Page 70 of Masked Sins
Besides, my feet knew how to take a beating.
I’d pulled my hair back into a low ponytail and kept my makeup and jewelry minimal, aside from some cream blush, mascara, and nude lipstick.
And of course, Starboy’s bracelet.
It wasn’t a requirement to dress up, but the four of us agreed it would be fun, and since we were going for Zoe’s birthday next week, we used it as an excuse to get gussied up.
When I emerge from the bedroom, Sparrow looks at me warily from his position on one of his many cat beds around the house.
“I know, I know. I hardly ever go out.”
He lets out a soft meow.
“I won’t be back too late, okay?”
I’d fed him earlier and set the air-conditioning to keep him cool. We’re supposed to have a heatwave tomorrow, and I can feel the warmth emanating from the front door. It’s not unusual to get heat waves in April here, but the temperatures are still supposed to be record-breaking tomorrow. As a native Los Angelean, I know all too well how important it is to cool the house beforehand.
Sparrow stretches on his bed, yawning. I grab my sparkly clutch purse and check my phone. We’ll be going to Hollywood for the show, and since I’m on the way to Hollywood from Crestwood, they offered to pick me up. My phone chimes with a text from Zoe letting me know she’s outside.
“Okay, be good,” I tell Sparrow, blowing him a kiss.
I open my door, and the warmth hits me all at once. It’s dry and windy out, and as I close and lock my door, Liam’s Jeep Wrangler sits idling by the curb—and Orion is walking around to hold the back door open for me.
Didn’t realize he’d be hitching a ride, too.
The instant he turns around, his hand stills on the door handle as his eyes sweep over my dress. His gaze lingers on the slit, and I smile as I walk closer. When he looks back up at me and manages to open the back door, there’s a spark of admiration and a hint of vulnerability in his expression. His mouth parts slightly as if he’s about to speak but is momentarily lost for words before a slow, genuine smile spreads across his face, softening his features.
My heart skips a beat.
He looks good—reallygood.
His suit is a deep midnight blue. It has a subtle sheen that catches the light of the setting sun. The jacket is open and perfectly tailored, hugging his broad shoulders and tapering down to a narrow waist, with slim lapels edged in black satin. The trousers are slim-fit, with a slight break at the ankle to reveal polished black leather oxfords. Underneath, he’s wearing a crisp white dress shirt.
Instead of a traditional tie, the collar of his shirt is unbuttoned. His pocket square is a dark, intricate paisley pattern, matching the jacket’s lining. Finishing the look is a custom waistcoat in a textured black fabric with subtle embroidery.
My stomach flips over as I walk up to him. There’s a mix of awe and warmth in his expression, his gaze lingering on my lips for a second too long.
“Hi,” he says, gesturing for me to climb in.
“Hi,” I say breathlessly. He holds his hand out for me, and I take it—electricity zapping up my arm as I climb into the back seat.
Once he closes the door, I momentarily forget that Zoe and Liam are in the front seats.
“Oh my God,” she says, eyes widening. “You are so smitten?—”
The other back door opens, and she makes the lips-sealed motion before she turns to Liam, her husband.
His eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, and he winks once as if to say,your secret is safe with me.
My face flushes as Orion climbs into the other back seat, and I keep my eyes ahead as I buckle myself in.
“You’re a smokeshow, Lay. Isn’t she a smokeshow, Orion?” Zoe asks, stirring the pot as always.
I don’t look over at him, but I hear him mumble something in agreement before he turns away and faces out his window.
Zoe and Liam look great, too—Zoe in a strappy, bright red silk dress, and Liam in a black three-piece suit.
We all make small talk, and Zoe talks about the book she just finished up. She writes fantasy books, and her second book is releasing in a couple of months. I can’t wait to read it—she’s very talented. As one of her best friends, I get early reader priority.
