“I’m a little turned around,” I say with a shy smile. “This house is so massive, it’s easy to lose your way.”
“If you’re not familiar with it, definitely,” he responds, leaning against the wall in front of me, his eyes scanning me from top to bottom. “I don’t think we’ve met before, and I usually know everyone at these awful parties my sister throws.”
Oh no. I recognize him. It’s Montgomery Michaels the Fourth, also known as Monty Michaels. He’s a genius, attends MIT, and I think he’s a senior now. He has quite a reputation for being quirky.
Not that I really know him personally.
“So this is your house?” I ask, feeling a bit foolish.
“Technically, it’s my parents’ house. I just live here occasionally,” he clarifies, giving me a friendly smile. “What’s your name?”
“Summer,” I confess. “Like the season.”
I nod and take a breath, feeling a wave of emotion.
“Oh no, please don’t cry. I have no idea how to handle emotional girls,” he says, sounding genuinely concerned.
“Don’t you have two sisters?” I ask, trying to hold back my tears.
“I do, but I tend to steer clear of them as much as I can,” he replies so earnestly that I can’t help but chuckle, which makes him smile. “Please don’t cry. What’s bothering you?”
I laugh, though it sounds more like a sob. “What else? A boy.” His brow furrows. “Boys can be the worst, but they’re also irresistible, aren’t they?”
“I guess so.” I think to myself that maybe I’ve found an ally in him, noticing the sincerity in his eyes and how he’s focused on me as if I truly matter. It’s strange, since we’re practically strangers. “Why are you back here instead of at the party?”
“I’m not much of a party person. I prefer one-on-one conversations,” he admits. I give him a weak smile. “Same here.”
“So, who is this boy that upset you?” he asks gently.
He seems genuinely curious, watching me as if he wants to help solve my problems. Or maybe I’m overthinking this. I don’t know.
All I know is that he’s the first friendly face I’ve seen in a while, and I feel like telling him everything.
“You probably don’t know him…” My voice trails off.
“I know most people here, even though there are hundreds. But I suppose I don’t know you.” He gives me a playful scowl. “Who did you come with?”
“Sylvie Lancaster,” I reply.
His face lights up. “I adore her. Is her gorgeous brother here too? That boy has such striking features.”
I nod, my lip trembling.
“Don’t tell me he’s the one who broke your heart.” He frowns as a tear rolls down my cheek, and I quickly wipe it away.
“You don’t have to answer.” He sighs. “Whit Lancaster is stunning, but he can also be quite a handful.”
“Definitely,” I agree with a small hiccup.
“He’s handsome, though. Those eyes, the cheekbones, and that slightly sinister look that makes you think he’s always plotting something. Why are we drawn to the ones who look like trouble?” he muses.
“I have the same issue,” I admit, and we both laugh.
“Don’t let him get to you. He’s not worth your tears, sweetheart.” He steps closer and gently wipes the tear from my cheek. “Want me to walk you downstairs?”
My hopeful look must be obvious. “You’d do that? I thought you hated parties.”
“Oh, I do. But I can’t resist helping someone in need.” He gestures towards the door he came out of. “Let’s get you cleaned up first.”
“Is this your room?” I ask as he opens the door.
He laughs. “No, dear. This is the servants’ wing. It’s where I meet my secret flings.”
My jaw drops. “A secret fling? With whom?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.” His sly smile makes me smile back. “Let’s just say he’s a jock with a reputation for being a player, yet he secretly enjoys other things.”
Oh my. I can think of a few people who fit that description. “College or high school?”
“I don’t reveal such details, and I definitely don’t mess with high schoolers,” he says as he opens the door. “Teenagers are too quick anyway.”
So, he’s never been with someone like Whit Lancaster then.
He offers his arm, and I take it, letting him lead me inside. It’s nice to have a friend.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER, Monty and I descend the stairs, his arm still linked with mine as we survey the scene. He helped me freshen up and gave me a pep talk about handling Whit before suggesting we join the “subjects” downstairs.
That’s what he calls the guests at his parties. The subjects.
I’m already a little enamored with him. His confidence is inspiring. He doesn’t seem to care what others think of him, probably due to his family’s name and status. I wish I had even a fraction of his confidence.
Maybe if I stick around, some of it will rub off on me.
As we step off the staircase, people flock to Monty, casting curious glances my way since they don’t recognize me. When they ask, Monty simply says I’m his guest and leaves it at that.
I can tell they’re intrigued, but he shuts them down if they pry further. I just stand there with a mysterious smile, scanning the crowd for Whit.
Why am I even looking for him? He’ll just hurt me again. He’s probably with Monty’s sister, Leighton. They’re likely together right now while he’s telling me he owns me.
I despise him. I really do.
“Darling, your expression is quite sour,” Monty whispers in my ear, not bothered by the people talking around us. “Compose yourself. Whit has entered the room.”
My legs feel weak, but I steady myself, holding onto Monty and trying to smile.
“That’s it. Chin up,” Monty encourages, looking to his left with a pleased smile. “Ah, he’s coming this way. Remember, you’re above this. You’re above him.”
I lift my chin and look down at the crowd, a genuine smile forming. I lean towards Monty, feeling fond as he smiles back at me like we’re old friends.
We make a good team, Monty and I. It feels like I’ve found a kindred spirit.
The atmosphere changes as I sense Whit’s presence before I see him. My body reacts, and goosebumps appear.
“Montgomery,” Whit’s voice is familiar, dark, and commanding.
“Whittaker,” Monty responds, clearly amused. “You seem ready for a fight tonight. What’s wrong?”
Whit glares at Monty, then looks at me. “You’re with my date, Monty. And I don’t share.”
The crowd falls silent. I’m stunned into silence.
Did Whit just claim me publicly?
Monty chuckles, holding onto my arm. “You’ve always been possessive of your toys, Whit.”
“I haven’t changed. Now, give me back my toy,” Whit demands, his deep voice making me feel weak. “She belongs to me.”
“Don’t you mean ‘who’?” Monty corrects him, turning to me. “Don’t worry about him. He’s sometimes quite rude, almost like he was raised by wolves.”
“I was. Wild ones who’ll attack if needed.” Whit reaches out, gripping my wrist and pulling me towards him. But Monty holds on. “She’s not your type, Monty.”
“Oh, I know, but she’s lovely.” Monty’s eyes are wistful. “You’re lucky to have her. Does he treat you well?”
I don’t respond, but my expression must speak volumes.
Monty releases me as Whit pulls me closer. Whit’s arm wraps around my waist, his hand on my lower back, holding me tight. It’s a possessive move. I feel claimed.
And I don’t mind.
“Thanks for looking after her,” Whit tells Monty, sounding genuine.
“I’m always here for your prized toy. She’s a gem.” Monty waves at me. “Have fun with him tonight. He might be a bit wild. Watch out!”
Before I can respond, Whit guides me away, hurrying us through the room. My heart races as I try to keep up.
He’s upset, but I haven’t done anything wrong. If he tries to blame me, I won’t accept it.
“Whit,” I start, but he keeps moving, his grip on me firm, until I stumble into him.
He turns, pressing me against the wall. I expect him to kiss or touch me, but he doesn’t.
Instead, he lifts my chin, making me look at him.
“It’s not what you think.”
I search his face, seeing the calmness. I could accuse him or cry, but I don’t.
“What happened then?” I ask, my voice steady.
“Leighton and I have a past,” he admits.
Jealousy flares.
“She’s persistent, but I wasn’t interested. She came onto me, even threatened me.” His eyes flash with anger. “Leticia is here.”
My heart sinks. “Your future wife.”
“Not anymore,” he says firmly. “No one decides my future now.”
I’m taken aback by his resolve. “Leighton was all over you.”
“She was, not me.” He gently tucks my hair behind my ear, and I shiver at his touch. “It meant nothing. I followed you, but lost you.”
“I ran, despite these shoes.” I give a faint smile. “Then I met Monty.”
“Isn’t he great?” I smile. “I like him.”
He frowns. “Monty’s a flirt. You know that?”
“We just talked, really. I think he likes someone else.” I brush my hand on his chest, soothing him. “He cheered me up.”
Whit sighs, looking relieved.
“Can we get out of here?” I ask, feeling his unease.
He nods, reaching for my hand. “Follow me.”
