CHAPTER 4
1058 Words
Oh, the lights!
Mr. Liam Roderick had organized one hell of a gala event.
The beautiful glow of the chandeliers took center stage - soft pieces of candle-shaped designs carefully crafted with sparkling crystals amidst the soft music coming from the orchestra.
The room was filled with the scent of very expensive perfume and cologne, each fragrance having its own perfect allure.
I turned to get a grip of the beauty and I could see the guests dressed in expensive designer suits and gowns, their lips twirling and curling into laughter as they made jokes while clinking their glasses.
I was dressed in a silky short gown that accentuated all of my curves - the slit making a show of my thighs in the open.
Honestly, I was uncomfortable as hell, pulling down my gown every minute which disrupted our little dance - our feet moving awkwardly in response to the music.
Oh! Did I forget? Eric agreed to be my date but on the condition that I don't ditch him for Reed.
A part of me hoped that Reed would not show up. No! Scratch that - all of my senses were awaiting his grand arrival, each heartbeat drumming in expectation of the young man of my dreams.
Just that I didn't want to break my agreement with Eric or hurt him.
Eric soon stretched his arm out to my hip.
He seems to be breaking out of his shyness.
Something was definitely changing among the both of us. Let's call it the Reed Roderick effect.
Our eyes met each other again - his soulful green eyes piercing into my thoughts.
His gaze soon traveled down to my plunging neckline and I could see that he was lost in something….my breasts?
“Eric!” I hollered prompting him to flinch into composure.
“You have never dressed this way before…you are still on the lookout for Reed, aren’t you? That’s why you are dressed all flashy,” he responded defensively, his eyes darting around. “You are not even comfortable in this dress and it’s getting obvious…maybe you should try not looking over your shoulder and adjusting your dress every minute”
I hate how he knows every little detail about me but he was right again - I was a mess.
“Maybe you should try not getting lost in my cleavage,” I rolled my eyes dismissively before Eric made another move in response to the upbeat music.
He spun me across the dance floor, diving me low - typical Viennese Waltz style.
Wow! I am impressed.
Just then, my eyes caught a familiar figure in the refreshment area of the ballroom.
Shit! REED?!
He was darting his eyes from side to side, most likely looking for someone.
Probably me?
What will I do now?
Eric’s face lit up. He was having the moment of his life even though I was distracted and just managed to offer a few lazy steps on the dance floor to mask my absent-mindedness.
This is my moment. A chance for me to finally let go of the pain from Prom Night.
I have to do something.
My breathing quickened as an idea dropped into my brain.
“s**t!” I exclaimed, breaking our dance as we settled for much slower foot movement.
“What? Are you exhausted so soon?” Eric smiled smugly.
“No….erm, I forgot my purse at home and my ticket is inside it. Could you help me get it please?”
His eyes blinked rapidly and a lump formed in his throat. “Your purse? What ticket? I was the one who needed a ticket, remember? You are part of the Roderick family so why will you need a ticket?”
My heart sank deeply.
He f*****g knows….how stupid am I?
I watched as Eric's eyes lit open, his eyeballs popping out in a circle as he pulled his hands away from me.
“What a lazy stunt to pull!” He bellowed, his eyes sunk in disappointment. “Just tell me that you want me out of here…that’s the least you can say if you are going to ditch me for your stepbrother.”
“Never mind, I will do you the favor”. His eyes turned bright red and there was tension in his jaw as he stormed off resignedly, waving his hands in the air.
I was rooted to the spot, completely frozen for a moment and the air felt thick. I could feel the space around me tighten and other couples dancing to the music which now sounded very lame.
A pat on my bare shoulder from behind jolted me back into my senses.
It was Reed.
Fuck! I hope he didn’t see him. Or did he?
“Why are you all alone in the dance hall?” He whispered into my ears, a glass of wine in his hand.
Oh! Thank goodness.
I let out a sigh of relief and responded, “Just getting a proper sight of everything. Your dad set up one hell of an event.”
Reed smiled boldly. “Come on, this is quite normal. With time, you will get used to it.
Moving closer to me, I could perceive that alluring scent of his again enveloping me, and seductive thoughts started creeping in again.
When did I become like this?
His classic black tuxedo and jacket were tailor-made for him - clean and spotless with a crisp white handkerchief neatly square-folded, sitting pretty in the breast pocket of his jacket. His trouser was a fine statement - a statement of pride and fashion, matching his tuxedo elegantly.
His gaze soon matched my blue eyes, and our breaths tangled into each other as he stared into my soul. I was lost in his awesomeness.
I wish he could just take me in his arms and do with me as he pleases.
My composure was down the drain as my gaze shifted to his lips - those full edible lips. Noticing that he had brought his face closer, I was inhaling his breath and my insides were on fire.
Sweet temptation.
But our moment was stopped in its tracks when we both turned to a towering figure behind us.
SHIT! I forgot we shouldn’t be seen like this in public.
We are step-siblings for heaven's sake.
- Writer
