The Unfortunates(60)
Chapter Ten
Nine
All day I hid out in my room, dazed and confused. I spent the greater part of the morning thinking about my Fortunate and what he did to me—what I let him do to me—and the rest of the day pondering the powerful surges of orgasm, even missing them a little. I never thought such pleasure could be so overwhelming. I never knew such emotions could be forced from the human body by a gentle swipe of a perfect finger. I want it again and again, and I hoped, no, I prayed that it’d happen again. I barely touched my lunch, having eaten so much at breakfast, and before I know it, the sun is gone and the moon is out.
Which brings me to now.
A gown that I never thought my skin would ever be able to grace clings to my body before flowing off my hips. It still had its usual Unfortunate styling; the plunging neckline, the sheer fabric, and tunic-like style, tied in a knot on my shoulder. It was purple, like the one Vince wanted me to wear tonight, but a different style altogether. It exposed no large portions of flesh nor gave off any ‘sexual’ vibe. I manage to bite back a smile. I guess Kade doesn’t want me on show as much as he originally thought.
Portia pulled my hair up into a messy bun, allowing two locks of auburn hair to frame my face. They looked silly, as long as they were, and Portia cut them so they were level with my chin. Portia is doing a lot better now that a small amount of time has passed. She’s even started smiling again. Death is never easy, old world or new world, I’m sure it still hurt. I missed her. It’s nice to finally have an Unfortunate on my team again. At least Portia understands Kade. At least she isn’t terrified of me because of him.
“You should go,” Portia says, patting my shoulder. “It’s eight-nineteen, and if you’re not out there by eight-twenty, Kade’s going to come looking for you.”
The mention of his name does funny things to my tummy. It sends it flipping and floating like a leaf in a cool autumn breeze. With a nod and quick swipe of my dress, I step into the hallway. I follow it into the kitchen and out into the yard. Like usual, it seems no expenses were spared for yet another Sario event. Gorgeous white and purple lights are strung all over the place, stretching as far down the yard as the eye can see. Tables are draped in white and purple fabric and covered in white and purple flower petals. It’s breathtaking… and not Vince’s style at all. I expected topless Unfortunates, people grinding and drinking and fucking all over the place. I did not expect something with taste, something easy on my eyes. Unfortunates filter from the house with drink trays in their hands, all of the females wearing the same exposing purple dress I tried on earlier. Suddenly, I feel left out. I don’t want to attract unwanted attention.
“You’re late.” Kade’s voice, smooth like the low keys on a piano, penetrates my chest and grips my heart. He steps out of the shadows to my left with a glass in his hand and the solid ground turns to liquid under my bare feet.
“No, I’m not,” I say, allowing my eyes to take in his whole form. He looks amazing draped in the finest, fittest, and blackest suit I’ve ever seen. You’d think he’s going to a funeral, not his brother’s birthday. “It’s eight-twenty.”
He tsks. “It’s eight-twenty-one.”
I set my jaw. “Well, in that case I’m so sorry I kept you waiting. I hope it wasn’t too painful.”
His full lips twitch, a beautiful gesture that doesn’t pass me by, and he steps closer. “The wait wasn’t, but your dress, on the other hand…”
I suck in a breath and let it go ever so subtly. “What, are my nipples not distinguishable enough for you?” I ask, trying my hardest not to sound breathless.
All I can think about are his hands… his fingers… his delectable mouth.
“You should think about ditching the sarcasm. I’m sure I can still pinch them through that pathetic excuse of fabric.”
“Promises of torture before the party has even started, I’m so lucky to have you as my Fortunate.”
“I let you come by my hands today. You have no idea how lucky you are.” He grips my forearm, gently but firmly, and pulls me close. “You stay by my side tonight. Do you understand?”
There’s a clear warning in his eyes and I’m not the smartest girl on the planet, but I’m sure as hell not the dumbest. Playtime is over. “Yes, Master Kade.”
I follow closely behind him as he walks and talks to other Fortunates. They all love Kade and embrace him with open arms. Honestly, it’s quite hard to tell if their affection is genuine though, or if it’s the alcohol doing all of the talking. I observe Kade as he mingles. Most Fortunates move to start conversations with him and he only speaks when asked a direct question, or asking a direct question. He doesn’t participate in small talk or gossip or even express his condolences or congratulations if a particular subject comes up. It’s good to know he’s closed off to everyone and it’s not just me.