Step Daddy's Naughty Girl

er'

raced the lines of the veins on it. This was wrong, I told myself. I already had a crush on his s

, I turned back immediately, ignoring him and the unexplainable gaze I had seen in his eyes as I wondered

mansion rose like a dark jewel against the cliffs of Havenridge, all sharp glass

eks flushed from excitement or champagne, I could never tell which anymore. I followed behind, clutching my small duffel bag, the one thing I had refu

ow someone whole. Servants appeared without sound, taking Veda's coat, offering water, murmuring w

air. He wore a charcoal suit that looked like it had been tailored around his body while he stood stil

id. His voice wa

oated forward, pressin

's perfect.

en. Not long. Not searchi

nodded, thr

. R

e an invitation so much as a correction of protoc

es. Dinner was served in a room longer than our old apartment. Cryst

ce how the chandelier light made everything feel exposed. After dessert, Calder e

red. "You look like you'

ine,"

t helping

ew what to say when she rem

hallways. I found a sitting room with tall windows that overlooked the bay. Moonlight

n I heard

urn

wenties I think, golden hair falling into his eyes, mouth curved in the kin

?" he

is pockets. "First nights are always s

odd

dow, stood beside me. Close enough that

eter than I

I gestured vaguely at the r

e to be." His

ooked up at him th

warmer. Kinder. He reached out and tucked a strand of ha

ave to disap

said anything like that to me. H

. Tomorrow's go

the room felt co

nd replayed his touch, his words. For the first time in ye

stairs early, hoping to find coffee before anyone

friends I di

g to the rehearsal

ning what to wear.

aughed.

e's... pe

ringing h

. keeping things light

course he had a girlfriend. Of course she was perfe

cross a room in the days that followed, he smiled. Every time we pass

y. He was safe because nothing could happen. We

s wr