Page 66 of Filthy Elites

Who the hell is Claire Halle?

The man is serious as he glances at his screen, then he nods. “Enjoy your evening, sir, ladies.”

I wait until we’re out of earshot to stop Luke and ask, “Who’s Claire?”

“Our mother. She won’t be here tonight,” he says as he scans ahead.

“Who are you looking for, Luke?” Sage follows his line of sight.

With a closed-off expression, he replies, “No one. Let’s find Nicola’s boyfriend. I don’t want to miss that.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I grit out.

I’m already regretting coming to this party. Talk about looking desperate. We don’t manage to walk beyond the grand entry foyer when Jason’s voice echoes behind us.

“What are you doing here?”

* * *

Jason

I stayin my childhood room for as long as I can, but when soft music and chatter breach the closed doors, I know it’s time to face the lions. I head downstairs, fighting not to loosen my tuxedo tie. I stop midstep when I see Isabelle at the bottom of the grand staircase, looking like a goddess in red. My heart speeds up and the world seems to go off-kilter. I reach for the railing, afraid that my legs will desert me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask when I make it to the bottom stair.

She turns slowly, and instantly, I know I said the wrong thing.

“Nicola came with us.” Luke stops next to her, smiling like a fiend.

I notice that Sage is right behind him.Shit. He did this on purpose, because seeing things go up in flames is his favorite pastime. I’d knock that smile off his face in any other circumstance, but Isabelle turns on her heel and heads for the door.

“Nicola, wait.” I rush after her and grab her arm.

“I know when I’m not welcome, Jason,” she seethes.

“I didn’t say you weren’t. I was just surprised.”

“You didn’t invite me.”

My brows rise. “I had nothing to do with the guest list, and considering how well things went the last time you were here, I didn’t think you’d want to come.”

It’s not a complete lie. I didn’t want her here because she’s making me feel things I’m not ready to face. Case in point—my reaction at seeing her.

The rage disappears from her gaze, but the hurt stays in place. “It’s better if I leave anyway.”

She’s right. It would be better if she left, but now that she’s here, I don’t want her to go. “No. You’re staying.”

“Why?”

I step closer and touch her hair. She braided it to one side, and loose whisps frame her face. I wish she wasn’t wearing those hideous brown lenses though, but even with them, she takes my breath away.

“Because if you go, I’ll have to follow you.”

She shakes her head. “I’m tired of playing this game with you, Jason.”

“This is not a game, not anymore.” Unable to restrain myself, I cup her cheek and kiss her lips softly. I take it as win that she doesn’t step back.

“Aww. You guys are so sweet,” Luke chimes in.

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