Moving to the beat of ‘Shake it off’ Ronan and I danced like nobody else were watching. He was a good dancer for someone so large. I laughed out loud as he twirled me around only to catch me by the waist pulling me back up close to him. My eyes found James and the scowl he sent my way gave me a feeling of spiteful pleasure. I held onto Ronan’s biceps.“My goodness, you’re very strong.” I said, batting my eyes at him.“All-natural babe,” he winked at me.James broke in. “May I borrow my girl for a minute.” It wasn’t a request the way he said it. The smile didn’t reach his eyes.“I’m holding you to your promise.” I said before James whisked me away.“What are you doing Destiny?” he pushed me into the scullery.“I’ve no idea what you mean James. I’m only trying to get to know your mates.” His grip on my arm started to hurt and I wriggled to get out of it.He pushed me against the wall. “You be careful Sugar. You don’t know Ronan like I do.” The look on his face scared me. This was a new
JAMESWhat the hell was wrong with me? When I saw Ronan touching Destiny I wanted to knock his head off. Of course I was just looking out for her because I knew what a player Ronan was, and I didn’t want to see her get hurt. Nothing more than that.“Sorry mate I overreacted.” I held my hand out for a shake.Ronan sniggered and shook my hand. “You’re smitten. Understandable.”Smitten? Not me. She was gorgeous and I felt the attraction, but smitten? No sir. She was too young and innocent.“Hey, go and enjoy the party. We’ll be right down.” I wanted to check on Destiny.“Sure…” Ronan said and winked at me. I knew what he was thinking which was fine by me. Let them believe that I went after her for a quickie. We were engaged after all. I smirked back at him and knocked on her bedroom door.“Go away James,” she called out.No way Sugar. I went in. This was my house after all.Destiny had changed into a T-shirt and shorts. I loved looking at her legs. Her hair was still wet, and the droplet
DESTINYA week later Kaitlyn came to pick me up. She made an appointment at an exclusive wedding boutique for me. Our wedding planner waited for us. The time had come to pick a dress. I was a bundle of nerves; my hands were all sweaty and gross. I kept telling myself that it was just a dress it didn’t mean anything seeing as this wasn’t a real wedding. But it felt as real as can be.We were welcomed by the store manager herself, a lady with large glasses resting on her chest and nails like talons, long and painted red with a ring on every finger except her thumbs which I found fascinating. Kaitlyn introduced me to the wedding planner, a Miss Tasha Vandervalk.“Stunning. You’ll make a lovely bride. Just lovely.” The manager clasped her hands together, inspecting me all over. “I believe we have just the right dress for you, my angel.” Her smile revealed big horsey teeth which seemed too big for her mouth.“Yes, there are some exclusive labels here that I think will suffice.” The wedding
The day of our official engagement party came way too fast. My nerves were on edge, forming knots in my stomach as James stopped in front of one of the fancy hotels owned by the Barrington group.“Hey,” James took my hand in his, “It won’t be so bad. Just smile and look gorgeous. You do, by the way.” He smiled his sexy, dimpled smile which made my knees feel like jelly.“I don’t know about this.” I pulled back, hesitating to go through the revolving doors.A slight frown marred the space between his eyes. “Are you getting cold feet on me now, Sugar? You look like you could bolt.”I wished I could. I smoothed down my Christian Dior scallop dress. It was white and showed off my curves. The heels were killing me, and the night hadn’t even started. I didn’t fancy white that much, but James said it suited me. Virginal white. He was never going to let that go. James was dressed in his usual black pants, no jacket and his black dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves. No matter what he wore he
“What the hell, James?” I whispered through clenched teeth while trying to smile at the faces watching us. “Who is she?”“My past, come back to haunt me.” James said, staring at the woman across the table.“I’m Jenna, by the way, James’ ex-fiancée.” She held out a delicate right hand to me and I had no choice but to gently touch her perfectly manicured fingers to mine.“Destiny.” I tried to smile.Grandfather Barrington sipped his wine innocently, but I caught a glint in those blue eyes of his, and it made me wary. He was up to something, and it spelled trouble.“Jenna, I’m surprised to see you here.” Lord Barrington said, casting cold glances at his father. The waiters began bringing in the first course, the starter, and the string quartet played a soft, haunting melody.Jenna had the most gorgeous grey eyes; they reminded me of a cat I once had when growing up.“Yes, I must say I hesitated to come at first, but Grandfather insisted.” She smiled at the old man who looked as if butter
Why the hell did I start to cry? Maybe it was because Ronan’s face was so sympathetic and he talked to me so softly, unlike his usual booming tone. The next thing I knew I was in his embrace, and he stroked my back to comfort me. It didn’t feel the same as when James held me, but it felt good. He was so solid.“I’m sorry, so sorry. I didn’t mean to bawl like this. It’s just…” I tried to pull away from him, but he wasn’t letting me go.“Shh, it’s okay. It’s been too much. You can cry on my shoulder any time, honey.” Ronan petted my head. He was so tall I couldn't reach his shoulder even if I stood on my tiptoes. That made me smile.“I would need a ladder,” I said and chuckled. He handed me a serviette to wipe my nose.“See, now that’s better. You have a stunning smile.”“Destiny?” James came rushing up to us. “What the fuck?” he scowled at Ronan who had his arm around my waist. “Why are you crying, Sugar?” he pulled me away from Ronan.“You should know, daft fucker.” Ronan spat at him.
JAMES“For Jenna’s benefit,” she said. Jenna who? I thought as I took possession of Destiny’s delectable mouth. God, the way she tasted! It was like a religious experience, for a minute I heard angel choirs singing in my head. She melted against me. I couldn’t believe it. So soft and pliable. How the hell was I supposed to keep my hands off her? Damn my father. He knew I would never be able to resist this girl. That is why he removed that clause.But would she be able to resist me? I hoped not. But it would be selfish of me to want her for myself. She was so young and innocent.“James…” she tried to catch her breath. I was a damn good kisser.“I think that’s convincing enough.” She whispered near my ear and extricated herself from my arms. She sashayed away from the bar.I stifled a disappointed groan. I was just starting to enjoy myself. For a virgin, she certainly knew how to turn a man on. Or maybe she just wasn’t aware of it.“I don’t know how you do it, mate. What’s your secret,
DESTINYThe drive back to the James’ house was tense. I didn’t want to speak to him. I was angry and ashamed that I had given in to my feelings and he had taken advantage of me. Jenna was right, James would break my heart without a second thought. I had to be more careful. Especially when we’re alone.Damn him, his kisses made me melt. I wouldn’t have been able to stop him if he wanted to go further. In fact, I wanted him to go further, but when he placed my hand under his shirt I was afraid. This was just a game to him. I had to remind myself constantly. There was no way he would give up his playboy ways for me.Jenna’s words came back to haunt me; “You don’t have what it takes to satisfy a man like James.” Heaven knows, she was right. I was inexperienced and it showed. I felt such a fool. But I won’t make the same mistake again.Sneaking a peek at James while he drove, I noticed the firm set of his mouth. He looked serious and forbidding. Was he angry with me? Well, he had no reason