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CHAPTER TWO

Avery.

.

.

“Wedding appropriate…let's see.” I rummaged through my dresses, each one even more ‘not appropriate’ than the last. There had to be something I could put on, I had barely 15 minutes to get there. Well, no more shopping for hot dresses anymore.

After another tedious three minutes, I finally found it. A black long matte gown, with a V-neck cut and a slit that reached up to my thighs. I hadn't worn this dress since my last date with my ex, but it still fit perfectly, hugging me in all the right areas. Pairing the dress with my daintiest piece of gold jewelry, I took a look at myself in the mirror.

“Damn, I might as well be the bride.”

After admiring myself a little more, I quickly did a light make-up, and packed my wavy brown hair in a ponytail as Evelyn usually did, and dashed out of the house in gold colored stilettos.

Too much? Nah. There's no such thing as too much.

Luckily for me the venue for the wedding was less than a 5 minute walk from my apartment, so I was there without having to break a sweat.

Cars of different models and makes lined up outside, and men and women, (infinite auras by the way) stepped out graciously onto the red carpet that was unfurled on the path that led into the huge event hall.

I had a feeling I was going to love this.

As Evelyn told me they had planned, Liam stood outside the venue, as relaxed as he could be, but his eyes were still alert, darting between the expensive cars and the affluent looking elites that were strutting into the hall. “Ma'am? Could you step somewhere else please?” A chauffeur said from behind me, pulling my thoughts away from the billionaire casually standing a few feet away.

“Of course.” I responded, took a deep breath, and walked towards him, clutching my purse.

Don't be nervous. You're a diva. You've got this.

With my head held high, I strutted straight to where he was. He noticed me, and straightened up with a dark expression as if he had been waiting for hours.

I was 2 minutes early. Sheesh.

I was barely two steps away when a tall, strangely handsome man stepped in between us. His cologne wafted into my nose, and for a second, I wanted to lean in and sniff. Hard.

“Well, what a lovely damsel. Are you the bride? Or are you still on your journey of love?” His voice was deep. And I mean deep.

It had this resonance, with a warm, velvety tone that penetrated into every of my nerves, grounding me.

Before I knew what happened next, he grabbed my palm, and kissed the back of my hand. “Peris Davenport. It is my pleasure.”

I beamed. This was perfect. “Of course it is. I'm the angel here. Avery Lockhart.” I muttered. “I fancy your approach, and I would love to entertain you a bit more, but-”

“She's with me.”

I froze, as icy blue eyes sized up the man in front of me, who turned his gaze towards the intruder. The blue eyes landed on me, his gaze lingering a bit longer and his expression unreadable before he reached out and….

Pulled me.

Yes. He fucking pulled me like I was a dog.

“Hey! That hurts. Let go.” I whined and struggled as he dragged me towards a corner beside the venue. He finally let go, and turned to me with a scowl.

“I said 7pm. You finally show up and you're out there flirting?” He roared, his voice laced with anger.

“I'm going to stop you right there. I was here at exactly 6:58 pm and you saw me. Besides,” I folded my arms, squaring the death glare he was shooting at me. “I don't see where it says that I can't flirt while out on business.” His expression faltered for a second, and I rolled my eyes.

Liam Rockwell was hot as hell, and probably one of the most eligible bachelors in New York, but his attitude was a no no. I wondered how Evelyn kept up with this dude.

He stared at me for a while, as if trying to read my mind. “You’re feisty this evening. Let's go in.” He said shortly, adjusting his neatly tailored and or dry-cleaned tuxedo, the white shirt underneath outlining the tautness of his lean muscles. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a small piece of jewelry. I almost leaned in to get a better look when fingers snapped in front of my face.

“Inside, Evelyn.”

Ah yes, there it was. The cold and detached tone.

I sighed, rubbing my wrist and followed him into the hall. I didn't see any sign of Peris again, and it felt like a blow to the chest. I wanted to see where the night would have taken us.

Don't sleep with anyone tonight, Avery.

You need someone to tie you down because you fuck like a horse in heat.

I shook my head and laughed. Evelyn would never understand what it felt like to be carefree. She was too business minded.

The hall was exquisite, much expected, but I was still in awe. Tiny little golden lights were draped over each pillar, casting a warm golden glow all over the place. Massive chandeliers spread across the ceiling and even bigger windows lined up the walls, adding to the class.

Rich people had life good.

“Evelyn, this is Mr Thomas, the mayor.” I heard Liam's husky voice beside me, and I froze. Evelyn wasn't here…oh wait.

I'm supposed to be Evelyn. I shot him a bright smile and took his outstretched hand. “What a pleasure to meet you sir. Congratulations on your daughter's wedding. Oh and I love that wristwatch! Is that Cartier?” I hadn't seen an original Cartier in a while, and I absolutely loved his.

Mr Thomas returned my smile, his eyes darting between me and Liam as if passing a secret message. I didn't care though, I was too busy admiring his wristwatch. A few seconds later, Liam pulled him aside and began to discuss what I believed was ‘business’.

I was left to my own devices, and as always, I was gonna take advantage of it. Waiters carried different concoctions of drinks, and while I told myself I wouldn't get drunk out here tonight, the first shot I took had me craving for more.

Liam wouldn't mind, right? Evelyn, on the other hand, was going to kill me.

By the time it was 9pm, all the wedding proceedings had taken place and I had downed at least 7 shots of whatever it was they mixed for people. I had noticed Liam's eyes on me the entire night, like he was trying to keep his eye on my every move.

Again, how did Evelyn cope with him?

“Ugh, I shouldn't have come here.” I started to feel nauseous, and I had no idea if there was a bathroom here.

“Liam…” I tugged on his arm, my vision getting blurry. Gosh, I said I wasn't gonna get drunk. He didn't respond, and I didn't have the energy to speak up louder, so I grabbed the fork beside my plate and jammed the head into his upper bicep. He flinched, and turned towards me with a pained expression, rubbing his arm.

“What's wrong?” He leaned in to listen to me, and the scent of rosemary and cinnamon flooded my senses, and let's say, that was a very bad thing.

“I…I need to use the bathroom.” I whispered, my hands traveling up his arm and stopping on his shoulder. His muscles tensed, and his blue eyes held some sort of emotion I didn't recognize.

“I think I need to take you home.” He muttered.

“Home? You wanna come home with me?” I giggled. “Of course. You can come. I have a lot of things.” I slurred.

“Gosh, you really are drunk. I didn't know you were that much of a drinker Evelyn.” He said, amusement glistening in his blue orbs.

“Who's Evelyn? The only girl here is the diva that's right….” I crossed my legs on top of his. “in front of you.” I peered up at him, and felt a strange heat bubbling up inside me from the intensity of the stare he was giving me.

He gripped my thighs, slowly pushing my legs off him. “I don't know what this is, but I love it.” He whispered, his eyes darkening. “Come on, let's get you home.” He said lowly, guiding me to my feet.

“Yay! We'll see all the things I have at home.” I said excitedly, as we walked out of the event hall, my hand across his shoulder and his on my waist.

“Let's get this over with.” He muttered, and I giggled in excitement.

Over with indeed.

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