Page 26 of Unpredictable

We make our way into the large white tent set up for her to get ready before the Samhain festivities begin. On the couch she has laid out a classic black lace lingerie set, a bold red one, and a peach set.

I cringe when I see the peach. It brings back painful memories for me, but I push them aside.

It’s not about me right now. It’s about Poppy.

Taking another look at the options, I raise my eyebrow. “No white?”

Poppy chuckles but doesn’t say anything.

“Definitely the red. It’s bold and will pop against your skin tone. Make you look like a sexy vixen.” I hold up the garments to her.

“Oh, thank God.” She laughs. “I liked red the best. White never even crossed my mind honestly. Once I saw this set, I knew I had to buy it.” She looks at it with a wicked gleam in her eye.

“Do it. The crowd won’t be able to look away, and Ryan won’t be able to strip it off of you fast enough.”

???

I stand, taking in the huge bonfire with the bed off to the left, perfectly lit up by the fire with its sheer drapes surrounding it. You can make out Poppy sitting on her knees in the middle of the bed with her hands resting in her lap. Slowly but surely, people start pouring into the clearing from the woods.

It’s go time.

I look around and make eye contact with Keaton who gives me a nod with Morgan tucked under his arm.

Interesting.

I spot Finley, who appears to be having a little too much fun with Tinsley.

That’s going to be a disaster.

I walk around the fire, taking in everyone and occasionally mouthing hi to someone before taking my spot near the ceremonial bed.

I smell him before I feel his hand wrap around my waist.

Why must he smell so amazing? God grant me strength to deny this man.

“Nude lingerie this year? I approve,” Sterling murmurs in my ear, his hand skimming over my lace panties.

I should step out of his embrace, but I’m only so strong. Instead, I ignore him.

I watch him stand tall next to me and boom, “Hello, brothers and sisters. New recruits, welcome to Secretum Societatis. You all know why you’re here, so let’s get started.”

Flawlessly, people step forward with drinks on trays and start handing them out. Sterling hands one to me and then grabs one for himself. I roll my eyes but take the glass.

“Drink!” Sterling proclaims.

Everyone drinks in unison, finishing off our glasses before handing them back to the waitstaff.

“Enjoy,” Sterling says in a devilish tone right before the music starts.

Deep bass starts playing, making everyone move. Sterling grabs my hand and starts walking backwards. “Ready for some fun,” he asks with a teasing glint in his eyes while pulling me closer to the fire.

“Fun? Yes. With you? No.”

He comes to a stop and pulls me into him. Chest to chest. His leg between mine, hands roaming all over me. “What do you think of your choice?” He nods towards the bed before angling my head to the side, biting my neck and laying a wet kiss over it, making me hiss in pleasure.

Stop it, V. Stop him right now. Don’t let him do this to you again.

My mind is begging me to see reason. Oh, but that traitorous heart is yelling over her.

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