Page 60 of Lovely Deceit

“Hell no,” I say, throwing it onto the counter, even though I know I’m talking out of my ass. I won’t be able to get out of this one. Grandfather will make sure of it.

“Oh,” she says.

Oh? I scrutinize her, wondering what the hell she means by that. She glances away, disappointment riddling her features. I wish this damn girl wasn’t such an enigma to me. I can’t stand it. “Spit it out,” I snap.

She glares at me. “I was just thinking that if you were going, I could go with you.”

My heart stampedes against my ribs. She must be playing some sort of angle that I don’t see yet, but I almost don’t care.

“I mean, it couldn’t hurt,” she says, trudging forward with the idea. “There will be a lot of Knights there.”

“Yeah, but if you go with him,” Oliver snarks. “I’m not sure it’ll be seen as a positive.”

I grip the counter. His words pull all my memories back to haunt me. We were never good enough. Never thought well enough to be in the higher circles in one of these parties. I could put a dent in the prince’s forehead for bringing this up.

I turn toward Eden. Whatever game she’s playing, I don’t care. I want to be a part of it. “I’d be honored if you’d be my date,” I tell her, raising my brows. However, she stays silent, and her previous words slap me in the face.From now on, you have to ask permission.I hold my hand out. “Will you please attend this ridiculous party with me?”

She places her hand on mine, but instead of it being a caring gesture, she shakes it. “I will.”

Oliver looks on in utter horror, which only makes this better.

I read the invitation again since I didn’t bother with the particulars before. I only skimmed it to see what the hell it was. “It’s this Saturday. We’ll leave at noon.”

She nods, and I keep my cool until I turn. The party is only a few days away, but I’m determined to blow Eden’s mind.

And now I’ll have a benign update to give my grandfather that’ll keep him off my back for a little while.

* * *

I pullmy suit jacket on, checking myself in the mirror. I’ve always hated wearing these stupid get-ups. I prefer to wear it like a costume. I’d roll up the sleeves so everyone at the party could see my tattoos and whisper their horrified reactions, then I’d fuck the help in the closet.

Today’s a different story, though.

My phone pings, and I glance down to find that the limo has just arrived. I slip the phone into my pocket and step back to check out the whole package. I feel ridiculous, but at least my grandfather won’t have anything to bitch about. He was pleased when I told him I’d be bringing Eden, because of course, how can I watch her and be at my cousin’s engagement party without inviting her along as well.

Without thinking twice, I open my door and step out into the main room. Oliver, Alaric, and Eden all stop talking as soon as they hear my approach. Eden’s eyes round when I come into view.

She’s seated next to Oliver, but she’s staring at me. For once.

She has on the most beautiful emerald green dress that hugs her chest and hips, yet flares at her thighs. She’s stunning. I prefer her in tight shorts that give me a peek of her ass, but she’s absolutely gorgeous, and part of me doesn’t even care that we’re going to a snooty party with a bunch of stuck-up rich people.

I walk up to the center of the room, devouring her beauty. “Our ride is here.”

She stands, and the entire picture of her is even better.

“Are you going to be okay without your boot?”

Her nose scrunches up as she stares at me. “Nothing goes with that ugly thing.”

“But I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

She zeroes in on me, and for a moment, so much is said until Oliver interrupts it all. “She won’t listen to reason.”

I glare at the little twat. The only thing I give him credit for is being good to Eden. “I’ll have to take care of her, then,” I say with a smirk.

She places a comforting hand on his arm and reaches up to kiss his cheek. “I’ll be fine. See you later.”

I motion toward the door, and Eden passes in front of me. She doesn’t seem to be in any pain as she walks, but I make a note to keep my eye on her anyway. When I peek back at Oliver and Barclay, they’re squinting at me through distrusting gazes. I flip both of them off, then hurry toward my date. I’m not going to let anyone ruin this.

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