Page 16 of Tomorrow's Never Promised

Sipping my red wine,I give myself a once-over in the full-length mirror.I may or may not have had half the bottle.I settled on a simple knee-length, long sleeve black dress. The front dips into a nice V, revealing just the right amount of cleavage. Black stiletto heels with small rhinestone bows on the back wrap around my feet.I look hot but still classy.My phone buzzes on the dresser with a text from Killian:

Killian

15 minutes until your chariot awaits my Queen…

I am so fucking nervous. Not only am I meeting Killian in person, but this is my first time back at Schmitty’s since I was roofied. That knowledge alone brings about a whole collage of memories. Good ones and bad.What if Liam is there?Fuck. I didn’t even think about that possibility—considering he’s been completely MIA.

No calls.

No texts.

Leah said he hasn’t been at the bar either. I take the remaining swig of my wine and leave the glass on top of the dresser.I am a terrible person. The thought of possibly seeing Liam again is now driving me mad with anticipation. More so than meeting Killian for the first time.

I skim through my jewelry rack and find a nice pair of diamond earrings to pair with a tennis bracelet. Tonight is going to be a simple look. I have a feeling this isn’t going to be the typicalSchitty’snight. It’s Thanksgiving Eve. The night everyone floods the bar for a drink with their old friends. I’m sure it will be packed with locals and those who stayed on campus instead of heading home for break.

I apply my nude lipstick and liner and toss them in my black clutch. My eyes linger on the pack of cigarettes on the desk, but I think better of it. I haven’t smoked since my last night at the bar.It’s probably best I avoid the smoking section out back anyway.

I grab my phone off the dresser and shoot a quick text to Alexis. She’s all caught up on my dating life and the events that occurred earlier this month:

Madison

Killian should be here any minute! Wish me luck. Also, I am sending you my location in case I go missing lol.

Lexi

You got this girl. Send me a picture of your outfit!

I snap a picture of myself in the mirror and send it.

Lexi

You look fucking hot. He won’t be able to keep his hands off you. Enjoy yourself. Don’t overthink everything like you always do, just enjoy the night and see where it leads…

There is a knock on the door. He’s here.Deep breaths, Maddy.

I send one last text and share my location with Alexis before tossing my phone in my bag.

Madison

Thanks, Lexi ??

* * *

With one lastglance in the mirror, I hit the lights and grab my jacket and scarf.

I see him through the glass-paneled door. He has one hand in the pocket of his gray overcoat. The other is wrapped around his phone. His head is down, and he’s laughing to himself.I wonder what is so funny?I take a minute to study him before opening the door.

I pull into her drive,already knowing which house it is. I’ve passed it many times on the way to Schmitty’s (which is only known asSchmitty’supstairs). Those who know my family and the elite members who frequent the exclusive underground club know it asThe Triskelion.

I wasn’t sure how bad the roads would be, so I drove the Cadillac Escalade. The snow has been coming down pretty heavily. Most of the highways are pretty slick. I park by her front door and leave the engine running, making sure to keep the inside toasty warm for her.

My black dress shoes crunch along the snow blanketing the ground as I approach her door. That’s when I remember my plan to lighten the mood of our first introduction. I knock twice on the door and quickly scroll Youtube to find the “Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme Song)” by John Williams. I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in a long time.

The door swings open, andmy god,she is a sight for sore eyes. Lately, the only people I’ve been around are corrupt men and cranky middle-aged nurses. I have barely left my father’s side in our New York City home.

I take a moment to really take in her beauty. My eyes roam over her from head to toe. A tight, low-cut dress clings to her curves. The kind that dips into cleavage I’ve been dying to explore. I like how she listened to my suggestion of a little black dress. The hem of it lands just above her tan, muscular legs. Shiny black toenails peep through a pair of black suede ‘fuck me’ heels.Most men are turned on by red or even white nail polish but black is hot as sin.

Her silky brown hair is curled and pulled to one side. And her makeup is minimal with just a winged liner and dusting of sparkled shadow. She looks like a goddamn Queen.The nickname suits her.

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