Page 18 of Exquisite Temptation

"Sounds like a plan." With a long, exhausted sigh, I push myself to standing.

After clearing the mess, I put the coffee machine on, making Allie wince with pain again. She opens the aspirin bottle, pops two tablets in her mouth and slides the bottle over to me.

"Do you want cashew or almond butter on your toast?" Opening the cupboard door, I tilt my head, waiting for Allie to answer.

"Almond butter and banana, please," she grumbles.

Strolling back to the living room, we drop on the banquette seats. Beams of early spring sunshine pour in through the bay windows, warming my back.

"Is it a good time to tell you we may have ordered toys?" I lift the cup to my lips to suppress the giggle, begging for release. Allie’s jaw drops to the floor, staring at me with a dazed look on her face.

She clears her throat, muttering, "Toys?"

I nod. "Uh-huh. For you, me, and Katie. I have notifications for a couple of other things but haven't checked what else I ordered. I'll check later and return them." Unable to control myself, I burst into unrestrained laughter. She continues gawking at me with her mouth agape as if I have lost my marbles.

"Anyway, there isn't anything wrong with ordering toys, right? They'll come in handy when Sebastian stays over, and when I bring Christopher over for a test spin," I add. Allie leans against the tufted banquette, shaking her head and flashing a playful grin at me.

"Test spin?"

"Hell yes! Everyone knows before buying an expensive Ferrari, you need to test drive it first to see if it's the right car for you." I squeal with laughter, making Allie dissolve into fits of giggles.

When we’ve calmed down, Allie’s phone vibrates on the table. She scrolls through the message, biting her lower lip. I vaguely remember her taking selfies and sending them to Sebastian.

"How bad is it, babe?" Allie lifts her head, unlocks her cell, and gives it to me. I cover my mouth with my hand to suppress the shocked gasp escaping my lips.

"Why would I listen to you? You don't own me. What you gonna do about it? Maybe I would stop drinking if you were here…I dare you. Make me,big boy! It's so cute that you think your threats to punish me scare me when my next-door neighbor's three-year-old hits harder than you."I blink repeatedly, trying to process what I'm seeing and reading. My bestie’s inner brat has awoken from her slumber. "Dang, Allie. I'm speechless. What're you going to do? I'm sure he knows it was the alcohol talking and not you."

"Like father, like daughter. After a few whiskeys, my father turns from nasty to evil, just like Jekyll and Hyde. It seems alcohol brings out my dark side, too, so I can't excuse my behavior just because I had one too many. That's why I never have more than a couple of drinks."

I shake my head vehemently as anger builds inside me. I dislike her deadbeat, abusive dad and psycho ex Nathan with a fiery passion of a thousand suns.

"Hell no! You are nothing like your father, babe. If I hear you comparing yourself to that vile man or putting yourself down, I'll kick your ass," I snap.

"Love you too, babe. I need to apologize and take a nap." I exhale deeply, bobbing my head in agreement.

We hoist ourselves up like a pair of old ladies and take our cups and plates with barely touched toast back to the kitchen before we retreat to our rooms. I put on my relaxation playlist and snuggle into bed, letting the ambient music lull me to sleep.

Chapter 12

Christopher

Theimposingheavy,iron,electric driveway gates swing open, revealing the long gravel driveway immaculately framed with manicured lawn and evergreen trees. My father always lives for ‘go big or go home’. He has a big estate, a fleet of luxury cars, a collection of Rolexes, and custom-made clothes. I gun down with "Red Flags and Long Nights" on full blast. Inevitably, the lyrics take my mind to the gorgeous dark-haired, blue-eyed brat who occupies my every waking moment. I'm not blind. She wants me, but I can’t give her what she needs. She deserves someone who can commit to a full time relationship, and not someone like me, who can only give her breadcrumbs. But that doesn’t stop me from craving her. Badly. So badly that if I can’t have her, no one else will have her, either. I'm scared if I give in, I’ll find a way to hurt, break her.You are not scared of letting her in, loving her. You are scared of old pain, of losing her like you lost your mother and Amelia,my heart whispers.

The white stucco walls of the mansion looms three stories high. With seven bedrooms and two guest wings, it’s an heirloom, passed down through generations. One day, I'm set to inherit it, but until then, I don't plan on staying a second longer than necessary. Sober Brianna is bearable, but drunk Brianna is insufferable. I kill the engine, recline in my seat, and close my eyes, using my breath to ground me before I enter the lion’s den. Here we go. A middle-aged, well-dressed butler opens the door, welcoming me with a broad smile.

"Good evening. My name is Henry. Please follow me, sir."

"Thank you. Please call me Christopher." I follow Henry inside the grand, opulent foyer, my brows hitting my hairline at the sight.

Strings of fairy lights and beautiful burgundy, purple, and pink blooms wind around the iron staircase, making the entryway look more like a fantasy wedding reception than a sixtieth birthday party.

"Mrs. Steele asked for guests to leave their present on the table, sir." He points to a rectangular table to our left littered with different sizes of gifts.

"Thank you, Henry. I’ll find my way to the party."

"As you wish, sir," He dips his head, walking away.

Depositing the small box containing white gold and onyx bespoke cufflinks, I wonder if he would appreciate the recent addition to his impressive collection. Uplifting classical music and people’s voices travel from the entertainment area, which has been transformed into a magic fairy land with luscious indoor trees, plants, and overhead lighting. Guests, dressed to impress, stand in small groups, laughing, nibbling on canapes, and downing champagne offered by the army of waiters whizzing around with trays in their hands. I snatch a drink from a passing waiter, take a large gulp, and search for my father. The sooner I do it, the quicker I can get away.

---