Stephan(14)

Ignoring them, I stared out the window and my eyes widened at what I saw. The car slowed and we came up to massive gates, they were open and the guards looked in to the car and waved at Scott. The fences around the gate were high and security cameras were clear to see. Scott drove down a winding driveway with beautiful lavish gardens on either side. He slowed down even more when a sprawling mansion came into view. It was three stories high with huge windows everywhere and balconies on the upper two levels. Two huge marble columns with a patio led to the four-door entry. Cars were parked everywhere around the circular driveway.

“We’re late because you girls took so long to get ready.” I rolled my eyes at Scott’s sulky voice. He’d taken almost as long as us. “Now we’ll have to park down the driveway.”

“Can’t you let us out here?” Renee asked.

“I could, but then I wouldn’t see Stephan when he sees what you’ve done with Jade.” He drove down the driveway.

“I hate your brother, Cassie.” The bitch laughed. I harrumphed and crossed my arms sulking. “I thought you were my friend.”

Cassie turned and frowned. “I am. That’s why this is so funny and going to be so much fun.”

Groaning, because I knew if the shoe was on the other foot I’d probably be enjoying this.

Scott parked the car and everyone got out. I gripped the seat not eager to move. Cassie got in and dragged me out.

“Don’t be like that. You look amazing. We are just teasing you because we all know how hot you look. Stephan won’t be able to resist you.”

“Um, that’s not what I wanted,” I mumbled.

Renee linked her arm with mine. “Sure it is.”

I dug my heels in and looked around for an escape, but with Renee on one side and Cassie on the other, I knew there was nowhere to run. Well not like I could run in the heels anyway. I was surprised I could even walk in them.

Feeling like a sacrificial lamb, I walked in awe to the mansion. I’d never seen anything like this up close. I could hear the music pumping the closer we got. Entering the house and I almost stumbled at the sight around me. A huge open entry living area with stairs at each side, white tiles with cream walls, huge paintings hung on the walls and expensive leather sofas and other extravagant furniture decorated the home. There were people everywhere and the house still looked almost empty.

Scott went and picked up some wine from the waiters. He passed them to us. “I don’t drink. I’m not old enough.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t.” He winked.

Glancing around, I felt so out of place. Holding the glass tighter I took a sip.

“Kitchen’s at the back along with the games room. Come on.” Scott motioned for us to follow. “Most people will be back there.”

Renee and Cassie pulled me along. I gazed around in wonder. I was way out of my element. When we reached the kitchen I detangled myself from the girls and went into the huge space, it was like a dream. I loved cooking and this kitchen was amazing Black marble bench tops with dark mahogany wooden doors on all the cabinets. All the appliances were top of the line stainless steel. I put down my empty glass and grabbed another two glasses of wine as a waiter came by. I gingerly touched the cabinets and bench tops. Cups, glasses, and plates marked all the surfaces but it didn’t take away the beauty.

I gazed around and noticed I couldn’t see my friends, and my two glasses of wine were finished. Crap. Where had they gone? I’d left them to see the kitchen. All of a sudden there seemed to be a lot more people around than before. I reached for another two wines as a waitress went by. I debated if I should go and look for Cassie, or see if I could find one of the other girls I knew.

“Hello. I haven’t seen you before.”

I stared up into a face vaguely familiar. The man and I was sure he was a man, and not a boy or close to, had blond hair and ocean blue eyes. He was tall and built like most of the spoiled rich guys around here. He was handsome, with a five o’clock shadow like he forgot to shave for a day or two and high masculine cheekbones.

“That’s because I haven’t been here.” I leaned against the kitchen island and placed one empty wine glass down.

“I thought so. I would have noticed a beauty like you.” He smiled showing perfect white teeth and his left cheek had a dimple. Before I’d seen Stephan’s I probably would have sighed, but he’d ruined me.

I snorted, because really. I raised my eyebrow and took a sip. “That line usually work for you?”

He chuckled and held out his hand, I put down my now empty wine and took his hand in mine hesitantly. His hand engulfed mine and held it captive. “Obviously not. I’m Richard, Richard Silverman.