Page 33 of Tomorrow's Never Promised

I skim my hands over the delicate materials, looking at the tags.La Perla. Jesus Christ.And here I was, thinking my bras were expensive. I pause over a set that catches my eye. It’s a black, scalloped lace bustier with a stockingless garter belt and a strappy mesh thong to go with it. “We also have that in emerald green,” she says, holding it by the hanger for me to see.Emerald green. Like the necklace Killian gave me.

I nod as my eyes glow with an idea. She places it on the empty table behind her. “Rebbeca, I would like to wear an emerald green dress tonight. I also have a necklace I would like to pair with it, if possible.” Her smile widens into a full-blown grin.Ahh, this woman actually smiles.“You will look stunning in a satin emerald gown. We absolutely can work with that.”

I stare into the three mirrors in front of me, in awe of my reflection. A seamstress is finishing up my hem as I stand on the round pedestal. She needed to take a bit off on the length and take it in at the waist.

The A-Line, emerald green, satin ball gown dips low into my generous cleavage—thanks to the bustier. Regal sleeves petal from my breasts and fall off my shoulders. They wrap delicately around my biceps. A high slit runs up to my thigh, just kissing the straps of my garter. The gown is absolutely stunning.

A strappy black stiletto Louboutin is placed on my freshly pedicured foot. I went with OPILincoln Park After Darkfor my nails and toes.My favorite. Killian’s necklace sits proudly between my collarbones. I selected a pair of tear-drop emerald earrings to complete the look.

My makeup is flawless, with inspiration from Old Hollywood. Thick, winged liner and long black lashes outline my eyes. A slight smokey shadow adds to the seduction of this whole look. Candy apple red lipstick coats my lips like velvet. And my foundation is painted on like a second skin, which is smooth and lustrous from the facial.

Oh, and the best part?My hair took a dramatic turn. The stylist recommended doing something different and fresh for the New Year. I told her to have at it—she is the professional, after all. Dark auburn hair curls in big waves around my face. I’ve never had any other hair color besides my natural dark brown. I welcomed this new color—the whole look, really.

I am taking on a whole new persona tonight. Something wild and adventurous vibrates through me.Wait until Killian sees.

* * *

Lexi is twirlingaround in her dress—a navy blue, strapless, sequined ball gown. Her breasts are on full display as the back is a corset. Freshly highlighted blonde hair is done up in a low bun to one side with a braid weaved through it. Diamond safety pin earrings dangle from her ears.My bestie looks hot!She may just meet one of Killian’s friends on her own tonight.

“Well, ladies, it has been a pleasure.” Rebbeca shakes our hands. “Have asafeand healthy New Year,” she says, holding the door open to the street. We step out into the chill of the December night, exchanging pleasantries. I inhale deeply, feeling the rush of cold air fill my lungs.It smells like snow.

Our driver assists us into the car, and we immediately pour ourselves another glass of champagne for the short ride to Killian’s. I take a decent sip of my bubbly. My anxiety is at an all-time high now that we are getting closer.

“Your man is going to eat you alive tonight,” Lexi says, grabbing one of my curls. “This color is badass.” I shoot her a wink and take another sip of my champagne. Lust coils in my womb, thinking of Killian’s reaction to my new hair.

We pull up to the curb of a luxurious building on Fifth Avenue. A red carpet lines the sidewalk from the curb of where we parked to the doors. At least ten men in suits and simple black masks surround the door. I crane my neck up to get a better view of the skyskraper.So this is Killian’s fortress.

Lexi’s hand squeezes mine, and I down the rest of my champagne. We help each other tie our masks in place. I slide my phone into my pocket(yeah, my dress has pockets—how fucking cool) as the driver opens my door. I spot Conor—akabeanie dude. His familiar stature and beard stand out to me almost immediately.

Conor helps Lexi and me out of the Cadillac and guides us to an elevator. We take it up to the top floor in silence. The doors open to a small corridor leading to tinted glass doors. There are men stationed at these doors as well. What hides behind them is an insanely luxurious, triplex penthouse.This place is magnificent.

It’s like a winter wonderland in here. Crystals and clouds hang from the ceiling. Smoke blows out from hidden machines in the clouds. The blue and white lighting creates the feeling of an ice castle in the sky. Speaking of ice—there’s a few ice sculptures arranged around the room. Let’s not forget to mention the raw bar, sushi bar, and charcuterie station.

Just like his club, everything I’ve seen so far is clean edges and glass.

Modern cream furniture is styled throughout the first floor. Artwork hangs on some of the walls; also very minimalistic. Wait staff walk around with silver platters of passed hors d'oeuvres and fancy drinks.

“Mr. Kennedy is on the back patio with a few clients. He asks that you meet him outside,” Conor says, pointing to the glass sliding doors off the kitchen. They lead to a white tent covering the outdoor space.

“Thank you…what is your name?” Lexi asks, already spotting a potential prospect.

Conor gives her a small smile, extending his hand. “Conor. And what about yours, angel?”

She places her hand in his. “Alexis, but you can call me Lexi.”

He brings her hand up to place a kiss on the top of it. “That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Save me a dance tonight, Lexi.” He winks at her before leaving us.

Lexi grins from ear to ear as we approach the patio.

I hear his laugh, and my eyes find him by the bar. His eyes meet mine within seconds. Both of us are completely in sync with the other. Like a moth to a flame, I start gravitating toward him. His eyes never leave mine as I approach.

Killian’s clients are still talking to him, but his body has shifted to face me. He casually leans an arm on the bar, a dark drink clutched tightly in his hand. His tongue darts out to wet his lips, and he crosses his large hands over the erection he's now sporting.

A black Armani tuxedo clings to his toned body. His muscles look extra firm and delicious in that fit.I want to peel the damn thing off him right now.A simple white mask curves around his eyes and over the sturdy bridge of his nose. His dark hair is slicked back, not a piece out of place.

As I get closer to him, he abruptly finishes his conversation. Like a wolf, he stalks toward me with precision. My pulse quickens, and my breath hitches at each step he takes my way. A few more strides of his long legs and he is pulling me into a kiss. One hand lingering on the small of my back, the other wrapped around my face.

“What did you do to your hair? He looks pleasantly surprised. “Are youtryingto miss the whole gala?” He runs a thumb over my red lips. The need in his eyes matches my own. He leans down to whisper in my ear. “You know how badly I want to take you up to my room right now and never let you leave?” His teeth rake over my earlobe in his retreat. “You are such a gorgeous woman.” He moves lower, kissing my neck, and runs a finger down to my necklace, placing it between his fingers. The back of his hand grazes the top of my breasts, leaving a fire in its wake. Goosebumps prickle my skin, and my breathing becomes labored, itching for him to touch more of me.

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