Page 86 of The Magic of Betrayal
After Khol left, I started getting ready for the party. I was in the large bathroom again, utilizing the massive walk in shower and Bram was using the smaller bathroom to get ready.
My mind felt like it was so full with everything I'd learned in such a short time. I had a father, one that I could get to know, if I wanted. He seemed to genuinely want to get to know me, and that made me happy. When I'd first met him, I was horrified. He was so... demanding, scary, and intimidating. I wanted to trust him, and knowing what I did of my mother, his story didn't surprise me much. But why did she leave him, and why did she hide me like that?
The words he'd spoken about the guys had given me some peace. I'd wanted to believe with all of my heart that our relationships hadn't been a lie. They were so intense with me, and I just couldn't see how someone could fake that. Even Sloane, I wanted to forgive him. After hearing about what Cam went through as a teenager, I couldn't act upset that Sloane wanted to get time off for them to look into everything. Not having closure on something so horrible had to take its toll.
I knew I needed to get back home sooner, rather than later. Who was running the shop? Were the guys even speaking at this point? What had happened after I was pulled out of that room? Cam must be losing his fucking mind... and while I was still pissed that they'd lied to me, I was trying really hard to put myself in their shoes. Plus, I had lied as well. Bryce's face flashed in my head, the way he'd threatened to kill them, and how I hadn't told any of them because I didn't want them to be harmed.
Of course, I probably would have said something if I'd known they were fucking killing machines. My gut twisted uncomfortably at that. Who exactly did they kill? Bad guys? Has to be bad guys or people who deserve it, because they did have a moral code.
A knock on the door cut off any further thoughts.
"Princess, I have a dress for you on the bed. I'll be in the kitchen, come find me when you're ready," Bram told me through the door.
"Okay, I'm almost done!" I called out in return and started putting on my make-up. Bram had everything I needed. Liquid black liner, red lipstick, foundation that matched my skin perfectly. Fucker had probably gone through my bathroom and looked at all my stuff, but I couldn't even bring myself to get upset about that because it was comforting to have some things from home.
I went with a smokey look on my eyes that made my green eyes look brighter than usual. Nerves fluttered in my belly when I thought about what might happen tonight at this party. I hadn't met the king yet in any official capacity, and from what little I’d seen of him, plus what Bram had told me, I wasn't really sure I wanted to meet him, but I had no choice.
After applying my lipstick, I made sure my robe was tied securely and I walked out of the bathroom, eyeing the garment bag that was draped over the mattress. I sucked in a breath as I pulled the zipper down and caught a glimpse of the black beading that shimmered in the light. As I removed the bag, I saw that the dress had a nude mesh bodice with long sleeves and the intricate black beading swirled in floral patterns that would make it look painted on. The black tulle skirt flared out at the waist and trailed down to the floor. This dress was gorgeous. By far, the nicest thing I’d ever worn in my life.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized it had a built in bra, because there was no way I was going to let the girls go unrestrained anywhere that I might have to dance. Weapons of mass destruction needed to be contained.
Bram had given me my own dresser, and I needed some panties, so I laid the dress down and went to grab a pair. I shook my head when I saw a pair sitting on top of the dresser with a note that said 'wear me'. The pair he'd chosen were sexy as hell, and red. The front was lace and the sides had three straps that wrapped around to the back which dipped into a thin piece of lace that would be lost between my cheeks. Blushing, I pulled them on and peered at myself in the mirror. Holy moon balls.I’m so taking these back home with me. My ass looks amazing.
I then worked on getting into the dress. It was lighter than I expected despite all of the beading and material. Hopefully, that means I won’t sweat to death and end up looking like a roasted chicken. Looking in the mirror, I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me. My horns were still on display and I found I kind of liked them, but my wings and tail were hidden, though the back of my dress dipped low, nearly to my tailbone, so if I wanted my wings out, they could be. Easily.
Smiling at myself, I just wished that my guys could see me dressed up like this. I wondered what their reactions would be and my heart ached at the thought.Just get through tonight and then I will work it out when I can get back home.
"By the moon, Goldie girl. You're stunning," Bram breathed and my eyes met his in the mirror as he approached. His hair was styled, the long red strands combed to the side, giving him a classy look that somewhat didn't fit with what I knew of him, and he was wearing a tux. My mouth dried up as I turned and blatantly checked him out.Damn.
He smirked because he knew exactly what I was doing and he knew he looked like a ginger god.
"Do you need help zipping that dress up, princess?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.
I didn't. I could've used my magic to zip it, but I turned and gave my back to him. There wasn't much to zip since the back was so low, but when he sucked in a sharp breath I knew he'd seen the panties he'd picked out, his eyes flicking to mine in the mirror.
"I knew those would be perfect," he whispered, his breath spread over the side of my throat and goosebumps erupted over my skin. Once the zipper was up, he trailed his fingers up my spine, our eyes locked together.
Leaning closer, his lips pressed against my neck and I sighed. We hadn't kissed since that one time in the pool, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it. A lot.
One of his hands pressed against my stomach, moving up over my chest and wrapping around my throat. He looked massive behind me, like he could protect me from any enemy, and I found that I really liked that.
Turning my face toward his, he didn't hesitate to press his lips to mine. He swallowed a soft moan that escaped me and kissed me so thoroughly, I knew I'd need to reapply my lipstick over my now swollen lips. I liked the idea of walking in there and everyone knowing that he'd already put his mark on me.
"It's time to go, princess." He smiled against my mouth.
I nodded and reluctantly looked to the mirror once more to check my make-up. The red of my lipstick was smeared and a good portion of it was on Bram's mouth. Chuckling, I walked to the bathroom and cleaned up my face and reapplied. Bram followed me into the bathroom, waiting patiently for me to hand him a make-up removing wipe.
"Part of me wants to leave this on so every fucker in attendance knows that I'm the one you've been kissing," he admitted and I shook my head.
"I don't think your father would appreciate it, and I don't want to piss him off tonight. Let's go before we're late."
Bram wiped his face quickly and tugged me back out to the sitting area, urging me to sit down on the chair. "Be right back," he told me and disappeared for about five seconds before popping up again, kneeling at my feet.
"Shoes, princess," he smirked, reaching under the skirt for my foot.
"Those are beautiful, Bram."
And they were. Nude heels that had the same beading and stitching as the bodice of my gown. Thankfully, they weren't too high so I wouldn't make a fool of myself.
