by Sarah Tork
Fuck my life! I groan loudly as my hair is pulled one last time.
“My…you’re a troubling one!” Gustavo exclaims loudly, turning off the hair dryer. Is he the same guy I actually thanked yesterday for making me look like I never had before?
Yep! It sure is, unfortunately.
And I can’t believe that; especially with how the last hour has been going. I don’t know how I could have possibly said ‘thank you’ to him after the torture he sadistically just put me through! No matter how amazing the end result could be.
Asshole! I stare at his perfectly put together reflection in the mirror. From the moment I sat in his white leather salon chair, I didn’t hide my distress, and showcased every single time my body withered in pain. I’m not a hide-your-emotions type of girl. If I’m being abused, I’m gonna show it.
“You’re lucky you’re pretty, girl! Because if you weren’t…” Gustavo trails off, not so under his breath. I scowl at him again as the hair dryer abruptly turns back on and my head is painfully jerked back. The torturous round brush yanks my hair back.
After a few more minutes of torture, the hair dryer shuts off.
Thank God!
Gustavo swivels my chair around and pulls out the hairspray, getting to work spraying every inch of his masterpiece.
Why? Why me? I think as I hold my breath. After turning my hair rock-hard, he finally puts the hairspray down.
“Sammy! Get over here now; it’s your turn! Thank goodness,” Gustavo yells at the top of his lungs. Sammy jumps out from nowhere, wearing a black jumpsuit. “Here boss!”
Gustavo swivels my chair towards her and marches away. “She’s all yours.”
“Got it,” Sammy chirps.
The makeup is less painful to get through than the hair treatment. I sit patiently and quietly as she applies everything from her kit onto my face.
“It’s going to be spectacular, Marisa,” Sammy gushes as she brushes powder onto my cheeks.
“Thanks, Sammy,” I murmur underneath the stroke of her brush.
“No problem.” She continues spreading the powder. “Did you take pictures last night?”
Shit!
“Sorry…forgot,” I explain. “I had a lot on my mind yesterday.”
“S’okay,” she mumbles, dropping the brush down and picking up lip gloss. “Pucker, please.”
As Sammy applies gloss to my lips, the door opens. My eyes move to the open space as a long dress cover glides inside, followed by the sound of high heels. I can’t see who is behind the cover as they enter inside the empty salon. That’s right; the salon is empty and is normally closed on Sundays. But thanks to Xander, it was opened for me. I don’t even want to think about how much that cost him. These people clearly didn’t do things for the cheap. I stare at Gustavo’s alligator-skin loafers as he hurls himself off his white leather sectional.
“Maria, finally!” he exclaims, sounding relieved.
Maria! And as if on cue, the cover drops, showing her black bob hairstyle and rushed expression. She hangs the cover on a hook on the wall.
“Darling,” Maria gushes as Gustavo leans in for three air kisses. “What…a…morning it’s been!”
Gustavo sighs dramatically and nods in understanding. The both of them turn to face me; Maria raises a perfectly penciled in eyebrow, making me feel like I am to blame.
Not fair, they should be blaming Xander for making them work on the rush and on their day off.
“Done!” Sammy shouts happily. She takes off the salon cape around my neck. Maria and Gustavo give each other knowing looks as I get out of the chair and stretch my joints. I’ve been in that chair for a long time.
“What?” I ask as they turn facing me, raising one eyebrow each.
Maria sighs and tilts her head to the side. “Really? That’s what you picked to wear…after everything I left for you yesterday?”
She shakes her head in a mixture of disgust and horror at the sight of my plain, flared Gap jeans and regular ocean blue shirt.
“I was in a rush,” I explain.
“Sure you were,” Maria states unconvinced, giving Gustavo another one of their infamous exasperated looks.
Whatever! Deal with it!
They are the stylists, not me.
“So…I take it you brought me a dress?” Jerking my chin to the hanging dress cover on the wall. Maria’s eyes brighten as she nods happily.
“And fabulous shoes!” Maria says, and then turns to unzip the cover. “My, you’re a lucky girl…outfits galore!”
Maria takes the hanger off the hook, turning around to face me with it cradled safely in her grasp. She eyes everyone, “Are you all ready for the most amazing dress ever?”
Everyone nods enthusiastically. Satisfied, Maria unzips it the rest of the way, then reaches in and brings out the dress.
What?! I’m blinded.
“Magical!” Gustavo whispers, sounding amazed.
My mouth drops.
Ugh…wow!
It’s blue…actually blue this time, not just on the outer edge of the blue color-wheel. Maria holds the hanger sans-cover up into open air and a beautiful, midnight blue, sleeveless dress with a round neck takes our breath away. The sheer lace on top covers a sweetheart bondage bodice and an A-line skirt.
It is so pretty!
“It was the best I could pull on such short notice. Thank God for BCBG; they always pull through!” Maria gushes while staring at the dress, clearly as transfixed by its sparkling beauty as we all are.
“Now...” Maria says breaking the trance. “Let’s sort out the underwear!”
My eyes widen. Oh no…not again!
****
After struggling into another bustier, which I need the help of Maria again to put it on, I slide the dress over the nude-colored undergarments. I’m wearing a simple thong, and this time it’s staying on. Even if Xander begs for it, I’d rather die with it still on than give it to him.
Perverted bastard!
Maria hands me a pair of beautiful, black, open-toed sandals with a golden cuff at the ankle. I happily slide them on, finishing the look.
Wow!
As I stare at myself in the mirror, just like yesterday, everyone makes exaggerated noises expressing their joy at my transformation. My hair is styled to perfection, falling into waves around my shoulders. My makeup is lighter than last night, but just as beautiful.
I’m handed a black clutch, which I transfer some of my essentials from my fab DKNY bag.
I’m ready.
After doing my twirls testing out the flowy-ness of the dress, and after I gawk one more time at how amazing I look, the front door opens.
And as if the sun knew he’d be walking through at that exact moment, Xander glides through wearing a well–cut, dark-navy suit as sunshine frames his entire body, making his ocean-blue eyes sparkle.
Wow! My mouth drops a little, and for a moment, he looks drool-worthy. But then he grins suggestively as his eyes rake my entire body and I remember who he is.
A perverted menace!
“Ready, my dear?” Xander purrs, stretching out his arm for me to take.
Here goes nothing!
Chapter Sixteen
*Marisa*
A little after two, Daniels drives us into an exclusive neighborhood where electronic fences and high hedges occupy most of the curb of the clean empty street. He pulls the SUV into a short driveway in front of a white fence. A small, dark-grey box with a button is nestled beside the driver’s side door. Daniels pushes the button, and after a few seconds, the sound of rust and chalkboard scratches overtakes our ears as the gates slowly open. As Daniels drives the SUV through, I roll my window down; immediately, my bare skin covers in goose bumps as a cold breeze rushes inside. The land between the front gate and the house is vast and filled with vibrant green grass. A game of football with a crowd could easily be played here.
As we enter onto a colored stone driveway, my jaw drops as the front of an impressive and expansi
ve mansion comes into full view.
I think I saw one just like it on MTV Cribs before, but never in real life.
The SUV slowly rolls around a large, extravagant, stone swan fountain in the center of the driveway. Even though spring has just begun, the leaves of the surrounding trees have yet to fully blossom. However, circled around the fountain is a bed of red roses that look too perfect for this time of year.
Could they be imported? I stare at the stone swans as they sprinkle water from their beaks into the crystal-blue pool surrounding them.
“Welcome to my home,” Xander says behind me as the SUV stops in front of two large, bronze doors.
“So this is where you grew up?” I murmur while peering out the open window at two large, leaf-engraved pillars standing on opposite ends of the double doors.
“That it is, Marisa. This house here…it was a part of yours truly’s life,” Xander explains breathily, as if he’s rediscovering a long lost cave that is responsible for something historical.
My eyes roll as I turn to face him.
“Shall we go?” Xander asks as Daniels opened his door first.
Really? Whatever happened to ladies first? Then again, being here at the ‘palace’ where he grew up, it’s becoming more and more obvious he is actually a princess.
“Yes, let’s go, but after you since your door was opened first…princess boy,” I sneer.
Xander gets out of the car and raises an eyebrow as he shuts the door. I smirk as Daniels opens my door and offers me his hand as I step out.
“Thank you, Daniels!” I drawl exaggeratedly as Xander meets us on the other side. Xander gives me his arm and I loop my arm through it.
“Let’s do this,” I say, and then grin mischievously. “Lead the way, princess.”
“You think you’re so funny,” Xander whispers, leaning into my ear. “Have you forgotten, that sort of feistiness turns me on? So if you dare to continue, we’ll have to make a detour to the bathroom. We’d be late for the party, which would be very, very bad.”
He eyes me knowingly. Yeah I get what he’s trying to say, unfortunately.
God, he’s a pervert!
Exhaling a frustrated breath, I concede, “Fine! Xander, please lead the way, why don’t you!”
He smirks and nods, and then leads the way through the open doorway. As we cross through, he leans in again and whispers into my ear, “That applies to your tone of voice as well.”
He blows hot air into my ear, making me shudder. I jerk my shoulder into his as he chuckles. “Will you please shut up and lead me to this fucking party? And stop blowing in my fucking ear, you perv!”
His chuckles stop and he gives me a suggestive smile.
“Asshole,” I murmur, disgusted.
“Stop it,” he mouths sexily, biting his lips. My face heats as I look away embarrassed. We are in the home he grew up in, his mother’s house. Has he no shame? Does he respect his mother so little that he’ll carry on with such crude behavior?
Wow…hypocritical much, Marisa? I’m not even going to try and guess the answer to that.
“Whatever,” I grumble, refusing to look at him as he leads us through an expensive, green marble-floored hallway that ends with two open glass double doors. We enter into the equally enormous backyard that could pass for a serene sanctuary fit for gods. A variety of flowers in every color of the rainbow hang from poles circling the party. Fifteen tables are decked out with soft peach table settings. Beautiful aquamarine flowers settling inside tall glass vases are the centerpieces of each table. The tables surround a huge dance floor that is covered by a veranda. Women and men dressed to the nines in lush cocktail dresses and casual, but pristine, well-cut suits fill each seat and the surrounding areas, huddling together enjoying the party already. An instrumental quartet is set up on the small stage right behind the dance floor; they begin playing.
I’ve only ever witnessed a party like this in the movies!
“Impressed?” Xander murmurs into my ear as we follow the paved pathway to the tables.
“Extremely; it’s so beautiful. It’s like a dream,” I nod in awe. Xander leads me into a throng of people, all of whom, he says a quick hello to, but never stops until we reach a woman about my height, wearing a soft pink, lace, long–sleeved, to-the-knee dress. Her top is a delicate lace that is fitted to her body, and her skirt flows out in a silky fabric cut in an A-line.
“Mother!” Xander calls to her. Her short blonde hair moves in the air as she abruptly quits talking to a man in a grey suit and turns around to see who is calling her.
Her deep blue eyes sparkle happily as she sees Xander. “Alexander! Darling, it is you!” she exclaims happily, rushing to him, giving him a kiss and a hug.
“Hello, Mother,” Xander says. “The party turned out beautifully, breath taking; as always, you have exceeded yourself.”
His mother’s face lights up happily, “Thank you, my darling son!”
“Mother, I’d like to introduce my date, Marisa Gellys,” Xander pulls me forward.
Here goes!
“Mrs. Barns, how do you do?” I say politely as she gives me her hand and we shake. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you,” she purrs then looks over my shoulder. “The three of us will have to catch up later. I must go and greet the rest of my guests.”
She laughs, motioning the expanse of the party with her hands. “If the two of you will please excuse me.”
“Of course, Mother,” Xander replies, stepping out of her way. I smile at her. She turns to leave, but then stops right beside Xander.
“Oh, Xander darling, Mrs. Williams and her daughter are here.”
Mrs. Williams and her daughter? I stare at Xander’s face, which stills for a second but quickly resumes back to normal.
“Oh, really? Well, I’ll have to be on the lookout then,” he replies with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Yes, be on the lookout; I hear her daughter is quite smitten with you. What was her name again?” Mrs. Barns asks.
“I’m not sure; but I’m sure it’ll come to me when I see her,” Xander says.
“Yes, of course it will. Hopefully the poor thing won’t be too disappointed once she sees your beautiful date,” Mrs. Barns smiles at me, and then turns and leaves, heading toward a group of women around her age.
She’s nice. Never would have guessed that.
“How many admirers do you have?” I ask Xander as he watches his mother walk away. “Bet she’d be interested to know her precious little boy is dipping his stick in more than one pudding.”
“As for your first question,” he leans in, “many…and for your second question, my business…stays my business.”
He stares sternly into my eyes.
Asshole!
“Got it, chief!” I reply and like a soldier, give him a quick salute.
His lip quivers and wins, turning into a wide grin. “The things I could be doing in the privacy of one of those empty rooms back at the house right now…” he purrs breathily.
My eyes roll. I hope he isn’t including me in that daydream, because that isn’t going to happen. EVER!
“Alone, you mean. I’m staying out here, with or without you…princess!” I tell him. “Maybe I should keep speaking to you like you’re an asshole; then you’ll have to walk around this party with a hard-on and everyone will notice and laugh at you.”
“Or maybe, I’m already walking around with a hard-on right now,” Xander taunts into my ear. I instantly jerk away from him.
“There will be a three-foot rule between us if you don’t stop that shit!” I snap quietly.
“Stop what?” Xander smiles suggestively, leaning in.
“Yeah, stop what?” A familiar voice asks from behind, making Xander and me jump. We twirl around to find Liam towering over us in a dark-blue suit with a white shirt underneath that has two buttons unbuttoned. As if on cue, the clouds depart and sunshine spills out, framing his entire body, making his deep-b
lue eyes sparkle. In an instant, my heart begins beating faster.
Liam!
“Well, don’t you two look close?” Liam accuses, glaring at Xander and then shifting his hard stare to me.
I raise an eyebrow.
“William, I’d like to introduce Marisa Gellys, my date for this afternoon,” Xander says, interrupting the stare-off.
Liam, or William, holds out his hand; I reach out to shake it, but he grabs my hand, pulling me into his embrace. His cologne and body wash quickly invade my nostrils, making me a little dizzy. He smells so good. And in the interest of not swooning or fainting in his arms, it would be best if I pull back.
Like now.
But his grip is firm around my waist.
“What do we have here?” he murmurs quickly into my ear. My eyes meet his dark-blue ones as he lets me go a little. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
Xander grabs my arm, pulling me back into his side.
“This is my date, Liam,” Xander states quietly, glaring angrily at his brother.
Liam smirks, “Never stopped you before, little brother.”
Ugh oh! He went there! I gulp as Xander’s hand drops from my arm and curls into a bone-tight fist. Noticing the hand change, the smirk is wiped off Liam’s face, replaced with a ghost of a snarl. His hands, too, curl into fists, nestling tightly against his hip.
Are they really doing this right now? I stare back and forth at the twenty-nine- year-old twin brothers, who are supposed to be GROWN MEN! Instead, they are acting like competitive teenagers in some sort of fucked-up sibling rivalry.
I step in-between them, holding up my palms to each of them, hoping to ease the tension between them.
“Alright you two…stop…we’re at your mother’s spring garden party,” I whisper, wide-eyed.
Wow, I’m the one actually breaking up a fight? I really have changed! That makes me so happy, I grin to myself.
“Why are you so happy?” Liam asks, narrowing his eyes at my smile.
“Well, being around the two of you has literally transformed me into a more mature woman. I mean, compared to the two of you—twenty-nine--year-old grown business men,—it’s all just so funny,” I giggle.
