Page 24 of Charlie

"Isla is a miracle worker," I laugh, spinning to give him the full effect.

“Isla has nothing to do with it," he growls, "you're stunning in everything you wear. And I bet even more stunning in what you don't." His teeth sink into his bottom lip, his eyes dark. "Drink?" he asks, snapping an orange peel over a glass of amber liquid.

"Please." Now seems like the perfect time for a little liquid courage.

"You look amazing," I blurt as he hands me the glass.

He ducks his head and murmurs his thanks. I smile as a blush stains his cheeks pink.

"I'll meet you there!" Isla calls from the front door, "Jay came to pick me up – I forgot part of my costume there."

I wonder if I'll get to meet Jay tonight. The elusive older brother. I have to admit I'm a bit intrigued.

The second Isla closes the door, Lach is at my side, pulling me to him. He's careful with my makeup, pushing my chin up with the slightest touch, his lips whisper soft against mine.

He kisses my jaw. "Are you ready to go?" he asks, his breath hot against my skin. I shiver, goosebumps cascading down my arms.

I nod and follow him outside. "So, do I finally get to meet Jay?"

"You might not be so eager once you meet him. He was in an awful mood this morning." Lachlan grimaces. "Your chariot awaits, milady." He opens the car door and sweeps his arm out in a grand gesture.

"Thank you." I smile, carefully folding myself into the tiny seat.

We're pulling into the castle drive after a few minutes, intimidating wrought iron gates and stone pillars marking the entrance. Dark hills lit from behind by the rosy glow of the sunset create a moody background. Fog hovers over the grass, tendrils reaching out to caress the car.

"This has to be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," I whisper, staring at the castle in awe. Four rounded towers anchor each corner, the expanse between a solid wall of stacked rock. Arched windows spill golden light over the landscaping and frame a beautiful marble staircase that leads to the massive front door.

"Isn’t it? It still takes my breath away, and I’ve been around it my entire life," Lachlan says before he steps out and hands his keys to the valet. He opens my door, helps me out, and then extends his arm to me as we walk to the steps.

Halfway up, the heavy front doors swing open, and Isla bounds out a moment later. "Finally!" She punches Lachlan on the shoulder. "Lookin’ good, jerk-face."

Lachlan snorts, "Not so bad yourself, short stuff."

Isla huffs and turns to me, squeezing me into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too," I murmur, "You look amazing." Her red hair is braided loosely, tiny tendrils sneaking out to float around her face. She's not wearing a mask. Instead, every exposed inch of her skin has been painted with fish scales in blues, purples, and silvers. She's wearing a purple satin corset and a shimmering green skirt that hugs her body down to her calves, flaring out in a pouf of deep blue iridescent fabric.

"You should have seen what I wore last year," she says, wiggling her eyebrows. Grabbing my hand, she pulls me away from Lach and through the door. "I have to introduce you to Jay." I hold on tight as she leads me through a maze of halls, throngs of people milling around in ridiculously gorgeous costumes. Where did all these people come from? It's more people than I've seen in one place since I left the States. The crowd disappears as we walk further into the interior of the house.

"Jay?" Isla knocks lightly on the frame of a heavy wood door. The door is ajar, firelight reflecting on its surface. She pushes the door open and pulls me into the room. The walls curve around us, and I realize we must be in one of the towers. Stairs wind their way up the wall, the spaces in between filled with thousands of books. Two heavy leather chairs sit in front of the most enormous fireplace I have ever seen. Jay is sitting facing the fire, his back to us. He has an ankle crossed over his knee, gold-ringed fingers drum on the arm of the chair—awareness flares inside me as my gaze trails over the veins on the back of his hand.

"Jay, this is Charlie." I feel frozen in place, but Isla jerks me forward, oblivious.

He's wearing a mask that covers everything but his lips – a lion's face surrounded by a wild mane of hair. Whisky eyes pin me in place, my cheeks heating as he lazily peruses my body. Mortification rips through me as my nipples harden. His gaze narrows on them, his eyes darkening. My heart feels like it's going to explode as I suck in a ragged gasp of air, my vision going black around the edges. I have to get out of this room. I do the only thing I'm good at.

I run.

16

"Dance with me, Charlotte."

My heart tumbles in my chest. Jay takes a step closer and leans against the doorframe, far too close to where I'm attempting to disappear into the wall. The neck of his billowing white shirt is open, revealing a fine dusting of hair. Tan riding pants hug his legs – and other things – making it difficult to pull my gaze away. He exudes feline grace, reminding me of a lion stalking his prey.

"I can't dance," I whisper, adrenaline roaring through my veins as I force my gaze back to the dance floor.

"It wasn't a question," he growls. The heat of his hand burns through my dress as he guides me toward the dance floor. He spins me so I'm facing him, placing one hand on my waist.

I grip his muscled shoulder, trying to keep up with his steps and failing miserably.

---