NADIA

Thank Christ Aidan isn’t here right now. He’d be freaking out. Lana was already driving her usual speed of twenty miles above the limit, which in my book was just fine. We drove for thirty shoe-torturing minutes before coming up on our destination.

Lana stared in awe out of the windshield at the gigantic brownstone manor coming into view. “Holy crap. Pretty sure this is what people mean when they say ‘estate’.”

We drove down a long path lined with oak trees before I stuck my phone in the glove compartment so I didn't lose it in the party. At the front of the massive manor, scores of people exited their vehicles. Every single person had on some seriously gorgeous suits and dresses.

Lana parked the car behind a line of others on the side of the path. “You ready to get your drink on?”

I pulled the mirror down to take a look at myself one more time. “I didn’t squeeze myself into this dress for nothing.”

“Damn right.” Lana's tone had an edge I could relate to.

Just like I had practiced all week, I extended my left leg from the car first and then the right before stepping out. Ain’t nobody ‘bout to see my hush.

Walking up to the entrance, we sashayed up the steps, keeping our heads high. I was in for a long night because my feet were already hurting and I hadn't even made it to the top. Lord, there better be an open bar, or Imma’ burn this place to the ground.

What they considered a foyer, I considered three times larger than my bedroom. The open space was themed in black and gold with candle sconces and candelabras illuminating the very chic and elegant surroundings. A door attendant directed us towards two large archway doors. As we approached them, two more men opened them for us. What I saw when I stepped through made my eyes practically pop out. The ballroom was enormous, with marble columns and archways lining the rectangular space.

Lana and I stood at the top of a staircase with another one exactly opposite us, and between them was a massive dance floor. There were three stories to the ballroom, and we were on the second-floor landing, with a wrap-around balcony lined with furnished alcoves. The third floor was only accessible by the staircase across from us. It led up to a large landing, and then to an outside balcony.

I eyed the massive crowd of people in designer gowns and suits but still felt confident Lana and I were, without a doubt, two of the hottest individuals there. I may have been intimidated by the magnitude of the manor, but people were all the same. Every one of them had a soft spot, and if they didn’t, then you gave them one.

We walked down the stairs straight to the bar and ordered two glasses of champagne. I was taking my first sip when the lights went out. For a brief second, there was a sudden murmur passing from one individual to another about the cause. The crowd went quiet as a spotlight illuminated the third-floor landing and focused in on Jackson standing in the center.

“Welcome.” His voice was amplified by a lapel mic. “I want to thank everyone for attending this evening. Branching out to your magnificent city has been rewarding.”

I was still listening to Jackson speak when Lana nudged me. “Hey, check out the entourage.” She nodded to the pair of handsome young men I hadn’t noticed standing behind Jackson. They were similar in appearance with olive skin and large builds, though one had a head of dark hair while the other’s was honey brown. Both had stern looks, but the lighter-haired one was particularly creepy with eyes staring intently into the crowd.

Jackson closed out his speech with champagne bottles uncorking around the ballroom, followed by an uproar of cheers. “And so, let the festivities commence.” Acrobats descended from the ceiling, and fire breathers emerged from every corner. Finally, a shower of white and silver sparkling confetti cascaded over the crowd.

Lana and I were stuck awkwardly smiling at each other as Jackson walked down the staircase right up to us. “Nadia. Lana, it's good to see you two.” With an immense amount of charm, he extended his hand.

Mmhmm. Aidan was right to sit this one out. This boy is looking some kind of fine. “Where's Chris at?” I asked trying to avoid the elephant in the room. “Shouldn't your realtor be here for your housewarming?”

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Lana guzzled down the rest of her champagne and greeted Jackson. "This bubbly tastes like it costs more than our dresses combined.” She breathed out before signaling the bartender for another.

“Well, supposedly, you only get one chance to make an impression,” Jackson said with a smile even though his eyes seemed sad. “As for Chris, he mentioned an emergency came up.”

From behind him, the two men from the landing walked up to us before the creepy one spoke. “What an absolutely breathtaking set of women you two are,” he said eyeing Lana. If possible, I was pretty sure Lana was actually blushing. It was either that, or she was already drunk. “And pray tell what is your name, beautiful?” He asked Lana.

She was trying her best at subtlety by extending her hand. “I’m Lana.”

Jackson gestured to the two handsome men. "Girls, these are my friends and business associates, Sebastian and his brother, Dominick.”

Sebastian, the creepy one, winked at Lana. “And, lovely Lana, I am now wondering if you would allow me the honor of showing you how the estate doesn’t compare to your beauty.”

Ugh. Please take yo’ fake ass somewhere else. I did my best not to show how I felt with my face.

“Sure,” Lana breathed out turning to me. “You gonna be okay?”

I analyzed the way Sebastian was eyeing Lana. "Of course. I'll check in with you in a little while."

“Okay, we’ll be back soon.” As Lana walked away from the bar, I turned to Jackson and Dominick.

“Forgive my brother,” Dominick said. “He has a way about him that is sometimes a bit tactless.” He finished with actual conviction in his eyes.

I tried my hand at being aloof. “It’s cool. I’m pretty blunt myself. Something my best friend constantly reminds me of.”

Jackson cut in like a third wheel, looking more disappointed than me after finding out Chris Hemsworth was married. “I guess it was a long shot to think Aidan would be here.”

I tried my best to sound reassuring. "Honestly, Aidan really wanted to be here, but his grandpa was in town. Just give him some time. I promise you he really likes you. He's just figuring some personal stuff out."

Jackson’s eyes were in another world staring off. “I'd just hate to think that we'll never have another night together like our first."

Dominick cleared his throat, most likely trying to cut the awkwardness. “I was wondering, Nadia, if you, by any chance, are being accompanied this evening.”

I gave Dominick a coy smile. “You definitely get points for lack of subtlety, and the answer is no, my dance card is free tonight.”

“I'll leave you two to talk while I work my way around the room,” Jackson said walking away.

“Okay, we'll catch up to you later.” I turned to Dominick who, honestly, seemed less intimidating to me up close, and more refined and confident.

It was hard not to notice how Dominick’s hazel eyes caught the lights of the ballroom. “So, Nadia, how do you fair on the dance floor?”

I gave him my trademark heavy-lidded smile and followed his lead onto the center of the dance floor. “I’d say the dance floor isn’t gonna know what hit it.”

Dominick’s eyes never shifted from mine, barely blinking as he talked. “Please, forgive me if I stare. I've just never been near someone so entrancing. How could a woman of your grace be without a man to adore you?”

It took everything in me not to roll my eyes. I couldn't really blame him. I spent a lot of time putting myself together tonight. “You gotta be careful saying something like that to a woman. She might think you're full of shit.”

Dominick’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he also smiled. “I see you are as clever as you are beautiful. I had better be careful around you.”

I was definitely blushing, but only because he didn't know how right he was. “To answer your question, I’ve yet to meet a man who wasn't really a boy in disguise.”

Dominick twirled me out and spun me back in closer than we were before. “I’m sure any man in your presence must feel like a mere boy.” We swayed back and forth in that position, neither one of us taking our eyes off the other.

I guess as far as cheese goes, he's better than Velveeta. “So, how have you not charmed a girl right down the aisle by now? What's the secret flaw?” I asked playing the "realness" card.

Dominick whispered into my ear, and I lost track of the rhythm. “I guess, similar to my friend Jackson, I’m waiting to have my breath taken away."

It wasn’t long until it felt like it was only Dominick and me on the dance floor. To my surprise, I was having a better time than I expected. About an hour later, he helped me over to a table so I could cool off and relax.

Dominick’s breathing was heavy. “You dance magnificently.”

I gave him a winded smile. “Thanks, you’re not too shabby yourself.”

“I'll be right back. I'm going to get us drinks,” he said composing himself.

I was breathing hard and trying my best not to let him notice the sweat beading up at my hairline. “Would you? That would be amazing. I’m just gonna look for Lana.”

After Dominick walked away, I took a look around the massive ballroom trying to spot Lana. I guess a way with words must run in Dominick’s family. As I stood up, the back of a young woman in a beautiful white dress, and a familiar head of platinum blonde hair caught my attention.

For a second, I thought I must have been seeing things until she turned her head. Sophia leered at me and exited the ballroom to the courtyard outside.

Oh, bitch. You're gonna wish you had killed me when you had the chance.