Page 3 of Silver Hunter

I lifted to my toes in front of him and planted a long kiss on his plump lips. When I returned, I’d straddle him if I had to, and I wouldn’t let him go until he came hard. His tongue sneaked between my lips, igniting my need, but he pulled away too quickly, bracing his forehead against mine. “Have a great time, Grace.”

His soft voice fed my guilt.

“I won’t be late—I promise.”

“It’s your night. Take your time. Just don’t let some phantom man steal you away.”

“Phantom?”

“The party’s Halloween-themed.” He kissed me again and whispered against my lips. “Remember, you’re the queen of this party. Better get going if you want to make it.”

His words buzzed against my mouth, as shame burned a trail through my heart. But I’d come back in a few hours, and everything would be normal. The hallway camera showed a limo pulling up to the front gate.

“A queen is never late.” I kissed him back.

By the time Hunter had laced the gold high heels around my calf, the limousine was parked at the front and the clock was striking the half-hour mark. He helped me inside the limo and waved as I drove away.

A pang of regret sank my heart into my chest. Hunter was the kindest and smartest boyfriend; but most of my friends were pregnant or on their way to being pregnant, while Hunter made bets about how far he could ejaculate. It was far. I’d seen it. Except the sperm didn’t go where it was supposed to go: inside my drying womb.

Twenty minutes later, my limo parked at the curb in front of the venue gardens. White and gold fabric was draped over the erected Greek columns at the front, and floodlights illuminated the entrance overgrown with vines. A valet opened the back door. Camera lights flashed, and security closed ranks. I stepped out onto the rolled red carpet, and someone bumped me in the shoulder. A security guard squeezed between us, guiding me to the door. Thank God Hunter had hired his company’s private team.

I stepped past the gates, and the crowd’s noise settled into a hum. The sound of falling water trickled from a central fountain, and I let go of the tension in my shoulders. A warm breeze blew by, swaying the fairy lights on the trees. Beyond, a tent with tables and a stage had been erected on the main lawn, which was decorated with flowers and vines and looked like a fairytale garden.

I walked up to a tall gentleman smiling my way. He was dark and handsome, in his late thirties, and fit the description I’d given to Aunt Mary right down to the neatly trimmed growth on his face.

“Grace Wagner. You look beautiful.”

“Xavier Morrison?”

He smiled and extended his hand. I hooked my arm into his.

“You’re early,” I said.

“I didn’t want to keep you waiting. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I took the liberty of getting your favorite drink; non-alcoholic, as per your preference sheet.”

He motioned to the wait staff, who immediately brought an aloe-coconut water.

“Thank you. That’s sweet. Have you read everything on that preference sheet?”

“My apologies. I wasn’t supposed to mention the pref— Never mind. I promise not to slip up again.”

My brows furrowed, and I looked at him from the side. He was more handsome than the profile photo I’d received from Aunt Mary. His firm jaw, dreamy eyes, and confidence were toxic. One day, Hunter would mature, and I could take him to events, but now… For now, I had to make this work.

“No worries,” I said. “What about your costume?” He was wearing a tuxedo with a long black cape. “Let me guess. Magician?”

“No.” he reached into his jacket pocket and removed a black mask. He looped the elastic around his head and adjusted the front. “Tonight, I’m Zorro.”

Cute.

We headed to the front table, where Xavier pulled back my chair. I took my seat beside my other date and my best friend, Emma Silver. Hunter’s younger cousin was wearing a feathered mini skirt and a matching top embroidered with gems. The modern cowgirl outfit on her body made her look like a Victoria’s Secret angel. My parents occupied the seats across from me, along with my Aunt Mary.

Emma glanced over at my date and leaned into my ear. “Where’s Hunter?”

“Home.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s too young to be my boyfriend today, Ems.”

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