It’s a pale pink halter neck, with a crisscross lace over across the chest and falls low on my back, practically to my hips. It has an ankle length chiffon skirt, and a knee length slit up one leg.
I’ve got my bracelet from the girls and my two necklaces on under my dress. I finish the outfit off with a pair of silver sandals with ribbons that wrap up along my lower leg and end just below my knees.
I can’t help but look at my back and wince at the bright red and blistered skin, sod it, I'm not going to let it spoil the night. Besides, I have a surprise for Bella that will either make her night or blow up in my face. So, excitement all around.
I leave the bathroom and am immediately seated so Roxie can get to work on my makeup and Bella is on hair duty. I can do it myself, but it is nice to be pampered every now and then. And when they finish, I barely recognise myself.
My makeup is soft and light with no black eyeliner to be found, and my hair is up in a fancy twisted bun with a braid wrapping around i A couple of loose curls frame my face.
“You look stunning,” says Roxie before rushing into the bathroom so she too can get ready.
By the time we’re all done Leah is in a form fitted, knee length cocktail dress made from satin and lace, she has a figure to die for and the dress really accentuates that fact.
Bella is in a wavy, floor length cream skirt that starts at her waist, with a red off the shoulder crop top. She’s wearing a pair of gladiator sandals and she is a sight for sore eyes, I really hope my surprise is well received, I’m starting to feel really nervous now.
Roxie is unsurprisingly in a black mid-thigh dress, with chains semi circling one hip and leather straps crossing up and around her chest, over her shoulders and falling to circle her hips. She also has on a pair of black faux biker boots, covered in studs and chains.
Mikaela hasn’t dressed up like we have, she’s wearing a deep blue, halter neck top and a pair of black trousers but it suits her perfectly and she still looks elegant.
I glance at the clock and there’s only seconds to spare before the door goes and I grab Bella and hide us behind the bathroom wall.
“What are you doing you crazy woman,” laughs Roxie as she opens the door and I can hear her giggling.
“Only Declan can make Roxie giggle like that,” Bella says wistfully, and my nerves are getting more and more intense.
“Where is she?” I hear Noah and Elijah say.
“Were we supposed to go to her room?”
My heart stutter stops at the sound of Amias’ voice, I didn’t think he was coming.
I don’t think as I step out into the room, my eyes filling with tears that I do not want to fall.
“You’re here.”
“Of course I am little cub, you can’t go to the party without your dates now can you? Damn Henleigh you look breathtaking,” he says as I step close enough to wrap my arms around his neck.
“What about us,” Elijah asks, and he soon pulls me away from Amias until I’m wrapped up in his scent.
“You really are beautiful Hen, and not just on the outside.” He drops a kiss on the side of my mouth and I’m pretty much swooning.
Noah isn’t as touchy feely, but he does hold my hand and place a chaste kiss on my cheek as he reverts to his usual habit of drawing circles on me.
“Did he come?” I ask and I see Bella go pale as Matti stands in the doorway and awkwardly knocks on the frame.
“Henleigh,” she says before running into the bathroom.
“Oh bugger, one minute,” I say before pushing my way into the bathroom and finding her sitting on the toilet with her face in her hands.
“Bella I’m sorry, I just wanted to help.”
“This isn’t helping, it’s you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. It’s humiliating Leigh,” she won’t even look at me as she says this.
“You’re right that I shouldn’t have interfered, but you’re wrong if you think he’s only here because of me. You two are as helpless as each other, he’s ridiculously awkward and shy. And although I find it endearing it wasn’t going to help either of you. So, hide in here if you want to, but you need to know that he’s here because he wants to go with you. This has nothing to do with me.” I give her a long look, but she doesn’t lift her head out of her hands and I leave feeling like a massive piece of shit.
“You did a good thing, she’ll see that eventually,” Roxie says, but she doesn’t sound like she really believes it.
We all leave, except Bella and Mattias and I’m reminded once more of how much easier it is when you don’t have people to care about. Not that I want that kind of life again.
Sixteen
The building has been decked out with a photographer and a beach scene backdrop, there’s plenty of drinks and buffet type food and the music is eclectic.
There’s the typical party music like the Macarena, Time Hop and the Cha Cha Slide. There’s also hip hop, rock and some lovey-dovey stuff. Pretty much, there is something for everyone.
“What do you want to do first Hen?” Elijah asks, putting his arm around my waist.
“Food, drink and dancing. In that order,” I reply with a smile and we find two tables and put them together, so we don’t have to split up the group.
Noah claims one seat beside me, and Elijah quickly grabs the other, I’m nervous that Amias might get in an arsey mood but other than a scowl he seems okay.
It’s fun, we eat and drink and chat with Roxie and Declan. The other Shepherds keep glaring at us, but with Britney gone no one cares that these two are together. Elijah keeps asking for the first dance and Amias is starting to grind his teeth.
“Would you like to dance my warrior?” I ask as I stand up and hold my hand out to him. He smiles and stands up taking my hand as I lead him out to the dance floor.
The music is fast when we get to the middle and I’m shaking my hips and throwing my hands in the air, my heart races as he puts his hands on my waist and I turn around to face him.
He’s looking at me as though he’s starving and I’m the only thing that can satisfy him, a dangerous thought but it still excites me. Suddenly the music is changing into something softer, Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran starts playing. He pulls me up against him and I wrap my arms around his waist, as he puts one hand to the back of my neck and the other on my lower back.
“I’m glad you came tonight.”
“Me too, this doesn’t mean that I’m suddenly okay with sharing you. But I didn't want to miss out just because I’m a jealous arse.” He lowers his head so it’s leaning atop mine, and I push the side of my face to his chest.
“I don’t even know if I’m okay with being shared, I just don’t want to lose you, any of you.” My voice is low but I know he can hear me, I’m glad they’re all here but it doesn’t chase away my very real fears of losing them. All of them.
We stay there swaying, as the song changes again and even though it’s more upbeat we stay the same. That is, until Elijah comes sauntering over and asks for the next dance.
I don’t want to say no, but I don’t want to upset Amias either.
“It’s okay, you dance with the buffoon, I’m going to get a drink.” He drops a kiss on my head before walking away.