236 Hot in Here
(Winona)
Gabriel Brennan and some beauty.
He’s wearing a sharp, tailored suit, his dark hair cut short with a mop of curls on top, exuding confidence with every step.
There’s no denying it, he’s attractive. Dangerously so. But it’s the woman with him that really catches my
attention.
She’s stunning, a bombshell in every sense of the word Slim, with short, sleek hair and a dress that hugs her curves like a second skin.
The way she carries herself, the way everyone in the room is watching her… there’s something magnetic about her. Something almost familiar.
I squint, trying to figure out who she is, and then Lisa jabs me in the ribs, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Holy shit,” she whispers. That’s Cass.”
1
1 freeze, staring harder. It is Cass. What the hell is she doing?
She’s practically glowing, her usual dark, baggy clothes replaced with this slinky silver number that shows off every inch of her body. A body that every male and half the females in the room wish they were escorting.
“She’s with Gabriel?” I mutter, incredulous. “What the hell is she thinking?”
‘Lisa shrugs, sipping her champagne again, clearly entertained by the whole situation. “I don’t know, but damn, Winona. She looks hot.”
I shake my head, my brain scrambling to process what I’m seeing. Cass… my little sister, standing there with Gabriel Brennan like they’re some kind of couple. I can’t even wrap my head around it.
Jayden’s hand tightens on my arm, his face hardening. “Gabriel’s thirty.”
“And we don’t know a damn thing about him,” I add, feeling my protective instincts flare. “This can’t be happening.”
Lisa sighs. “I hate to say it, but it is happening. She’s obviously all in. Lucky bitch.”
“She’s only eighteen, Lisa. I don’t even know if she’s…well, you know…”
“Sexually active? Well if she isn’t she will be soon.” Lisa looks envious.
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” I say, my voice low but firm. I watch as they make their way down the staircase, Gabriel’s hand resting possessively on Cass’s lower back. It sends a chill down my spine.
“What the hell is he doing with her?” I whisper to Jayden. “Why would she even-?”
“Because Gabriel’s charming.” Jayden says, his jaw tight. “And Cass is vulnerable.”
“Not for long.” I mutter. My heart’s pounding. Cass and Gabriel disappear into the crowd, but I can’t stop staring after them. I need to talk to her. Now.
10
+25 BONUS
236 Hot in Here
But before I can move, Judy appears in my line of sight again, moving toward the center of the ballroom like she owns the place. I don’t want to engage her, so turn back to Jayden.
“This is unbelievable. You can’t tell me he’s serious about Cass. He could command any woman in the room. I say he’s up to something.”
“We can’t just accuse him. And Cass can make her own decisions. We did at that age.”
“Yes, and look how that turned out, Gabriel is close to Judy. I don’t want Cass close to her.”
“I’m hearing you, but you can’t exactly forbid her.”
“This is just Judy’s way of getting under my skin without being obvious. Look at her with Gabriel. That’s exactly how she was with you in public. It’s sickening.”
Jayden is quiet. “I guess she didn’t take long to replace me.”
“Does that worry you?”
“Hell no. He can have her.” He checks his Rolex. “Look, I have to go to the stage.” Jayden kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you at our table soon.”
Break a leg, Jayden.” I smile as he walks away.
Then I say to Lisa, “Something just doesn’t feel right. I have to talk to Cass.”
Then the bell rings indicating it’s time to be seated for the speeches and dinner..
“Damn it. Cass is invited to our table. Do you think Gabriel will actually sit with us?”
“I hope so.” Lisa says, still practically drooling.
“Can you get your head above your waist? You know as well as I do that Cass is out of her league here.”
“Cass is real cool chick. You should give her more credit.”
“I know that. But do you think he’s really into her? I think he’s playing games.”
“Why would he?”
I realize Lisa doesn’t know anything about Maria’s father in Cuba and the possible links to crime in the
USA.
“Just a feeling I get. Not to mention Judy playing games with our heads and trying to look innocent.”
“You know, all that may be true but we can’t fix any of that tonight.”
We walk into the dinner room. The tables look so amazing with fresh white flowers, electric candles and gleaming settings.
“You’re right.” I sigh.
“This is an important night for Jayden. Let’s support him and leave the rest till later.”
I can’t shake the feeling inside me though. Cass looks like a cover model. Wearing make–up, heels, that
dress. It is not the Cass I know.
236 Hot in Here
+25 BONUS
I wonder where Mia is tonight? I’m sure all of this is because of her Influence.
We take our seats, and Lisa has an empty one next to Her, Jayden’s is next to me and there’s a spot for Cass and her plus one.
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