Page 7 of Irredeemable

Her red-lined eyes widen. “Like what?”

I shrug, pressing light kisses to the corner of her eyes, her nose, and finally her lips. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

She nods, biting into her thin lips gently. “Can I think about it?”

“Of course.” I squeeze her for a moment, shoving the irritation of her ridiculous innocence before stepping away. “You never did tell me what you were here for.”

“Oh. Your mom let me up after dropping off a few suits for you. We were finishing up some last-minute things for the gala tomorrow. I was hungry, and I had hoped you would be too.”

I paint on the smile I use to pacify people and poke her nose softly. “I am hungry. Have I told you how much I appreciate you always thinking about me?”

Madeline beams, preening under the rare affection in my tone. “You’re always on my mind.”

I kiss her again and pat her butt before moving her out of the way to get dressed. I tell her to pick a favorite spot and call the local entertainment paparazzi to ensure we’re seen to bring attention to the gala tomorrow. She gushes at the idea as I fight a grin all the way to my bedroom, knowing Sammie will see the photos the minute they’re posted.

Sammie

“God,Iforgothowfucking dreadful these events are.” I down the rest of the champagne, getting rid of the glass on a random passing tray.

Jasmine coughs, choking on her own drink at my words. “Inside voice, Sam. Happy smiles.” She runs a finger up from the corner of her lips to her cheek as I glower.

Plastering on the smile she wants, I turn to face the small clusters of people gathered in the large room. It was always the same; everyone decked out to the nines but would only gravitate towards those of equal social status.

“I’m not even sure how you wrangled a ticket for me to begin with.”

Jasmine huffs. “There’s a reason I’ll never leave my job. It’s not the clientele, but the fact there’s no such thing as a closed door.”

I wave at Mrs. Roberts, who gives me a surly look before showing me her back. Chuckling to myself, I face Jasmine again, giddy with amusement.

“She hates me. I love it.”

Jasmine glances at Tanner’s mother and sips before shaking her head. “Well, you can’t say she doesn’t have a reason.”

“How was I supposed to know it would look like a fucking massacre on the sheets? No one warns a girl about that stuff. Tanner legit thought I was dying.”

Jasmine snorts, covering her mouth as she looks around to see if anyone caught that before stepping closer to me. “All I’m saying is if that was my son. I would never be able to look that girl in the face.”

“Yeah, but there’s a difference between being uncomfortable and the hatred she spits at me.” I laugh.

She hides her smile behind her glass as one of her co-workers approaches us. I tune out the conversation, desperately wishing I could check my phone. Over the past month, I had been careful not to engage with Tanner, wanting to appear indifferent to his life.

But tonight will be the perfect opportunity to start a casual conversation, especially since I know his little girlfriend had helped his mother plan this whole thing. It means they will both be in attendance, and I can weave my little venomous webs. Madeline is the primary target, but I also want to feel Tanner out.

Jasmine pushes closer to me, fitting herself away from her touchy co-worker.

“Hey, Mr. Veneers & Bad Toupee, are you also blind? She’s not fucking interested. Get lost,” I snap, glaring at the pot-bellied man, whose face flushes before moving away from us quickly.

Her wide eyes turn to me. “Samantha, he’s the head of the legal department.”

Shrugging, I look across the way, where I see Nate Holloway watching the entire interaction. Jasmine’s boss is glaring at the retreating man with a promise I recognized. When I go to point it out, I’m almost startled by the presence that pops up before us.

“Evening, Samantha. Jasmine,” Madeline greets, pushing down her powder blue princess-cut gown. I almost want to snort at the irony of her spawning like a devil I just spoke about. I could also see the hesitation in her smile; she didn’t want to be associated with me.

Jasmine steps forward, aligning herself to my side further. “Maddie. I heard you helped organize this whole extravaganza.”

Madeline’s face falters for a brief moment before she turns up her megawatt smile. “I did. I was incredibly grateful that Mrs. Roberts asked me.”

“Well, it’s beautiful. I’m sure you passed the test,” I say allusively, grabbing a flute as a waiter walks by.

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