Page 1 of Forbidden Mistress

Chapter 1

Cock-Blocked

I shouldn’t be here.

It’s been three years since I’ve been home, and Malibu is one of those classic beach towns that somehow, magically, always remains unchanged. Beautiful oceanside houses drenched in sunshine. I’ve always been comforted by that, but I’m a grad student living on the other side of the Los Angeles area now. And I’ve avoided this magical place. I don’t know why—memories, I guess.

But I had to accept the invitation to my cousin Lexi’s engagement party. It’s a lavish affair, themed like a Mardi Gras masquerade. She’s always had a flair for the dramatic. And since family is a priority, she wants us to all spend time together to get to know each other before her big wedding day.

I couldn’t say no to that. She absolutely insisted I attend this big moment in her life, much as I might have wanted to turn down the invitation. As a plus, the party is being held at the ultra-exclusive beachside club, Exeter House. Well, not inside Exeter House proper, but in the public-facing restaurant, Isca Dumnoniorum. But it’s as close as I’ll ever get to Exeter House, and I’m anxious to be a part of the elite, even if for one night.

But what I really do not want is to bump into my stepbrother, Liam. It’s been a year and I’m still avoiding him. The last time I saw him was at my dad’s funeral. He didn’t speak, or mingle, or interact with anyone at all—not even me. He was like a ghost, a dark figure hovering near the door, ready to sprint at any moment.

Later, I discovered why he was a specter at his own stepfather’s funeral. Less than a month later, he assumed full ownership of my dad’s multi-million dollar business. Having worked for my dad since his teens, he had a close interest in the business. But to deny me my 50 percent share was just cruel. As a result, I’ve been left with no money and no way to cover my tuition or rent. I can’t even pay for a decent lawyer to fight for what’s rightfully mine.

These days, when talking to my stepmom, Lori, I make a conscious effort to not ask about Liam. Occasionally, she mentions him—little scraps of information that I cling to and scrutinize afterward. From what I can tell, he’s doing ridiculously well running my dad’s company and making tons of money. He also has a girlfriend who just got hired as a runway model for fashion week in Paris. And he’s doing keto now, apparently.

But me? I’m slightly depressed and perpetually broke. Passing my classes—barely. Eating ramen to keep from starving, and wondering how bald my tires can get before I’m forced to replace them.

I sigh, check my watch and glance around the room; people are enjoying themselves, apparently. Lori mentioned that Liam wouldn’t be attending the party, thank God. Something about an award ceremony in New York. Quite honestly, after the words “Liam won’t be flying in for the party” fell from her mouth, I stopped listening. I’m just relieved I won’t have to dodge him all night.

I adjust my green and gold peacock mask, just as a passing waiter stops to offer me a glass of champagne. With a smile, I pluck a flute off the silver tray and take a sip. “Thanks.”

“Cassie,” comes a voice at my shoulder. It’s my roommate, Avery. I turn to her, all golden-sweet angelic beauty, sparkling blue eyes behind her own feathery mask.

“Isn’t this amazing?”

I sip my champagne and study the goings-on under my lashes while I plot how long I have to stay in order to not be rude. “Yeah, just great.”

“So hey, there’s someone here you should meet.”

I throw her a skeptical look, and she laughs. “Not in that way. I mean I was standing in a group with Maddy and Evan and this guy was there too. Maddy introduced me. He’s a corporate attorney.”

I frown. “So?”

“He specializes in business succession.”

I blink, and she turns to point him out to me. He’s tall, dark haired, standing beside the bar wearing a green and gold mask with leaves all over it. “His name is Lucien. Go introduce yourself. I bet he could help you with your, uh, family issue.”

My brow twitches up. For once, Avery has some real solid advice that looks promising. I love my roommate and we are good friends, but she grew up in a very protected environment and so often she seems not of this world.

“Thanks, I might just do that. Besides, I could use a little more champagne.”

The newly engaged host and hostess are off socializing, and Lori is still on her way. LA traffic is brutal this time of day—even when trying to get from one end of Malibu to the other.

With Avery’s encouragement, I make my way over to the bar, bumping Lucien’s shoulder accidentally-on-purpose as I exchange my empty champagne flute for a full one.

I’m suddenly aware of his attention turning toward me. I glance at him and smile politely. Up close, I can tell that he’s gorgeous, even behind the mask—tall, with dark hair, brown eyes, I can tell, even with a hidden face, that he’s sexy as fuck. Call it intuition. He’s got a glass of scotch or whiskey in his hand, the other hand tucked in his pocket.

If I flirt with him enough, maybe I’ll get a date and some free legal advice out of him. Or if I’m lucky, something more?

I smile and sip my champagne. Even just standing there, he practically exudes confidence and wealth. It’s the way he carries himself, like he owns the world and he’s surveying his domain, sipping on his drink. I swallow and slowly shift my gaze back to the dance floor in front of me, hoping he didn’t notice my prolonged stare.

“Do you dance?” he asks, his voice low and gravelly.

I blink. Holy fuck. Is he talking to me?

“I, um...no. I’m not nearly drunk enough for that.”

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