Just as Alec said, Dad's having a dinner party tonight. Well, I've not been told officially, but a woman I've never met before is sent up to dress me in a long, flowing white gown that clings subtly to my curves and feels silky and luxurious against my skin. She helps me step into a pair of strappy heels before she bids me sit in front of the little white vanity in my room where she proceeds to curl my hair into soft waves that cascade down my back. I watch in wonder as she applies makeup to my face, somehow making me prettier without making it look like I'm wearing a lot of makeup.
She doesn't speak much English, and I can't help but wonder if that’s by design. My father doesn't seem to want me to speak to anyone, although I still can't figure out why.
Suddenly, Alec's adamant instructions that I don’t show any recognition toward him make more sense.
I'm still not entirely sure just what's going on, but I don't care anymore so long as it gets me out of here and in the same room as Alec, breathing the same air as him.
My heart skips a beat when I remember how he looked last night, naked in the moonlight, stroking that huge column of flesh just for me. When thick, white ropes shot from the tip, my body thrilled to its own climax, sweet release gushing from between my thighs.
Is it normal for me to want to feel his release on my skin?
My cheeks blush at the thought as I sit and stare at myself in the mirror. I don't recognize the girl—no, the woman—in front of me. I’m eighteen and officially a woman. The way Alec looks at me certainly makes me feel womanly.
I glance at my reflection again, taking in the slight shadow and mascara that makes my golden eyes pop. My lips are stained light pink to enhance their natural color.
Will Alec like what he sees?
I desperately want Alec to like the way I look. He's the only one I care about looking pretty for.
There's no knock at my door before my dad barges in. I stand and turn to him, and his eyes widen for a fraction of a section before settling back into that fathomless expression I’m so used to.
"You look so much like your mother," he mutters.
I can't help it. I'm practically glowing with pride. It's the closest he's ever come to complimenting me. I know how much my mother meant to him and how much he still grieves her. So much so that he can't bear to look at me for my crime, and I bear my punishment without protest.
"Thank you," I murmur.
He frowns as if something doesn't sit well with him before he shakes his head and bids me follow him.
I do so, ever the obedient daughter.
When we reach the top of the staircase, he stops and turns to me. "I have several business associates I want you to meet. You may speak to them, but only speak if spoken to, and make sure you're the epitome of politeness. Do you understand?"
His voice isn't overly stern, but it brooks no argument.
"Yes."
He nods, seemingly pleased, before he places my hand on his suit-clad arm and lead me down the stairs. "Make me proud," he whispers near my ear before we come in sight of the guests mingling on the floor below.
All men. So many men. Just like that day long ago. The last day I was allowed out of my room.
Every eye turns to watch our entry, but there's only one pair of eyes I long to see.
My gaze sweeps the room before they finally find the forest, drawn to them like a magnet. He looks both hungry and pained all at once. I allow myself one moment to look before I tear my eyes away from Alec's, remembering how he cautioned me not to show any familiarity.
"Gentlemen," my father finally says as we near the bottom of the stairs, "I'd like you all to meet my pride and joy, our guest of honor for the evening, Addison."
I glance at him in surprise. His pride and joy? Guest of honor? I study his face, but I can't tell whether he's sincere or not. If I'm his pride and joy, why doesn't he ever come to see me or have anything to do with me? And guest of honor? Just what's going on?
Dad keeps me firmly by his side as he navigates us through the room, stopping to let different men talk to me.
Some of them remember me from that last dinner party I attended all those years ago, commenting on how much I've grown up. Something about the look in their eyes when they say that gives me pause.
Finally, we're standing in front of Alec, and I peek up at him in wonder, afraid to look at him full-on, afraid that my face will give away the depth of my adoration for this man.
"Alec, my daughter." Dad introduces me, although he doesn't extend the same courtesy to Alec. I don't care. I'm just grateful for an excuse to finally be near him.
My head lifts to meet his gaze. I bite my lip when I finally see all the glorious shades of green in his eyes up close.