oran and Karessa. This is beyond fashionably late. As one of the planners, she should've been here earlier than the guests.
Oran: We can’t make it, sorry.
Um that’s cryptic.
Wyn: Is everything okay?
Oran: Jagger should be there soon, they’ll update you.
