Page 65 of Scorching Lies

“Oh my god! Kenna, it's almost eight!” She’s yelling, but I tune her out.

My attention is on Jax, who has fully stepped into our living room, wearing a full suit and tie. Dressed in a fitted Armani black and white suit with a tie that’s perfectly in place, my mouth dries at the man before me. He smiles at me, jarring me out of my daze and right into rage.

“Where the hell have you been?” I snap.

He holds his hands up in defense, but it’s too late. I’m leaning forward on the couch ready to rip him a new one when Ally steps between us.

“Kenna Kingston it’s almost eight and the fundraiser is tonight. Get your ass in your room and start getting ready. I’ll go put my dress on. Your date is here, be happy about that.” Her last comment is made with snark.

“Is Cole picking you up later?”

Huffing, she spins to walk backward to her room, “Apparently he needs me to meet him there so I’m stuck riding an Uber.”

Biting the inside of my cheek I decide it’s better to have your enemies close, so I offer her a ride in my limo. When she accepts with nothing less than a squeal I let her disappear behind her door when it hits me. I left her closet light on. Shrugging it off, I stand and turn to Jax who hasn’t taken his eyes off me.

“You have some explaining to do.”

Nodding, he walks around the back of the couch to sit across from me with his hands on his thighs.

“First, you need to get dressed. I can explain before we leave, but we need to be there on time if you want to use me to make a statement.” He smirks.

I open my mouth to tell him how wrong he is, but with one look I know he wouldn’t believe my lies anyway. We both laugh. Smacking his shoulder on my way past, I head to my room to get changed. I’ve already had my nails done so all that’s left is my makeup and hair. Letting the door shut behind me, I lean against it letting my thoughts settle from the past hour. Pulling the paper from the back of my pants, I hold in a laugh at the image that must’ve been. Walking to the dresser I open my sock drawer and pull out the small box. How do I choose which one to open first? I slide them both away from me, deciding on neither. Well… at least until I’m in my dress.

The garment bag is laid across my bed calling to me. I haven’t laid eyes on it since it was delivered, so I have no idea if it’s what I designed, but here goes nothing. Pulling down the zipper, the sides fall open along with my mouth.

“Holy shit.” I breathe.

The most beautiful black floor length gown lies before me. The front dips down and opens to show my cleavage, the tip stopping a few inches below my breast-bone.

My tattoo will be on full display. Sliding it off the hanger, I let my clothes fall to the floor, opting to go completely bare under the dress. Silky fabric slides over my skin, sending chills down my arms. The sides split all the way up to my upper hip, showing offmy long, toned legs. Including my tattoo. Scars hidden by ink, fully exposed to everyone. My heart beats faster, the anxiety of that climbing up my throat, my palms sweating. Turning to see the back my breath catches at the sight, erasing any feeling other than pure excitement.

Ally hasn’t stoppedside eyeing me since we got in the limo. Her fingers pick at her nails, showing how nervous she is. Can she tell I know her secret? I’ve managed to hide the fact that I saw those papers before I left, but I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to lie to myself or the brothers. We may have an image to uphold tonight, but that won’t keep me from telling them exactly who she is.

“Kenna.” Jax whispers, his thumb rubbing the top of my hand.

Jerking away from him, my eyes meet his reluctantly. Before we left, he let me in on his little surprise as well. Hired by none other than Oakley ‘blue’ Savage to keep an eye on me and make sure I’m safe here in Del Mar. Apparently her dad has history with our families, so she felt the need to make sure things didn’t get out of hand. Too bad she didn’t stop Ryker from sticking his dick in me.

Shut the fuck up. You liked it, and you damn well know it..

I shove my inner bitch back into place. Jax sighs and moves his gaze back to the window. The limo comes to a stop outside the venue where a long red carpet is rolled out, cameras flanking on each side. Perfect.

“Time to put on a show.” I plaster on a smile.

The driver opens the door, letting Jax out first and when he steps to the side holding his hand out for me lights start flashing. Blinded, I use his hand to guide me from the leather seats until my feet find their footing on the walkway. Heels may not have been the best choice. Jax leads me to the entrance, not letting my hand go until we cross through the doorway into a massive grand entryway. Marble floors and white walls open the space, chandeliers hang from the ceiling and Matching hawk statues stand on either side of me. This place is insane.

“The rich really do go all out.” Jax murmurs.

“Ms. Kingston.” I’m greeted by two women who mirror each other.

Pale eyes observe me, spotting the hand that rests on my lower back. My body goes on high alert, but it’s not from their unwanted stares. I can feel him before I see him. My eyes roam the room, looking for the heated stare on my skin, but he isn’t anywhere in the room.

“Excuse me.” I tell Jax.

He goes to follow me, but I shake my head and move further into the room. Looking around to make sure no one is paying attention, I slip into the hallway to my right. A hand covers my mouth, dragging me into a dark room. I wait for the panic to set in, but the familiar smell of Ryker has my body relaxing instead.

“You really do want me to carve him into tiny pieces don’t you, Killer?” Ryker whispers into my neck.

He inhales my scent, breathing me in.

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