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My heart flutters, like it’s going to stop beating at any second. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. If we don’t get there soon, I may actually pass out. I’ve been a nervous wreck the past few days, but today’s been absolute hell. They say the anticipation is worse than the actual event, and I sure as hell hope that’s true.
My stomach clenches, threatening to release my non-existent food. I haven’t been able to eat a bite today from all the nerves.
“You okay back there?” Rush’s voice travels from the front seat. My eyes flick up, meeting his deep chocolate ones.
Slowly nodding my head, I exhale the breath I was holding. “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I’m alright.” I hope he can’t hear the quiver in my voice. I’m usually pretty good at putting on a show, acting nonchalant, like nothing bothers me, but that’s exactly what it is—an act.
I get anxious, but I hate letting people see that side of me. For some reason right now, there’s a nagging feeling inside my chest warning me to turn back now. A feeling that’s fucking screaming at me to listen for once in my life.
“You sure? I get being nervous. You’re about to walk into a lion's den. These rich East Siders will run you over for a few pennies if they have to. Most of them are disgusting human beings.” His voice is serious, but tender at the same time.
“Wow, really reassuring,” I scoff.
“Would you rather I lie?” His grip tightens on the wheel.
“No, I wouldn’t.” It’s the truth. I’d rather him not sugarcoat how bad it’ll be than try to convince me it’s going to be fun.
“You’ve got this. Just be the same ballsy woman who tried to beat me up and you’ll do just fine.” He shrugs, trying to play it off.
“Are you telling me to get assault and battery charges?” I quip back at him.
“Well, not when you put it like that. Just don’t let them gang up on you.” He acts like he knows from experience. Maybe he does. I’m sure he’s encountered plenty of rich assholes while driving for Marnix.
“Can’t make any promises, now that I’ve got your approval to fight them.” I grin widely, meeting his gaze in the mirror.
“With your words, not fists.” He looks concerned that I might be serious. Who knows—I can be a loose cannon at times.
“We’ll see.” I shrug playfully.
Rush’s eyes linger on me a little longer before turning back to the road. My gaze falls to my hand, which I didn’t even realize was gripping the soft leather of the seat. I let go, moving my hand to my lap, seeing the half moons of my fingernails indented into the material. Shit, Marnix might kill me for ruining his precious car if those don’t go away.
I might have been able to joke around with Rush right now, but I’m still on edge. The closer we get, the more nervous I am. Meeting the family is a big deal, and since I have a tendency to make Marnix mad over the smallest things, I’m sure I’ll do something to rile him up during the party.
I just feel out of place already. I fought against Rush when he told me he was driving me to this engagement party, but I ultimately lost when he just manhandled me into the car. Marnix then called, telling me Rush would be driving me because he said, and I quote, “There’s no way in hell you’re showing up in your shitty car and embarrassing me.”
The man’s an asshole, but he’s not entirely wrong. My beat-up Toyota would stick out like a sore thumb around here. Since reaching the East Side, I haven’t seen a single run-down car like mine—they’re all luxury models without a scratch on them.
This is the second vehicle of his I’ve seen and it’s nothing less than perfect. Maybe one day he’ll let me drive one of them. If he’ll let my West Side grime even touch it.
“We’re here.”
My attention snaps to the massive white mansion in front of us, my jaw dropping at the sight. I imagined a mansion, but this? Not even close. Fucking rich people. What does he need all this space for?
“Holy shit,” I whisper under my breath.
Rush pulls the car around the circle drive surrounding the most beautiful three-tier fountain I’ve ever seen. My eyes catch on the gray stone steps leading up to large black double doors. The white columns on the porch rival those of the White House, but these have intricate details carved out at the top. The house is complete with a huge black chandelier hanging over the entryway of the doors. Who the hell puts a chandelier outside? My curious gaze roams over the rest of the house, seeing a connected six-car garage to the side that looks like it has a basketball court on top of it.
I’m so in shock that I don’t notice Rush getting out of the car. He’s directly in front of me now, door open, holding out a hand to help me. As I place my palm in his, a jolt of electricity buzzes where his skin touches mine. My breath hitches, and his eyes widen slightly, like he felt it too.
I draw my attention away from that weird connection with Rush by trying to get my clumsy self out of the car without stumbling. Thank god he’s here to help, because my legs feel like they're about to give out.
“Thanks,” I murmur once my heels are steadily on the ground.
“My pleasure,” Rush answers, short and sweet.
Looking around, I notice there are no other cars. “Where’s everyone at? Am I early?” I know I’m late according to the time Marnix told me to be ready, because it took me twenty minutes to decide if I wanted to wear my hair up or down. I finally chose down in curls, so that took even longer. Okay, I might’ve been stalling to make sure I had less time with my not-so-charming fiancé.
“No, there's a valet around the back. Nix wanted you to have the grand entrance at the front.”
