by Ivy Clyde
I kept glancing around me, taking in the splendor of the grand hotel while Clara gave our orders to the waiter. Just as I was turning back to her, my gaze fell on someone who was staring right back at me.
My mood deflated at the sight of Brianna Dumas sitting at a nearby a table with another woman.
Her sneer at spotting me changed as soon as her eyes fell on Clara. Surprise flitted through her dark gaze when she looked back at me. She leaned in to whisper to the woman sitting opposite to her before standing up and walking up to our table.
“Hello, Mrs. Davenport,” said Brianna, reaching our table. She wore a dark crimson bodycon dress with long, fitted sleeves. The length of her sleek, black hair was combed away from her face.
Clara looked like she was trying to figure out who’d addressed her.
“It’s me, Brianna,” she said, pointing at herself. “Remember we met at the Waldorf Center for Arts?”
“Oh, yes,” said Clara, still staying polite despite her expression showing the confusion she felt.
“I am in the same year as Liam,” Brianna added.
“Oh.”
“Well, I just wanted to reintroduce myself,” said Brianna. “I hope you don’t mind.” She let her gaze move around our table. “Isn’t Liam with you?”
“No. He’s away with his friend at the moment,” said Clara. “I am here with Paris,” she said, motioning towards me. “I am sure you know her too. She just joined the same grade as you and Liam.”
“Yes. I’ve seen her around,” said Brianna, casting her glance at me. “How do you know each other? Of course, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“She’s just like my daughter,” said Clara, beaming at me.
Brianna’s stunned face made me want to hug Clara at that moment.
“I-I see,” stammered Brianna. Taking a deep breath, she rearranged her expression. “When will Liam come back? I miss him already.”
“Oh? He’ll be back for our annual Christmas party next week.”
“I’d love to see him, then.”
“I guess you could come. It’s on the evening of the twentieth.”
“Thanks so much for the invitation, Mrs. Davenport,” said Brianna, her black eyes gleaming. “Well, have a merry Christmas. I’ll see you at the party.”
“Same to you.”
Clara leaned forward and motioned for me to get closer. “Does Liam like her?”
“I’m not sure,” I whispered back.
“Well, I don’t like her,” hissed Clara under her breath. “The girl can put up an act. Liam better not be into her.”
“You saw through it?”
“Of course. Who wouldn’t? Her mother’s the same.”
I laughed out. “You are full of surprises.”
She grinned and tapped the corner of her forehead. “I can see through most people. And that girl is pure trouble and jealousy. I didn’t like the way she was looking at you either.”
“Yeah. She hates me.”
Without mentioning Liam, I told her about the instances she bullied me with Gianna and Holly.
“Now I feel bad for inviting her to our party,” said Clara.
“It’s fine. She won’t dare do anything with other people watching. She has an image to keep up.”
Clara shook her head.
Our table was soon filled with dishes. The food looked so good and elegant, it made me forget all about Brianna. When I looked back to her table again, she was gone.
29
Paris
The past week went slowly with me studying for next term. Without much to do around the house, I’d decided to read as well as research universities. There were still a few months left for early application deadlines but I wanted to make sure I made notes on all the places that interested me and could provide me a full scholarship.
Liam arrived with Gabrielle on the day before the Christmas party. I was so happy to see them, I ran out into the foyer to greet them, hugging Gabrielle tightly before letting go. Liam looked at me coolly, walking past us towards his mother. I wanted to give him a hug too but the moment passed and I was left to stand awkwardly with Gabrielle’s arm around my waist.
I began looking forward to the party the next day. The house staff had finished decorating the house for Christmas a few days ago and every corner looked like a scene from a cozy Christmas card. The tree was a magnificent fir, placed in the center of the main parlor room. The maids let me help them decorate it. We sang carols as we added silver ornaments to the branches. Our handiwork turned out to be breathtakingly beautiful.
Clara bought me beautiful dresses from the luxury boutique in New York City. With the kind of money she possessed, it felt like nothing to her but the total prices on them would have equaled a modest apartment’s rent in Philly. She was determined to make sure I shined at the party and took away all attention from Brianna Dumas. Happiness swelled inside me to have her support.
Brianna made life so wretched at the academy that at times it felt like a curse to be there. However, she would finally realize that Liam was using her to get back at me. She was the pawn he’d set against me to get me out of school. Hopefully, it would bring her a level or two from her throne in the sky.
A knock sounded at the door.
Getting to my feet, I rushed to open the door. Gabrielle stood at the threshold with a mischievous grin on his lips. Wearing casual jeans and a white shirt that stretched over his broad chest, he looked something out of a fashion magazine. His sea-green eyes dropped to my lips and then back up to meet my gaze.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
“Sure,” I said, stepping away.
He entered my room, looking around the space before turning back to me.
“Your room is so much bigger than the cabin you live in,” he commented.
“I like my cabin more,” I said, going to sit at the edge of my bed. “How was Bali?”
“Bali was so warm. I should have taken you with us. Not a speck of snow anywhere. The skies were blue and the trees green. It was summer all over again.”
I chuckled. “Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves but I’d never give up on Christmas.”
“Do you have a present for me, Paris?”
I nodded.
He walked forward and sat next to me on the bed. “Then, I’ll thank you for it now,” he said, hooking his finger under my chin. Drawing closer, he pressed his lips to mine. After the initial shock, I felt my body lean against his. Gabrielle’s hand rested at my waist as he coaxed me to open my mouth to him.
My mind screamed at me. What was I doing kissing Gabrielle when I liked Nik’s touch already?
A sharp nip on my plump lower lip made me gasp out. Gabrielle took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside my mouth, languidly swirling it around mine with such patience and sweetness that I forgot all about the argument in my head. Pressing myself against his hard body, I dipped my head backward, so he could have full access to me.
My body throbbed in response to his heated touches and warm lips. I breathed in the fragrance of his spicy masculinity, reminding me of Mediterranean skies and cerulean oceans. He tasted of fine wine and summer berries and soon I was lost to him completely.
A loud crash nearby jerked me out of the moment.
Separating from Gabrielle, I looked all around me until I found a smashed water jug on the floor with Liam standing next to it, looking thoroughly annoyed.
“Did you do that?” I asked.
“It got knocked off. Sorry,” he added, not at all looking sorry or apologetic for ruining my moment with Gabrielle. My cheeks burned as he laid an accusatory stare at me. Instead of saying anything to me, he turned his attention on Gabrielle. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Gabrielle was unfazed. He lay back on my bed, his long legs dangling by the edge. “I wanted to be with Paris.”
“She’s mine, you know,” he said through gritted teeth. “You can’t just come in here and kiss her.”
“But I wanted t
o kiss her.”
“Well, you can’t.”
“Just kiss her if you want to do it so badly. Stop snapping at me.”
I stared at Gabrielle. Did he just tell Liam to kiss me too? My gaze went to Liam who looked struck. There was only a fleeting moment of hesitation before he strode forward and bent down to my level. His hand moved to the back of my neck before pulling me close for a kiss.
Liam didn’t bother to be gentle as he plunged his tongue through my lips. Delicious shivers ran through me as he deepened the kiss, engaging me to kiss him back and explore his taste and smell. Heat coursed through my veins, making my body thrum with pleasure.
Warmth spread through my back as I realized Gabrielle was sitting up behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist as he began trailing kisses down the side of my neck.
I moaned, pressing my thighs together as my core throbbed in response to both their kisses and touches. Hands moved over breasts, squeezing and kneading while another pair lay splayed over my stomach. Lost in so much heat, I couldn’t focus on who was touching me where. Fire raged through my veins, drowning me in flames of lust.
Whimpers and moans escaped me. A part of me even felt scared at the way my body was reacting. I wanted to stop what was happening, take a moment to decide whether what was happening was right but my body and mind seemed completely out of control.
It was only when Liam and Gabrielle chose to move away that I was able to open my eyes. Blinking against the dimmed lights of my bedroom, I looked up at the two young men before me. Their eyes were lit with lust and possessiveness.
“She is ours now,” said Liam in a low voice. “Don’t dare to try getting more than your portion.”
“I wouldn’t make a promise on that,” said Gabrielle with a chuckle. He gazed down at my stunned reaction. His eyes softened. “You clearly like us both, Paris. Own up to the truth.”
“I don’t understand.” I gave my head a little shake in an attempt to clear it. “How can I like both of you at the same time?”
“Just like Gabe and I like you at the same time.”
“Wouldn’t it be cheating?” I whispered, my eyes wide with uncertainty.
“It’s cheating only when you do something behind our backs,” said Gabrielle. “When you are with us, you don’t have to worry about that at all.”
“Gabe and I have stayed best friends because we could always share our toys. Even when it comes to you, we’ll simply share you.” Liam turned his attention back on Gabrielle. “Should we head out for a run now? I need to cool down.”
“Sure. See you around, Paris.”
They left my room together, leaving me a tangled mess of emotions and confusing thoughts. My body still thrummed with tiny jolts of pleasure even after they’d both left. The memory of Nik’s fingers inside me brought another wave of uncertainty inside me. Both Liam and Gabrielle seemed open to the idea of me liking them both. How would they react if I told them I liked a third person? Would they be as open about me being with Nik?
“This is so messed up,” I groaned, covering my face in my hands and falling flat on the bed.
Next evening, I sent a string of snaps to Zoya. Clara helped me choose the dress on our trip to New York. It was a simple but elegantly-cut crimson gown that hugged my curves intimately. The color and fabric were a gorgeous shade and screamed Christmas. I’d added a fresh coat of dye to my hair, making the indigo turn a deeper hue. For the occasion, I twisted the long lengths of my hair into a French roll updo. The golden trinket bracelet on my wrist was the only accessory I used.
You’re looking fab, girl! Zoya’s excited text flashed up on my phone.
I showed Mom and now she is crying!
Soft chuckles escaped me, wondering how I’d come from wearing street-side fashion to this elegant gown. Part of it was wearing the clothes Clara bought me daily since the day I stepped in her home. The fire that burned my old life away seemed to have burned away my affinity to jeans and t-shirts too. I was getting used to the soft fabrics and demure cuts of my dresses.
I was about to close my phone when an image file sent by Zoya flashed on the screen. Tapping on it, I opened it. It was Nik’s photo. He looked surprised, his icy-silvery eyes widened as Zoya caught him unaware before clicking the snap.
Even he likes your new dress, Zoya texted. He came over to see your photo when I was showing Mom.
I wondered how he would react if he knew how intimate I’d been with both Liam and Gabrielle at the same time. My face heated up and I threw the phone on my bed like it’d just bitten me. How would I ever choose between all of them? The dilemma was worse than any Physics problem Dr. Lincoln could have sprung on us.
Taking a deep breath, I put on a pair of black-strapped stilettos and walked out of my room, hoping I wouldn’t disappoint Clara when it came to putting up a strong front before Brianna. Tonight, she was going to be in my territory. This was a home where people loved and cared for me. She better not come here with trouble in mind.
My thoughts surprised me. Somehow, Clara had succeeded in making me feel like a greater queen than Brianna in her home. Gratitude washed over me as I headed into the front halls of the house where the guests would be gathering.
Liam and Gabrielle were nowhere to be seen yet but I caught sight of Grandpa Peter talking to both Charles and Clara. They were in deep conversation. Peter looked grim, his bushy gray eyebrows contracted together while Clara and Charles looked uncomfortable.
“Try these cheesy canapés,” a voice said beside me. It was Mary with a tray of pretty tartlets.
“Thanks,” I said, taking one.
“Enjoy yourself. We’ve prepared lots of tasty stuff for the party.”
I nodded, looking around at the richly-dressed people who’d gathered for the party. Flutes of champagne and red punch were being served everywhere. I suspected most people to already be drunk because they were laughing and talking loudly. Not wanting to disturb the conversation between Peter, Charles, and Clara, I turned into another hallway.
Among the guests, I easily spotted Liam. Brianna stood near him, in a gown of blue satin. Her hair was twisted into a high bun and pinned with a diamond-studded clip. She looked pretty but the usual conniving expression on her face ruined her loveliness.
“There you are,” said a familiar voice as a heavy arm draped around my shoulder. I turned to the side to look up at Gabrielle’s handsome face. He was in a well-fitted black tux tonight with his dark locks combed backward. I blinked, taking in how much he looked like a young model for Armani.
“You look amazing,” I whispered.
He chuckled softly at the dazed look on my face. “Thanks, Paris. You clean up good too.”
I smiled, glancing away to look at Liam and Brianna.
“Who invited her?” he asked.
“She invited herself,” I said with a sigh.
“Don’t let her ruin your mood. She will keep sticking to Liam all evening but that makes it easy for me to monopolize you.”
I sniggered, lightly hitting him in the chest. He caught my wrist and brought up my hand to kiss the palm. A delicious shiver ran through me at the touch. I was happy to be with Gabrielle but it irked me to see Brianna with Liam. Let’s not be so greedy, I told myself as Gabrielle wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him.
“I can already see you want him too,” said Gabrielle. There was a strange glint to his sea-green eyes as he stared down at me.
“Does it make you mad?” I asked in a small voice.
“No. I prefer you date us both before making up your mind.”
“At the same time?”
He nodded with a grin. “Life’s too short, sweetheart.” He moved a strand of hair away from my face and leaned in to press a kiss to the side of my neck.
“Ooh!” I jumped, looking all around me. “Don’t do that here!”
“Everyone’s too drunk to notice anyway,” he said, leaning down to smother my face with feathery kisses. Warmth rose up in my
cheeks and my head swam with pleasure, making me forget about Liam and Brianna momentarily.
“You’re a sneaky bastard,” said a cold voice.
Liam stood beside me, his brilliant blue eyes flashing with anger. Grasping my upper arm, he pulled me away from Gabrielle.
Gabrielle chuckled. “You were busy with Miss Hoity-Tots.”
A bubble of laughter escaped me. “That’s a funny nickname for her.”
“Shut up, Charity,” hissed Brianna, moving beside Liam and tugging at his arm.
“You shut up, Bri,” said Gabrielle, pulling me out of Liam’s hold. “Get rid of her or you can’t play with us.”
“Gabe!” shouted Brianna. Narrowing her eyes at me, she bared her teeth. “How long have you been fucking him?”
“Not everyone’s the same as you,” I said coolly.
“Gabe’s known to be promiscuous,” she said with a sly grin. “And he likes his women older. He’s probably trying a new flavor with you. What do you think of a younger pussy, Gabe?”
“Paris!” a voice called from a distance, distracting me from the triumphant expression on Brianna’s face while both Liam and Gabrielle scowled at her. “Over here! Paris!”
Clara was shouting for me from the doorway. I waved at her, rushing to meet her.
“Is everything all right?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” she said with a worried look in her eyes. Instantly, I was anxious.
“What’s wrong? Is Charles feeling all right?”
“He’s fine,” she said distractedly. Her gaze fell on Liam and Gabrielle behind me. “Maybe those two can help as well.”
“What’s wrong, Mother?” asked Liam in a deep voice.
She shook her head and motioned for us to follow her. Exchanging a glance with Liam and Gabrielle, I followed after her.
Clara walked away from the packed hallways and led us upstairs to a first-floor corridor. It was quieter here but muffled sounds of Christmas music could still be heard here.
“This way,” she said, striding forward elegantly in a gown of lavender silk. Moving forward, she opened the door to a room and ushered us inside. I followed after Liam and Gabrielle but was pushed to the side by Brianna who’d also followed us.
