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Becoming Snow
The Banquet

The Banquet

I fix the final touches on my hair as I look at the outfit Milo personally picked for me to wear for the banquet. Different isn’t even the word to describe this outfit. If he wants me to stand out at a banquet, he’s definitely succeeding.

I look at the gold and black semi-low cut spaghetti strapped crop top studded with real pearls, black jeans as dark as onyx, and black and gold spiked platform heels.

This is definitely not a banquet outfit, but I find solace knowing that Milo picked it for me. It’s a good ass excuse not to wear a dress too, gowns aren’t really my thing. I finish the look with dark purple lipstick, leaving everything else light and simple, my loose curls falling over my shoulder, and gold accessories. Courtesy of Milo, of course.

For the past 2 days he’s taken me on a tour of Vegas and has tried to buy me everything in sight. It’s been fun and a great vacation, we even went on an impromptu date at a casino, and won big too. I saw a brief look at the Milo everyone fears when a drunk guy bumped into me. He would’ve shot the guy if I hadn’t convinced him to drop it. He’s as protective as Noé and it’s damn attractive. I haven’t given him a proper response to his confession and he hasn’t asked me too.

“Damn girl, you look powerful, boss bitch in full effect. I might have to call you Snow tonight.” Smiling, I turn to face Noé entering the room, my words failing to leave my throat. She’s dressed in a stunning red suit, and a black corset, the perfect combination of masculine and feminine.

Her hair is down in loose waves and she looks like a sexy CEO. I walk to her in a trance, keeping the drool from spilling as the sultry scent of her perfume fills my nose. She’s such a seductress, effortlessly tempting. Noé can bring men and women to their knees without even trying.

“Well? Is it too much? I wasn’t sure if a suit or dress would be bet-oh.” Her words are cut off as I connect our lips in a slow, deep, kiss. I know I won’t be able to do this later, she’ll likely end up with Harley at the end of the night. Or Emily.

But I want to be her first kiss of the night.

We suck in each other’s breath, taste, feel, sucking and biting, unbothered by our makeup becoming a sloppy mess. Her hand reaches around my waist and up to grip my neck, opening her mouth, letting my tongue explore.

Our tongues brush together and our moans are simultaneous, as every ounce of her clouds my senses. I’m beyond wet as her mouth works magic against mine. She’s such a good kisser, she knows how to suck, when to bite, when to tease and consume me.

Noé sucks on my tongue, pulling a gasp from me with her as she steps back, a cheeky smirk on her face. My eyes open in a lust filled daze as she wipes both of our mouths and fixes my hair.

“You’ve really got to stop surprising me like that.” Noé shakes her head, her smirk turning into a smile.

“Oh, you don’t like it?”

“You know I do. I like it too much, that’s the problem.”

“I don’t see how that’s a problem.”

“The problem is you have a sweet twisted guy trying to date your ass and you’re using me as a distraction.” Noé has been pushing me towards Milo every time I talk to the guy. It’s like she’s trying to get rid of my ass and I don’t like it.

“I’m not using you as a distraction, Noé. Not anymore” I wipe off my ruined makeup, handing her a wipe to do the same.

“Bullshit.” I roll my eyes, getting irritated and a bit in my feelings. We started this by just using each other, but I don’t see her as just some entertainment. I care about her, more than anyone.

“I’m serious, true I don’t know what to do about Milo and at first it was because of you. Because I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to go back to living a life without you. Fucking hell, Noé you’re the most important person in my life. I’d do anything for you, you’re not just a distraction to me. Not anymore.” Her eyes water but not a tear dares to fall as she lets out a deep sigh, nodding in understanding.

“I understand, Winter. I’m not going anywhere, I promise. Even if you have someone else, you’ll always have me.” She sniffles and wipes the nonexistent tears before pecking my lips a few times. The doorbell of the penthouse sounds and we both quickly fix our makeup.

“Alright babe, you ready to turn bitches heads.” Noé and I make sure we have everything we need before going to the foyer.

“I’m just hoping a bitch doesn’t shoot my ass for walking with Milo.” I snicker, thinking about all of the jealous bitches I’m about to encounter.

“Like anyone would have the balls to attack Milo at a peace banquet, in his own hotel no less.” True. Noé goes to open the door while I make sure Prince will be okay for the next few hours. We’ll be downstairs but he is a puppy and can be…destructive. I’m setting Prince’s water down when I hear Milo’s footsteps and low whistle. I laugh, twerking a little before standing and washing my hands.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Wow, Winter, you look stunning.”

“Thank Mi…oh, wow yourself.” His sex appeal is one in a thousand. My earlier horniness comes hurtling back full force as I look at Milo.

The outfit is simple, nothing I haven’t seen him in before, all black with combat boots and simple gold jewelry to match me. But he makes it look so damn good. I’m starting to think his shirts are custom made for his body because they make his muscles and tattoos look mouthwatering.

“If you continue looking at me like that, I won’t be responsible for disrespecting your body in the best way possible.” His smirk is casual and only half playful and I know there’s a promise behind his words.

“Oh yeah? What will you do?” His low eyes go dark and hold fantasies I didn’t know I wanted him to fulfill. He looks like a starving predator with his eyes locked on his prey.

It’s intimidating in a way I’ve never experienced, I don’t know whether to submit or challenge him, but I know one thing. I wish he could finish what me and Noé started. A throat clearing behind us makes that wish nothing but a fleeting thought as Milo holds out his arm.

“I’d let you 2 stand around and eye fuck each other, but we’re already late.”

“It’s my damn hotel, Harley. I’m never late.” I shake my head at Milo’s arrogance, grabbing his hand and pulling him to the door.

“Yes it’s your hotel, not your event…sir.” Harley’s “sir” is payfully condescending as she teases her younger cousin. Unlike Milo and I, her normal black and leather jacket is discarded for a red sexy short silk dress that matches Noé’s suit perfectly. Their versatility is amazing and they look so damn sexy together, I can’t help but snap a few photos.

It doesn’t take us long to enter the large ballroom, a sea of suits, tuxedos, and elegant gowns has me shaking my head. “You really know how to stand out, don’t you?” My question is more of a statement as all eyes swing to Milo and eye, several expressions ranging around the room. The air is filled with fake pleasantries and as I look around at the various dangerous people in one space, I’m surprised nobody gets killed at these things.

From admiration, envy, disbelief, and disgust. Yet, none of it makes me feel uneasy. Even the scowling murmuring bitches that don’t bother hiding their pointing fingers, leaves me unbothered.

And I think it’s something to do with Milo’s aura of nonchalance. Harley and Noé go to the bar to get us drinks as Milo leads me around the room. He doesn’t stop to speak or smile at anyone, eyes searching the crowded room. Girls try to get his attention, not giving a fuck about the tight grip he has on my hand.

“I’m a rebel, and now so are you?”

“You sound pleased to taint me with your bad influence.” He snickers, eyeing me before continuing his casual but heavy loaded scan around the room.

“I haven’t even begun to taint you, Snow. There, I see my family, we should greet them first, or my mother will be offended that she didn’t meet you before everyone else.” Milo told me that his family believes we’ve been secretly dating, his grandfather knows the truth. He’s not exactly thrilled but keeping an open mind. Arthur also found out the deal that Milo made with Reuben and he’s less than pleased.

He’s the one responsible for hurting Milo’s sexy face. I had a new understanding of how difficult it was for Milo not to retaliate towards Reuben. His restraint is far better than mine.

Milo’s mother, grandparents, and 2 sisters are the ones to please. His brothers are younger so I don’t have to worry about them.

Milo’s father is the first to spot us and his scowl is immediate. Like many others he looks at me with disgust, but I’m used to it. That stare that tells me I’m beneath the ground he’s standing on is one I became familiar with as a broke, dirty, homeless teen.

Milo doesn’t acknowledge him, so I don’t either. Instead he addresses the woman next to Arthur, dressed in a stunning white gown.

“Mother.” Lucia Malone, Milo calls for her attention and her eyes widen as she stares at me, Milo, and our joined hands.

“So you’re the girlfriend?” Her eyes and face give nothing away. I don’t dare cower in front of a Malone, not that I feel any need to. I’m sure other girls would feel intimidated but Lucia doesn’t have shit on Melissa on her best day.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Malone.” I evade the question, holding out my hand to shake.

“Oh, nonsense” Lucia pulls me into a hug, stunning the hell out of me. I stiffen and look at Milo unsure, who does nothing to help, smirking at my awkwardness.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen my son smile the way he has been lately. If that is courtesy of you, then it’s my pleasure to meet you, Ms. Dixon.”

“I don’t think I can take credit for that.”

“Sure you can, if it weren’t for you I’d be wearing some shit like that.” Milo motions to a guy with a glittering white suit to match his date’s diamond studded dress.

The poor girl looks like a cupcake got smeared all over a disco ball.

“You say that like I had a choice, you and Sparrow refused to let me buy one just so we can match.” Harley and Noé come back and I notice the tense look on both of their faces that they try to mask. Lucia and Arabella start talking about Milo’s fashion choices and I discreetly nudge Noé. Despite the noise around the room and the conversation flowing between the Malone’s, I keep my voice low. Just enough for her to hear me.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ll tell you later, Roman wants to speak with you outside near the gazebo. Alone.”

“Now?” She nods, and I mumble a curse, glancing at the door, catching the sight of Roman’s back as he disappears out of the door. I can’t just leave Milo to go talk to another guy, people will talk.

And these damn women are vultures. They’ve been waiting for any opportunity to swarm Milo like starved beasts.

I give a slight tug on Milo’s hand still holding mine, reaching up to whisper in his ear.

“There’s some business I need to take care of.”

“Reuben?” His voice is gruff and tense as his eyes scan the room again.

“No, Roman.” After a moment he gives me a stiff nod, bending to speak into my ear. I gulp as his lips graze my ear, gripping his hand as his whispered words flow into me.

“Call if you need support.” A statement so simple but weighing so much to me. He doesn’t tell me to stay safe, the words become menial when you’re constantly faced with death. Instead knowing that there’s someone to have your back, no matter what, that’s more to me.

This guy is really impossible.