Page 47 of Sweet Addiction
I recognize it as soon as she holds it between us.
“An invitation to the Black & White Ball.” I crack my neck, knowing my time has come. You don’t grow up a part of the Kingston family, even if your last name is Beneventi, without knowing the rules. Dad’s family may err on the less social, less legal side of things. But Mom’s might as well be Philadelphia royalty. They own two professional sports teams and run a multi-billion-dollar empire. And every single one of us knows what comes with that price. We’re all expected to jump in and support it when we’re asked. The Black & White Ball is one of the many ways my family supports their charitable foundation. And we were just summoned.
Fucking. Fantastic.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for the two of you to come out in society.” Livvy smiles triumphantly, like she just single-handedly cured cancer instead of telling me we’re going to a dog and pony show—where I’m the dog and Dillan is the pony—in the most dramatic way imaginable.
“Come out?” Dillan asks. “I don’t think we were ever in.”
“No one knew you were dating for months. That’s about as in as it gets in this town. I’m impressed. If I’d have wanted Rome to keep a low profile, he’d never have managed to do that good of a job.”
Something sparks in Dillan’s eyes, and she hands me the envelope and smiles a perfectly fake smile. “Well he did a prettygood job of it, considering no one, not even my parents or his, knew we were seeing each other.”
Nodding, Liv purses her lips. “True. But the time for low-key and quiet is over. If you both want to keep Rome’s career on track and the focus on his upcoming fight instead of any kind of potential scandal, I need the attention on your new relationship. Be wholesome. Be real. Be seen. Please. Make my job easier for a change and go out to a dinner or two. Be photographed on the white carpet at the ball. Be the doting girlfriend while he trains and fights. Have his back this time. I’m sure at some point, you’ll want him to have yours.”
The way Liv looks at me, I get the impression she’s not completely sold on our relationship. Dillan must see it too. She leans her head against my chest, and I drop a kiss on the top of her head, not caring that her hair is damp from sweating it out for an hour during hot yoga.
“Yes. That.” Livvy points between us. “That’s exactly what I want to see. It shouldn’t be hard. Just give the world you.”
Before I can argue, she’s looking at her phone again. “Shit. I’ve got to go.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. “Love you. Be smart. Be safe. And for fuck’s sake, Rome, just this once, be seen. Please.” Before I have time to process her words, she looks at Dillan. “It was good to see you again, Dillan.”
“You too,” Dillan offers, but Liv has already turned away as she heads out of Crucible.
“You ready to go home?” I ask, ready to get the hell out of here.
“Yes, please.”
Dillan
Dillan
Are either of you going to the Black & White Ball?
Lilah
Nope. Thankfully, pregnancy is an acceptable excuse to miss it this year.
Lexie
I think we’re going. Why? Are you going?
Dillan
Pretty sure we weren’t given a choice.
Okay. I never thought there’d be any kind ofweregarding Rome and me. Fake or not, it’s still weird as hell.
Dillan
What am I supposed to wear?
Lilah
It’s a ball, Dillan.
Dillan
Like gown and tux ball?
