Page 23 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

Not soon enough!

Chapter Eleven

Layla

Isat on the top step of my row home, while waiting for my driver. The little cul-de-sac with just three, brick row homes was a perfect little neighborhood in London. It was close to everything but far enough to afford privacy and eliminate the noise of the city. It made you believe you lived in the country.

It was the reason I enjoyed sitting outside, whether it was on my front steps or on the back patio. I was meeting Livy for lunch, and since it was a last minute decision, my driver wasn’t here yet. So I soaked up some sunshine, hoping to lift my mood.

“How are you today, Miss Cambridge?”

Looking up, I saw my mailman, Josh, walking up from the neighboring house. Mailbag crossed over his shoulder and a big smile on his face. He always smiled. I really liked him. He had a kind smile and always a nice word to say about everyone. I learned through one of our conversations he retired ten years ago but enjoyed delivering mail so he had a few streets that he was responsible for.

“Hello, Mr. Josh. I’m well. How are things with the mail today?”

“Well, the post office mixed up a few addresses, but nothing I couldn’t fix.”

He was the only mailman I knew that actually ensured every house got the mail that belonged to them. Thank God too, otherwise one of my neighbors might get my blackmailer’s mail by accident. We couldn’t have that happen.

I stood up from the step and approached him to grab my mail.

“Waiting for someone or just hanging out, enjoying the weather?” he inquired.

“I’m waiting for my ride,” I told him, smiling. “I’m meeting a friend for lunch.”

“Oh, he’s a lucky friend.”

I chuckled. “He’s actually a she.”

Now he chuckled too. “One of these days, you will find yourself a knight in the shining armor.”

Maxim Caldwell flashed in my mind, and I was instantly annoyed. Ever since Liberty and Alexander came back from their honeymoon, I avoided her in fear of running into Maxim. But I couldn’t push him out of my mind. I finally had to admit to myself that I wanted him. Unlike anyone or anything before. I just wanted him - hear his voice, see him smile, sit next to him in the dark on a balcony. And yes, I wanted to feel his hands on me, experience the darkness that lurked in his eyes. And most of all, I wanted to ease that pain that he hid behind his happy persona.

Did I even want a knight in the shining armor? A Prince Charming? No, I didn’t think so. They disappointed me every single time.A Prince of Darkness, I chuckled in my head. Ormaybe Prince Give Me an Orgasm, I thought wryly to myself. Again, Maxim came up as the forefront candidate.The only candidate!

I was a glutton for punishment. I was messed up enough; Maxim really deserved someone better. After spending those few days with him and Brandon, I got my confirmation. He was one of the good guys. Not only was he handsome but also caring. He was wonderful with Brandon, much better than me. Self-admittedly, I didn’t spend as much time around kids. Lena and Livy used to babysit kids for extra money. I always felt at odds with children so I bartended. Dealing with stupid drunks was easier than understanding kids.

“Not sure about that, Mr. Josh. But thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Anytime, dear.”

He carried on, taking his mail to the next house and I quickly shifted through the mail.

One elaborately decorated envelope caught my eye. It was embossed with a golden seal and my name and address were written in fancy golden letters. Curious about what it was, I opened it and found an equally fancy invitation inside.

You are invited to a masquerade ball.

At Revelation.

Elegant attire only. Masks are a must.

No names. No titles.

What the hell was this? I twisted the paper to see who it came from but there was no name. Just the address of the event. I opened the envelope, just in case there was anything else inside of it. Another smaller piece of paper came out.

If interested in auctioning your time

You will be adequately compensated.

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