Page 80 of The Prom

“I’m good. Thanks for asking. Now–” I glance around, taking in the mess he has caused. “What’s going on here?”

“Backdrop scenery. I fucking hate manual labor.”

“Which is why a career on the farm is not for you.”

I remind him of his possible future, and he shakes his head. “We have already established that is not an option.”

He winks. “So, help me out and I’ll treat you to pizza.”

Somehow, we manage to fix the scenery in place and as we take a breath, we stare at our efforts. “This does look good.” I admit in admiration, and Jesse nods. “It’s a good theme. I can’t wait to see you in a toga, baby. For your information I’m a gladiator and I would fight to the death for your fair hand.”

“Idiot.” I nudge him and he surprises me by reaching out and cupping my face in his hands and, all joking apart, his expression turns serious.

“I want to make it up to you, Imogen. To be the man, I should have been from the beginning. The prom will be my fresh start and I’m not expecting you to allow it so easily, but I want us to try again.”

My heart is heavy as he smiles into my eyes and luckily Summer yells, “Put her down, Jesse. We’re heading back to the house.”

Jesse sighs and drops his hands with a cheeky wink.

“Come on baby, they can go back to the house, but I want some alone time with you. Now—” He slings his arm around myshoulder. “I prefer pepperoni, but you can choose any topping you want.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

IMOGEN

The week passes in a flash. What with college classes, prom preparation and the relentless parties the guys throw most nights, it passes in a blur. I haven’t seen Drake since our magical day, except in the distance. I try so hard to ignore him and to not give anything away that may arouse suspicion, but it’s hard not to stare. He is incredibly gorgeous, both naked and dressed casually, but in smart trousers and a shirt he is freaking dynamite.

The mood is high as the students prepare for prom night and as we cram into Summer’s room to get ready, the wine is flowing as freely as our mouths.

“So, Summer.” Siri raises a glass to her friend. “Tell us about Luca and that amazing house of his.”

Luca has a mansion near to the academy and we have never been there. It’s where he takes Summer when they want to be alone and he won’t invite anyone else inside, much to the guy’s displeasure.

Summer grins. “We’re heading there the day after prom to recover. You know, he has this amazing natural swimming pool that appears to be carved out of the rocks and is lit up at night.He even has a freaking waterfall and we adore skinny dipping on a hot day.”

“You are so lucky.” Cassie groans. “Frankie’s idea of a night in involves tying me to his bed and doing what the hell he wants to me. I’m not complaining, though.”

“He ties you up?” My eyes widen and Summer tosses her eyes.

“Ugh, spare me the gruesome details, but it doesn’t surprise me. Frankie is a weird fucker who gets off on the strangest things.”

Siri shrugs. “Well, Jack is a rough gentleman. He is so sweet, kind and considerate and so hot in bed I’m surprised we don’t scorch the sheets.”

It’s a little uncomfortable hearing her description of Jack because he’s like a brother to me and imagining him, well, in that way, isn’t an image I’m comfortable with. Cassie catches my eye and I note her sad expression and my heart catches a little. Cassie is like me and Jack. We are pure bred Reaper and Siri’s description matches Drake. Cassie, it seems, gave her virginity to Jack and will be only too aware of what he’s like. It must be bittersweet, especially as Frankie is a different kind of sex animal. I’m guessing that’s the attraction because Cassie always was a wild spirit. Frankie may be her type, but I can’t help manifesting Cassie and Jack together and I’m still secretly holding onto that hope.

We drink wine and chat shit while we apply our theatrical make-up. Gold eyeshadow, bright blue glitter and dark eyeliner is a far cry away from our usual look.

Cassie is sitting beside me as we share a minute and whispers, “Summer looks amazing. Her make-up is almost professional.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Cass.”

I admire her handiwork and she smiles. “It is kind of fun. I can’t wait to see the guys in their costumes.”

“Where are we meeting them again?”

I’m aware that Frankie—as always—has devised a little game for this evening to ramp up the thrill. We are all making our way to prom alone. When we arrive, it’s up to us to identify our partner and when we think we are right, we are to kiss them on the cheek and if they are our guy, they will take our hand and kiss the back of it.

Cassie replies, “In the hallway set before The Great Hall. It’s where the staff and volunteers will dish out the punch.”

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