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Because across the way was undoubtedly Faith Waters, my friend’s little sister.
Little was a misnomer. Younger, not little.
Her blonde hair swept gracefully across her face. High cheekbones, pouty painted lips. A face that could make a grown man weep. Her beauty was classic yet exotic at the same time.
I hadn’t seen her in a year. Not since Dominic’s last birthday party, where he’d gathered less than a handful of people together to celebrate.
It had been the fourth time I’d met Faith in person. Each interaction left more and more of an impression on me, an awareness I’d never felt with anyone else.
She had that effect on people.
And it drove me fucking insane that I was one of them.
She was an Upper East Side princess who never bothered to do anything other than party and spend her parents’ money.
No. I didn’t have time to think about people like that. No matter how aware of them I was.
Staying away was easy. The only common thread between us was Dominic. When we’d met in college, we hadn’t spent much time with each other’s families.
He’d only just moved back to the states so there hadn’t been much opportunity for us to get together, let alone with his inner circle, which very much included his sister.
Faith must have sensed me because her head tilted, and she squinted my way. As if she wasn’t sure it was me.
Maybe the impression was one-sided.
Just then Luna returned. She placed a warm hand on my shoulder and pointed toward the back door, where there was a secret entrance to her official office.
It was an effort to drag my eyes away from Faith. Reluctantly, I pulled my body up from its spot on the couch and followed Luna.
It was time to get down to business.
Heartless Socialite on the Scene
Word on the street is that Faith Waters was seen at a club last night. Funny, because I thought her dad just had a heart attack. I guess the socialite doesn't care about family after all. I guess it could be good if dear old daddy kicked the bucket. You know she and her brother, Dominic, are bound to make out like bandits. The world hasn’t dubbed her the Penthouse Princess for nothing.
- Toodle loo, lovies
THREE
SEBASTIAN
Five years ago
“It's an intimate group. Just a few close friends, plus my sister and her boyfriend. I promise it won't be too painful for you. You can leave right after dinner. This is the last time you’ll see me before I go to London, which means you have to go,” Dominic said.
I scrubbed a hand down my face. “When you put it like that, how can I say no?”
That had been hours ago, and I checked my watch as Dominic’s elevator catapulted me up dozens of stories into the air of the sleek high rise. I’d been here a number of times and despite living in the penthouse of one of the most sought-after buildings in the city, it didn’t feel that ostentatious.
I’d just have to socialize and then I’d go back to my quiet apartment, where I'd catch up on work before going to bed after midnight. There were very few people who could pull me out of my apartment on a Friday evening, and Dominic was one of them.
I’d miss being able to get together with him for the occasional drink. We didn’t see each other much, despite living in the same city. That’s hard for most adults, especially those building their own empires. Dominic with his dad and me with Steele Cyber Security.
The door to the elevator opened, and I smiled as I found Jerome on the other side of it, drink in hand. “I figured you’d want this.”
I clapped him on the back. “You’re too good to me,” I joked, lifting the beer glass from his hand. “Appreciate it.”
“I know this isn’t your thing.” Jerome had known me almost as long as Dominic had, and I appreciated the small gesture.
