Page 74 of Wreck Me

‘I know.’ I shrug. ‘But I’m meeting Avery, remember?’ Iunclip my seat belt and reach for the door handle. ‘Laters, baby,’ I tease.

His hand grips mine. ‘Not later. Now.’ His hand cups my chin and tilts my face upwards. His lips capture mine with that same raw carnality, deepening our kiss as his hands palm over my breasts. Eventually he breaks our kiss.

‘We’re like a couple of teenagers making out in the car,’ I pant.

‘Shame you have to go meet Avery, or we could have continued this inside.’ A wolflike smile lights his eyes. ‘Laters, baby.’ He stretches across the car and yanks the handle to open the door for me.

‘Not fair,’ I pout.

‘I’ll make it up to you tonight, I promise.’ His eyes gleam. ‘Happy birthday, baby.’

At eight o’clock, Tim drops me and James outside Dublin Castle. The steps are lined with a rich red carpet that runs through a floral arch erected over the outside of the majestic doors. The building’s blend of medieval and Georgian architecture has nothing on the opulence of James’s mansion.

Martha kitted me out in a Valentino masterpiece of couture. Comprised of an ebony silk chiffon, the dress floats around me with every step. Off-the-shoulder sleeves elegantly expose my collarbones, whilst the corset bodice lifts my breasts and nips in my waist. The A-line skirt flares from the waist to the floor with layer upon layer of chiffon creating a fluid, almost liquid movement.

The hair and make-up team that took care of me afterwards were nothing short of miracle workers. I feel like an absolute princess. Cinderella doesn’t have a patch on me. But while she only had until midnight, I have until graduation tobask in this lavish lifestyle and the company of my very own Prince Charming.

Avery’s warning from earlier at lunch bursts through my mind.‘I’m all for you losing your virginity with a hot billionaire, but whatever you do, don’t fall in love with him, Scarlett. He’ll take what he wants and break your heart when he’s finished with you. Enjoy it for what it is, but don’t ever forget there’s an expiry date on this arrangement between you.’

She only voiced what I already know, but it’s easy to forget when James is lavishing me with attention and gifts. Either way, I’m determined to enjoy every second of the next couple of months.

I blow out a breath and any lingering trace of Avery’s negativity along with it. It’s important we put on a convincing show for James’s parents tonight. The whole point of this arrangement is to convince James’s father and the Board that our relationship is real.

A flicker of nerves ripples down my spine. I desperately want Mr and Mrs Beckett’s blessing. I’ll never be part of their family, so it shouldn't matter. But it matters to me.

‘What’s this ball in aid of again?’ I whisper as we make our way through the grand hall to the ballroom. Flowers, ivory foliage, and fairy lights decorate every nook and cranny.

‘It’s an education initiative supporting scholarships for underprivileged youths in Ireland.’ James takes my arm and links it through his.

Approval stirs in my chest. It’s a cause I can fully appreciate.

‘Incoming.’ James’s grip on my arm releases as a woman barrels into me in a cloud of expensive perfume and silk. Slim arms wrap around me and yank me into her bosom. When she finally releases me, she takes a step back, soaking up every detail from my head to my toes.

‘Oh, my goodness, James, she’s absolutely stunning.’ Eagereyes bounce between James and me, like she’s already imagining the babies we could make.

James’s mother is blonde, willowy and classically beautiful. If I had to guess, I’d put her at around fifty, but it’s clear she’s had some work done. There isn't a single line creasing the corners of her eyes, even as a grin splits her face open.

‘Mother, this is Scarlett.’ James places a palm on the base of my spine. ‘Scarlett, this is my mother, Vivienne Beckett.’

‘It’s such a pleasure to meet you,’ she coos.

‘And you, Mrs Beckett.’

‘Please call me Vivienne.’ She swats a hand in from of her face.

‘It’s Scarlett’s birthday today,’ James announces loudly.

‘Oh, happy birthday darling.’ I’m yanked in for another over the top embrace. ‘I hope my son is spoiling you.’

‘He certainly is.’ My eyes dart to James, who’s watching on with amusement.

‘James tells me you’re studying finance at Trinity,’ she gushes.

A man appears beside Vivienne. He’s tall and burly and immaculately dressed in a black tuxedo. Like James, his sheer presence emits power and wealth. His dark hair is peppered with grey and his eyes are the same striking shade as James’s.

‘Father.’ James extends his hand and shakes his dad’s hand.

‘This is Scarlett.’ Vivienne beams at her husband. Even with the scar on his left cheek, they make one hell of a handsome couple. ‘Scarlett, this is my husband, Alex.’

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