Chapter Twenty-eight
Let’s dance…or not
Normally, I always have a dress or two with me. You never know when an occasion will call for it.
So after I showered, I put my hair in a side braid, added smoky eyeshadow to my eyes, then applied some mascara, blush, and burgundy lipstick. I got dressed in a black, knee-length cocktail dress that hugged my body like a second skin and wore a pair of red stilettos. The neckline of my dress didn’t plunge deep, but it was just enough to win a second glance. I am not a busty beauty, but what I lack on top I make up for in hips and booty.
Adrian was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, his mouth slightly gaped open.
“Damn, look at you,” he said running a hand over his jaw. “You look stunning.”
I blushed. “Thank you.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t show you off to my brother, he might take you too.”
I frowned. “That was a bad joke, Kincaid.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
He took my hands and after helping me into my coat, he led me outside into the brisk night.
We were immediately met by the two tall goons with mountain shoulders, silver hair, and scowling faces.
“Where do you think you’re going?” one of them asked. I believe his name was Felix.
I frowned. “To a party. Move.”
He shook his head. “He can go wherever he’d like, but you must stay.” He demanded.
“Ummm, no. I’m not a prisoner.”
“No. You are a wolf princess. Your father told us not to let you out of our sight. We’ve never failed him before and we won’t start now.” The other goon, Paul, explained. “I’m sorry.”
“Then it looks like you’re going to a party, boys.” I declared.
“I don’t think––” Felix tried, but I cut him off.
“If I am a princess then you need to obey me, don’t you?”
They exchanged glances.
“Your father obviously has rank.” Paul spoke with less authority in his voice now.
I groaned impatiently.
“Lucian, I refuse to be a prisoner, do you hear me? You can’t control my life. I will invite your enemies to dine with me if you don’t stop this.”
Adrian gave me wide eyes.
“I cannot,” Lucian answered in my head. “But they will accompany you to wherever you wish to go. That’s the best I can do, Jade.”
“Fine.” I pouted. “Let’s go, Lurch.” I commanded Felix.
He frowned but moved aside and followed the other werewolf to a black Mercedes that was parked behind Adrian’s car.
“Damn.” Adrian stated. “Your father doesn’t play.”
I rolled my eyes. “No, I guess he doesn’t.” I got into the car.
Goodbye, freedom.
***
Adrian’s mom lived five miles away in a three story mansion with two balconies on either side overlooking a lake. The long driveway was aligned with trees dressed in blue and silver lights.
Waiting by the front door were two men dressed in blue and silver vests.
“What does your mom do?” I asked as we pulled up to the front and Adrian put the car in park.
“She’s a best-selling author.”
“Really? Anything I might have read?” I asked.
He actually blushed. “She writes erotica.”
“Oh.” My own cheeks turned red. “Well, good for her!”
He laughed. “Yeah. I guess it is. Shall we?”
“We shall.” I smiled.
Inside, the house was dimly lit with ceiling lights and candles.
We entered into a hallway where our coats were taken. It was the first time I took note of how handsome Adrian looked in a dark gray, tight-fitting button up shirt tucked into black pants. His hair was styled in a tasteful coiff, and his scruff looked more groomed. I wanted to touch it but resisted.
His smile widened when he saw that I was looking at him.
I blushed.
“Nice to know I have your attention tonight.” He winked.
“You look handsome. I’m not going to deny that.”
“Thank you, Jade.”
A young man dressed like the others came toward us with a happy smile. “Good evening.” He greeted.
We were then ushered toward a grand room to the left. Our tail refused to give up their coats. They followed closely behind but kept a respectable distance. I’d never get used to being guarded this way.
The large party room was artfully decorated with blue and silver ribbon and helium balloons.
A beautiful chandelier hung above the dancing guests. Along the bare, neutral colored walls, long tables were stocked with fruits, veggies, and everything in between.
Music played all around us at a decent volume, but I could not spot the DJ or band.
As we glided further into the room, a blonde woman wearing an electric blue gown with an intimidating neckline, gray eyes, and a red-lipped smile came toward us with open arms.
“Adrian.” She hugged him, and he lowered his head so that she may kiss his cheek. “I’m so happy you came.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Happy birthday, Mom.”
“Thank you.” She turned her eyes to me. “Who is this?”
“This is Jade Sinclair.” He introduced me and put his hand on the small of my back. “Jade, this is my mom Isabel Kincaid. Aka Isis Kane.”
I gave her my hand. She took it. She was nervous. Uneasy.
“Wow.” She grinned. “You are absolutely exquisite.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Kincaid.” I greeted. “Happy birthday.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Jade. I’m so glad Adrian brought a date, and what a woman you are, indeed.” She examined me from head to toe. “Bravo!”
“Mom.” Adrian cautioned. “She’s a friend. That’s all.”
“Maybe she is – for now.” She winked.
I wanted to laugh. She was bold.
“Have you seen your brother, yet?” she asked.
Adrian went rigid. “No. I’m not sure I want to.”
She frowned. “Adrian, this has to stop.”
“Mom…”
“You’re brothers.”
“Mom…”
“Enough, Adrian,” she said, firmly. Her tone was no joke. “My boys will make up. This has been going on for far too long.”
Adrian remained quiet.
“Fix it.” She demanded. “Today.”
With gritted teeth, Adrian nodded.
She walked away.
He grabbed a glass of wine from a floating tray, downed it and then pulled me toward the bar.
“Something stronger than wine.” He ordered.
The bartender nodded and handed him an amber-colored drink with no ice.
“For you, miss?”
“Wine is fine, thank you.”
He handed me a glass of red wine. I took it and sipped slowly.
“Mom doesn’t play either, eh Kincaid?” I mused, but he didn’t smile at my effort. “She’s right you know.”
His hard eyes bore into mine.
“Come on, Adrian. You know she’s right. You guys are brothers. You shouldn’t allow this to determine your relationship for the rest of your lives. You need to forgive him and move on.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment. After emptying his glass he wiped his mouth and asked for another. He downed that and took my hand. “Let’s dance.”
Before I could respond he pulled me onto the dance floor and we swayed to a jazzy tune.
His eyes avoided mine, but his grip was tight around my back and in my hand.
“Adrian, are you okay?” I asked.
He smiled. “I want to be, Jade. I do. I want to get over it because it’s consuming me.”
“I wish I can help but you have to find it in yourself to let it go and resume your relationship with your brother.”
He nodded but then shook his head and touched his forehead to mine.
His voice was low as he spoke. “It’s not just the situation with my brother that consumes me.”
I took a deep breath but didn’t ask the obvious question.
“There is a fire in me, Jade, that can’t be contained. It’s you. You don’t know how long I have waited for you. It’s everything about you from your full lips, to the caramel color of your eyes, the touch of your hand, the feel of your body so close…”
My breaths increased.
“I know they’re not my feelings, but…” He squeezed my hand and whispered in my ear,” I want you, Jade.”
The song finished, but I think we stopped moving long ago.
“Adrian.” I began.
“I know.” He mumbled and walked back over to the bar.
After a few breaths, I followed.
What could I say?
As I approached with my thoughts a rambling mess, a man touched Adrian’s shoulder and he turned with a scowl.
“Hey. I’m glad you’re here.” The guy smiled and the gesture was too familiar. I assumed it was his brother.
“Jade, this is my brother Zach.” Adrian introduced.
“Nice to meet you.” I nodded. “I can give you some privacy.” I wanted to walk away but Adrian grabbed my arm and held me in place.
“Can we talk?” Zach asked, noting Adrian’s firm hand on my wrist.
“We are talking,” Adrian answered.
“Alone, maybe?” His brother’s tone was patient.
“We can talk here, Zach, because the truth is I’m having a hard time keeping myself calm enough not to hit you right now.” Adrian professed.
“Fair enough, I guess.”
A beautiful woman with auburn hair stopped at Zach’s side and took his hand.
“Hello, Adrian.” She greeted.
I had a nagging suspicion this was the woman responsible for these brothers bickering.
“Hi, Grace.”
Suspicion confirmed. Oh boy.