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Inside, I check my reflection and reapply my lip gloss. I don’t like being so dolled up, but the girls all reassured me that Theo’s reaction will be worth it.
When he finally appears.
A couple of girls enter the bathroom, sneering when they notice me.
“Keeley said he’d bring you, but I didn’t believe it,” one says, her lip curling with disgust.
“Am I supposed to give a shit what you think about me?” I retort, fluffing my hair for effect.
I won’t give them the satisfaction of thinking their words matter, even if they reinforce all my insecurities about being here.
“Do you really think Mr. Ashworth will accept you? He expects Theo to marry someone from a wealthy family. Someone with… potential.”
“I—”
“You really messed up coming tonight.” Their laughter grates on me, making me wince. “He’s going to take one look at you and tear you apart and we’re all going to be right here to witness it.”
“What’s going on?” Millie appears, glowering at the girls.
“Oh, Millie, hi. We were just telling Raine how pretty her dress is.”
“I bet you were,” she murmurs. “I’ve been looking for you.” Her gaze lands on me and relief skitters down my spine. “Theo is waiting to introduce you to our dad. He can’t wait to meet you.” Millie gives them a saccharine sweet smile before grabbing my hand and pulling me out of there.
“Rule number one. Don’t go off on your own. There are vipers waiting to strike around every corner.” Her mouth twitches. “You look amazing, by the way.”
“Thanks. And thanks for the save back there. They kind of caught me off guard.”
“You’re nervous.”
It’s not a question and I don’t dignify her with an answer.
She knows I didn’t want to come tonight.
“Where are they?”
“Who?”
“Theo and your dad.” I frown.
“Oh, they’re not really waiting to meet you. I just said that to shut those bitches up.”
“Oh.” My heart sinks. Because of course Mr. Ashworth wouldn’t want to meet me.
He probably doesn’t even know about me.
And it occurs to me then…
I have no idea what I’m about to walk in on.
* * *
There’s no sign of Theo or his dad when we move into the main hall. It’s a vast room with a glass dome ceiling and a huge crystal chandelier hanging in the centre.
If I felt out of place before, I feel completely lost as everyone begins to take their seats.
There’s a seating plan and Theo didn’t tell me, he didn’t—
He enters the room and finds me in an instant. His gaze darkens as he lets his eyes fall down my body and back up again. I’m paralysed. Completely and utterly frozen to the spot as he drinks his fill, his lips curling with approval.
