Page 9 of Surrender
I was attempting to be polite about it, but the truth was, I felt like someone had tied weights to my ankles, thrown me into the ocean, and told me to swim.
Only I wasn’t drowning in water, I was drowning in sequins.
And instead of shark fins circling while I thrashed about for air, I was surrounded by fake veneers and manicured claws, both sharpened and ready for just the right moment to tear me to shreds.
“I know you think it’s boring, but Mom expects me to mingle,” he said with a heavy sigh before wrapping his arm around my waist and pinching at my side. “Having you beside me makes it more tolerable, though.”
I rolled my eyes, huffing out a laugh. “Be careful,” I teased. “You might rot your teeth with all that sweet-talking.”
Parker grinned, and his arm tightened around me as he steered us through a sea of money with the ease of someone who had done this a million times over. He made it look so easy, so natural, but it had taken a lot of work to getmeto the point tonight, where I felt okay stepping into this room with him.
Margot had insisted I borrow an ‘old red-carpet dress’ of hers, one that, in her words, she wouldn’t be caught dead in anymore, but that stole my breath every time I caught sight of myself in a reflective surface. The silky gold material clung to my breasts and hips, following their curves before falling straight down—the hem barely skimming the floor.
While both Parker and Margot had played off like it was nothing, just something found in the back of a wardrobe, I could almost guarantee that if I sold it, the price wouldeasilypay a month of my rent.
“Parker!” He jerked us both to a halt at the sound of his mother calling his name. She moved through the crowd toward us, people practically leaping out of her way, with an older couple following close behind her.
“Mr. and Mrs. Granger!” Parker’s hands instantly slipped from my body as he moved in to greet them with hugs. “It’s so nice to see you. How is the family?”
Strangely, there was an unease that lingered in the air—the first time tonight that I’d sensed anything other than absolute adoration for Parker, Margot, and their family.
“Oh, as good as can be,” Mrs. Granger answered, clearly forcing a smile. “We were wondering if you’d heard anything new from Jasmine? I know you said you’d call if you spoke with her, but it’s been almost six months, and she still hasn’t sent anything other than a couple of emails telling us she’s fine and enjoying life being simpler.”
The heartache was radiating off her, instantly changing the energy in the room.
Who was Jasmine?
What had happened to her?
I inched a little closer, wanting to know more.
Margot placed her hand on Mrs. Granger’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I told them you still hadn’t seen or heard from her,” she explained softly, her lips forming a sad pout. “But they wanted to hear it from you.”
Parker sighed. It was heavy and dramatic, and it made my stomach twist painfully.
If I could feel the sadness flowing from this woman, surely, hecould too.
Surely, he’s not that cold.
“Mrs. Granger. I can’t help you.” He held his hands out and shrugged. “Jasmine made her choices. She’s an adult, you can’t—”
“Are you his new girlfriend?” Mr. Granger demanded, jabbing a finger at me.
I sucked in a sharp breath. “I… We… I’m—”
Parker quickly stepped in between us, holding up his hands. “Whoa! You need to leave her out of this,” he protested. “She didn’t do anyth—”
“I didn’t think she did!” Mr. Granger interrupted, his eyes meeting mine over Parker’s shoulder. “But she should know that our daughter was also once a bright, sparkling, beautiful young woman. She should know that our Jasmine would have never run away and refused to speak to us. But he did something, I know he did!”
My heart pounded against my chest, blood and adrenaline coursing through my veins and making my skin tingle.
“Get them out of here,” Margot ordered, the kind tone she’d used moments ago completely gone. “Get them out!”
Security had a hold of the older couple within seconds. Mrs. Granger trudged quietly beside them, her head hung low, while Mr. Granger struggled, slapping their hands away, his eyes once again finding mine. “Don’t trust him!”
I glanced around frantically, wondering if anyone was going to do anything.
This couple was dressed up. It was obvious they were meant to be here, that they hadn’t just broken in to make a scene.
