Page 40 of Royal Beast
Clary’s smile brightens, and for a second, I can see a spark of hope in her eyes—the same one I feel whenever I think about my own dreams. She studies me for a moment in the mirror. “You know, I want to be a fashion designer. But the school’s so expensive and I can’t afford it. I’ve thought about saving up, but I’m not sure how long that’ll take. And right now, I’m saving up to get out of my parents’ house.”
“I get that,” I say quietly. “It’s like you’re stuck in a cycle, right? Trying to build something bigger but the steps seem too big, too far apart.”
Clary nods, her gaze thoughtful. “Exactly. But I’m not giving up. Not yet.”
“I’m not either,” I say softly, the weight of my own words settling inside me.
Clary helps me pick out shoes and a handbag to go with the gown. After leaving the boutique, we stop at a quaint café for lunch before heading back to the penthouse.
At home, I take a long, hot shower, exfoliating and treating my hair with Moroccan oil. After smoothing on some coconut scented lotion, I wrap my hair in a towel and sit in front of the vanity. I take my time applying my makeup, using subtle shades of nudes and coppers. I play up the blue in my eyes with some bronze shadow and intense black mascara.
After drying my hair, I curl it in waves, allowing it to fall softly around my face and shoulders. I change into the gown and slip on the heels, making sure everything falls perfectly into place. I add a teardrop necklace and delicate drop earrings to finish it off.
My phone buzzes. Kellan is outside, waiting for me.
Grabbing my clutch, I rush down to the lobby and push open the glass doors. Kellan is leaning against the limousine, looking gorgeous in a tailored tux, texting on his phone.
The moment his eyes land on me, his mouth goes slightly ajar. He looks me up and down, enchantment flashing in his eyes.
“Shit,” he says as I approach. He looks at me as if he's seeing me for the first time. He offers his arm, and I blush. As we settle into the backseat together, I notice his eyes never leave me.
I feel a sudden spark within. It feels different, like something big is going to happen between us. I glance at Kellan and sidle closer, excited about the promise of tonight.
20
KELLAN
The limo rolls to a stop in front of the grand venue, the shimmering lights of the gala casting a glow over the crowd gathered outside. I get out first, offering my hand to Darcy. When she steps out of the car, everything around me fades.
The dress she’s wearing hugs her frame in all the right ways, draping over her body like it was made for her. My breath catches as I watch her take a step toward me. Her blue eyes sparkle in the light, the deep purple color of the dress making them stand out even more. The dress flows around her, every movement graceful, every step confident. She looks absolutely stunning.
She doesn’t seem to notice my staring, thankfully, until she meets my gaze and a subtle smile plays on her lips.
“You’re staring,” she says, her tone teasing.
I swallow, dragging my eyes away from her. “I’m admiring,” I reply, trying to play it cool. “You look incredible.”
Her smile widens, and she brushes a hand over her dress, smoothing out the fabric.
“Thanks, Kellan,” she says. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Inside, the gala is in full swing, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. Darcy moves through the crowd with an effortless grace, catching the eye of every person she passes. Tonight, she’s all polish and charm, and it’s like watching someone else.
We walk up to a well-known senator who is currently running for re-election this term.
“Kellan Brannagan. I didn’t expect to see you here,” he says, extending a hand.
“It’s good to see you too, Senator,” I reply. Darcy gives the man a smile that’s just a little too perfect, her eyes locking with his as though she’s figuring him out on the spot.
“Senator Burns, it’s so lovely to see you,” she says, voice polished, tone warm. “You have been doing some amazing work lately.”
“Thank you,” he responds, hardly paying her any attention as he looks around, a bored expression on his face.
“Of course, It would be a shame if you didn’t get to see some of those projects through,” she adds. “I know you’ve been dying to get the Playground Act finished before your term is up.”
“Oh, hello, Miss Flynn,” the senator says, suddenly noticing her presence. “Book sales are skyrocketing thanks to your advice. And yes, I’ve been trying to get the Playground Act passed, but you know how those old coots can be.”
“It’s Mrs. Brannagan now,” she corrects, subtly sliding her hand up my arm so the wedding band I got her flashes in the light. “Kellan and I were recently wed by Judge Hammond. But Kellan has been so busy working with Hammond to get his casino project done that we’ve barely had time for anything else.”
