-HARDY-
Theodore arrived at the imposing castle that stood proudly in the heart of the city. A Hefty castle constructed for hosting extravagant gatherings, where affluent gentlemen seek secretive hits with married women.
As we stepped out of the car, I couldn’t help but notice Joanne’s awe-struck expression as she gazed at the outstanding castle.
She was filled with awe and delight as her gaze remained fixated on the diamond stones adorning the walls of the building.
I made a conscious effort to avoid glancing at her chest, but my effort faltered.
I couldn’t help but notice how the black dress amplified around her chest, revealing a subtle hint of shiny cleavage that perfectly reflected the shimmering diamond necklace featuring her neck.
Damn it!
I shouldn’t be noticing little kinky things about her.
After that terrible mistake that night, I didn’t believe I’d be able to look in the mirror again.
It was not a mistake. I was completely aware of what I was going to do. And that was the height of my rage.
I was acting like a jealous jerk.
And I’d fucked Joanne and myself up. Saying foolish stuff and being far too casual with her.
Despite loving what I had that night. I was more upset with myself for being so aware and desiring her so badly even after that.
Joanne was an obnoxious rebel. And her rebellion had excited me too much that night.
Damn it!.
The party hosted by Trevor Jones was an excellent opportunity for me to leave the house and remove myself from the dark clouds. That’s why when his awful invitation arrived at that exact moment. I took a swipe at it.
Because the more I stayed in that mansion, the more I imagined myself spreading Joanne’s legs apart and tucking her under the blankets.
That night had likewise been a little fuzzy for me, even though I had enjoyed much of what I could remember. I felt guilty for having slept with her while I was intoxicated. I was even more ashamed of myself for imagining how it might feel to try it while sobered up.
What was wrong with me?
Joanne should be nothing to me. I shouldn’t even think about her getting under my sheets.
Joanne shivered a bit under the night sky in her open dress.
She immediately turned back to the car and to Theo and her voice as she spoke indicated that the chilly air had indeed inflicted her throat.
“Can you help with my fur jacket?” Joanne asked, ducking her head to match the car’s window height.
Theodore gave her the small, puffy brown jacket with care, without saying anything.
I saw their hands grazing against each other from the corner of my eye.
They exchanged a knowing glance, but it ended when Joanne quickly put on her jacket.
Joanne followed me right away as I started to move in the direction of the grand entrance.
–
We got to the entrance and thousands of bodyguards stood at the entrance, all wearing tedious uniforms that made them look funny.
Other guests were arriving and because “supposedly” I was to be engaged to Joanne. So I waited for her slow pace.
When she caught up to me, I poked out my elbow and waited for her to take a hint.
She gawked at me for a few minutes before breathing out an “oh” and slowly slipping her hand under mine.
Our hands linked and we both walked into the castle.
I didn’t know the hell was wrong with me, but I knew there was something really ominous and dangerous going on with me when my eyes darted to Joanne immediately we stepped in.
Her jacket was immediately taken from her as inside the place was warm and Joanne beamed at the man who offered it.
Her reaction remained amazed as expected- But why the fuck would I expect from her?
A sense of wonder filled her gaze as she beheld the Castle, its bright light captivating her like she was seeing a celestial being descending from the heavens.
She was captivated by the place and it was evident to anyone who saw her. Considering her background, it’s understandable people from her social status would have varying reactions when appearing in such settings.
I allowed her a brief moment to appreciate the surroundings before gently pulling on her arms, our elbows intertwined.
She quickly understood my gesture and let out a small gasp.
“Shit!” She whisper-cursed. “I’m sorry”
I didn’t say anything and just let out a reluctant nod.
The party was scanty and few familiar faces rendered the place as they walked around bashfully, saying hello around the place.
I left the mansions and came to this party in order to decompress.
Abruptly, though, I considered jumping back into the car and returning to the mansion.
Parties were something I detested.
“Couple of the day.” A familiar masculine voice called from behind, and Joanne immediately turned before me.
Behind us, was Trevor Jones, looking smug in his white Tuxedo and blue bus-boy tie.
“Hi…” joanne let out, friendly.
Trevor immediately threw Joanne a quick gaze. I caught his eyes sweeping across her legs until it moved up to make another fast gaze at her cleavage.
Fuckin bastard.
Now coming to think about it. I carefully started to wonder, why in the world would he send Joanne her own private invitation.
He barely knew Joanne. And I know Trevor to be careful with things like this.
One invitation to me would have landed both me and Joanne here.
It felt a bit suspicious.
“Hi” He replied gently and turned to me.
“Thank you both for coming” He said, sounding a bit too whimsy.
“Yeah sure,” I nodded.
He scoffed at me.
“Hardy try to loosen up a bit. It’s a private party, there will be no pictures, I just had someone tackle a paparazzo outside and, oh I made sure to uninvite everyone you don’t like”
I made an effort to remain composed in the face of his impudence. However, Joanne couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at his remark.
I caught a glimpse of her, but she quickly averted her gaze.
There was absolutely nothing funny about Trevor ‘s personality.
I didn’t have a deep connection with him, perhaps he saw us as friends, but I view him as someone I simply collaborated with in the past. Well, I must admit that I had some knowledge about him, although I can assure it he was far from being funny.
“Anyways I hope you both look forward to the dinner and the auction. I’ll be back. I need to welcome some people first” Trevor beamed beckoning for a waiter holding a drink to come forward.
“Would you like drinks?” He asked, his eyes sweeping from me to Joanne.
“No thank you,” Joanne said.
“No” I added and the waiter was immediately shooed.
“Okay. Well help yourself out with pastries or beef then” Trevor hands stretched to the far end of the room where tables and sugary foods were sitting.
Joanne nodded enthusiastically.
Trevor left us after flashing Joanne a grin and a look I couldn’t quite decipher.
The hell was wrong with him?
I felt Joanne’s eyes on me and I turned my head sideways to look down at her.
“What?” I asked, trying so hard to keep an almost quiet tone.
It was sickening to act like this perfect fiancé In public.
But whoever my watcher was, I needed him or her to believe I was actually in love with Joanne.
Joanne glanced behind me before making her eyes fall back on mine.
“I want to try some pastries,” She said.
You’ve got to be fuckin kidding me.
I didn’t hesitate and immediately initiated the walk to the end of the table.
Every sugary food on the table caught Joanne’s attention, her eyes fixated on the tempting treats. It was obvious her mouth was watering on the inside, her glossy lips betraying her desire.
I made a conscious effort to avoid staring at her lips, as memories of that night would relentlessly remind me of how incredibly soft and irresistible they felt.
With soft precision, she delicately grasped a tiny cupcake adorned with carrot toppings, deftly releasing her hand from mine to maintain a firm grip on the delectable treat.
Strangely enough, I instantly felt a sense of displacement without her hand firmly clasped in mine.
Before the cake reached her mouth, I cleared my throat which diverted her attention to me.
“Be careful how much you eat,” I began. “You wouldn’t want what happened this morning to repeat itself”
I didn’t know why I was pointing it out. But it would ruin the night if she ended up puking again.
“That was a morning sickness thing.” She rolled her eyes.
“You can never be too careful,” I added.
“Right. And wait I thought you didn’t care, why are you acting differently now?” She scoffed, angrily dropping the cake and clutching tighter on her purse which was in her other hand.
“Stop being a child. What did you want from me? A rub in your back while you puked?” I scoffed.
“I shouldn’t expect it from you though, you’re not Human” she shook her head.
Always talking back at me.
She doesn’t know her place!
I wanted to speak, but then I started to notice heavy owlet eyes on us that immediately started to darken us out.
Tiny whispers, roaming the place as they stole side glances from us.
Shit!
Such nosy invitees.
I suddenly pulled Joanne into a kiss.
_