He and I have taken Belle out four different times now and each time, he weasels his way into my heart a little farther. He makes it easy to forget the way he treated me when we first met or the secrets he’s still keeping.
Watching Kingston with Belle is truly a thing of beauty. He’s so sweet to her and she absolutely adores him. Kingston finally admitted that he pays Jerome for our weekly visits. While I’m annoyed at Belle’s dad for being such a selfish ass, I’m thankful Kingston thought of it. Kingston says there’s not much money can’t buy and I’m beginning to see the truth in that.
“Holy shit, chica, you look fucking hot!” Ainsley wiggles her eyebrows for effect. “My brother and Bentley are going to have major boners all night.”
I shake my head. “Thanks... I think.”
I take in my reflection and smile. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect dress. The satin bodice has a heart-shaped neckline with spaghetti straps and a lace overlay. The chiffon skirt is flirty and flouncy, hitting me about mid-thigh. The eggplant color complements my bronzed skin beautifully and the gold sparkly sandals I’m wearing completes the look. Ainsley styled my hair in a half updo with the long pieces curled down my back. She topped it off with the smoky eye, pink lip makeup combo, giving the whole thing a sultry, but classy vibe.
I mimic her eyebrow movements. “You’re looking pretty fine yourself, lady.”
Ainsley’s dress is similar in style to mine but hers is bright red and backless. Reed is going to be speechless. She looks absolutely stunning.
She loops her arm through my elbow. “We should ditch the guys and just go together. We’d make a hot couple. I’d totally bang you. You know, if I was into chicks.”
I laugh. “Ditto.”
A quick knock sounds on her bedroom door before it opens. “Ains, the limo’s here. You re—”
Kingston stands in the doorway, swallowing hard as his eyes travel the length of my body. Mine do the same to him. Twice. Goddamn, he looks good in a well fitted suit. Like, unfairly so. I don’t miss the fact that his tie happens to match my dress. He hasn’t seen it before now, so Ainsley must’ve told him what color to wear.
“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath.
My brows crinkle. “Is that a good ‘fuck’ or a bad ‘fuck’?”
“I’m fairly certain there’s no such thing as a bad fuck where you’re concerned, Jazz.” Kingston’s eyes darken as he rubs a hand over his jaw. “Care to test out my theory?”
Shit. It’s been weeks since he’s touched me sexually and my lady bits are pretty salty about that. There’s only so many times I can give myself a mediocre orgasm before it’s just not worth the effort. If Kingston didn’t look like he wanted to devour me at all times, I’d be concerned he’s lost interest. That’s clearly not the case but part of me wonders why he hasn’t even attempted to touch me since that night in Reed’s bathroom. Granted, we haven’t been alone often but there’s definitely been opportunity. I almost made a move several times but then I wondered if he was getting it from someone else. Maybe he’s not touching me because someone else is keeping him satisfied. I can’t lie to myself anymore and say the thought of that doesn’t bother me.
“God, you guys, get a room and just get it over with. I can’t handle being around the world’s longest eye fuck anymore.”
Kingston ignores his sister, crossing the room until he’s standing right before me. Leaning into my ear, he says, “You look fucking incredible in this dress but fair warning: I plan on ripping it off your body as soon as possible.”
I’d like to say his words don’t affect me, but sadly, I cannot. I’m pretty sure I whimper as chills scatter down my spine.
“You wish.” My words come out breathy.
Kingston pulls back, lips curling in amusement. “Don’t pretend I’m the only one, princess.”
“Ugh!” Ainsley whines. “Seriously, guys. Gross. I don’t need to witness your foreplay.”
He crosses the room again, stopping just outside the doorway. “Get a move on. The guys are downstairs and the limo’s waiting out front.”
It takes me a few seconds to gather my wits before I’m following him and Ainsley down the curved staircase. When we reach the ground level, Bentley and Reed are standing there smiling, looking sexier than ever. Reed only has eyes for Ainsley, but Bentley makes no effort to conceal the fact that he’s drinking me in real slowly.
Bentley whistles. “Damn, baby girl. You look good.”
He’s also wearing a dark suit and looks just as delicious as Kingston in his. I bite my lip when Kingston stands next to Bentley, and now I have both of their gazes drilling into me. Dear Lord, the pheromones, or whatever they’re giving off, are potent.
Ainsley slips her hand through Reed’s crooked elbow as I join Kingston and Bentley.
I finger the lapel to Bentley’s suit jacket. “Looking pretty dapper there, Bent. You clean up well.”
He bends his elbow, but Kingston pulls me back before I can take Bentley’s proffered arm.
“Hey!” I gripe.
Bentley laughs and holds his palms out in the universal sign for chill the fuck out, dude.
Kingston leans into my ear and growls, “Don’t fucking test me right now. I’m already having a hard enough time knowing every asshole at that dance will be checking you out.”
I roll my eyes. “Stop being such a damn alphahole.”
Kingston runs the bridge of his nose up my neck, making my breath hitch. “Stop being so fucking stubborn and just do what I say.”
Well, now I want to do the exact opposite. You’d think he’d know by now how little I appreciate being bossed around.
I push off of Kingston and grab Bentley’s arm. “C’mon, handsome. Let’s get to that dance so you can spin me around the floor a few times.”
Bentley’s smile takes over his face. “Anything you say, baby girl.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
JAZZ
The homecoming dance is being held at a fancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Bentley and I walk into the ballroom arm-in-arm, much to Kingston’s annoyance. Screw him. If he wants to sulk like a child, I’m not going to let him ruin my night. It’s not only my birthday but this is also my first high school dance and now that I’m here, I plan on making the most of it.
My old school didn’t have money for things like this. There was no homecoming dance and prom wasn’t a big event because not many people had enough money to buy formal wear. It would’ve never been held in a five-star hotel like this. Hell, they barely had enough funding to decorate the school’s outdated gym. Spending the evening in a room that smelled like sweaty feet while dressed in clothing you couldn’t afford wasn’t all that appealing.
My eyes widen as I take in the space. The lighting is low with fairy lights on every available surface, glinting off the chandeliers up above. A large dance floor is surrounded by round tables adorned with white tablecloths and tall floral centerpieces. Along the side wall, there’re refreshments, and the back wall has a stage and DJ booth. It’s really pretty; the whole place has sort of an ethereal glow to it.