Page 145 of Tantalizing Kings

Inside the box is a gold necklace covered in red rubies with a matching pair of earrings. I’m in shock, stunned really by all of these gifts as I pick up the note and read it.

Some pretty gems for my Pretty Girl. Unlike these, you're priceless.

–Grayson

PS: You can’t avoid me forever, little sister. I will find you. Save me a dance.

“Girl, you should see your face,” Emma cackles. “Damn, I knew Grayson was a bad boy, but he’s a filthy man, too.”

She’s not wrong.

“Alright, last one.” Alice hands me another small box.

It’s a mask, a much nicer one than my gold and red one that I wear to the club. This one is red with a black lace trim. It’s hard leather with beautiful black details on it.

The tips of my fingers brush against it as I take in every loop and swirl. “There’s no note,” Mia comments.

“It’s from Preston,” I say softly.Why would he give this to me when he made it clear that he’s done with me?

“Sooo,” Emma starts. “What are you going to do?”

I look up at her. “Looks like I’m going to a ball.”

THE EVENT IS EXACTLYhow I thought it would be for a room filled with a bunch of rich, pompous assholes.

Everyone is dressed to the nines in black suits and gowns. Waiters and waitresses float around the room, offering flutes of champagne and hors d'oeuvres to the guests.

I feel so out of place here. Thankfully, my friends are here too. Turns out Alice was being forced to attend, and Emma didn’t want to be left out. Brent couldn’t come, so we’re all each other's dates.

“He’s been really sweet about it,” Mia says, regarding her hanging out with us and not hanging off Declan’s arm. “He said you needed me more.”

I smile as I watch Declan. He looks so handsome in his suit and black mask. His brown hair is slicked back, something I’m not used to compared to his normally fluffy hair. He’s standing next to his parents, talking to people I don’t know. Hell, I don’t know any of these people, really. I do recognize some from school, but apart from that, none.

“You're going to have to get used to this, you know,” Emma states.

“What do you mean?” I tear my gaze away from Declan to look at Emma.

“Well, your mom is getting married to Mark Taylor. He’s a big deal in our world. And events like these, the whole family is expected to attend.”

“No,” I whine. “I hate rich people.”

Mia snorts. “Thanks.”

“You know what I mean.” I roll my eyes. “This is so boring. I don’t have money, so I can’t bid on anything. The music is just background noise, so there’s no dancing.”

“Yet. After the winners are announced, there’s dancing,” Alice adds in.

“I’m gonna guess not the kind we do.” I raise a brow.

“Ah, no,” she snorts.

“We’ve been standing here for an hour while you all come and go to mingle with the rich folks.”

“Sadie-bear, you’re getting cranky. Here, have a Snickers,” Emma jokes, pulling a candy bar out of her purse.

My eyes light up, and I snatch it from her. A scoff sounds, making my eyes flick up in time to see Tina walking by. She gives me a disgusted look as she eyes the candy bar in my hands.

My stomach drops as a wave of nausea hits me. “I’m not hungry,” I tell Emma, handing her the bar back.

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