And by the way, she’s a fucking stunner, Creed. Boy, I will be proud if you can bring her home, into the family. Give me another twelve hours. I’ll have the ex’s name for you and the rest of the info.
He signs off there. My father is away until the day of the party, but even with him out of town, he keeps in contact with us, ensuring we’re looking after the house. He’s also included attachments to his email: files that contain her medical records, her birthdate, and all the details about her growing up, the schools she attended, her doctors’ visits, even the date she had her wisdom teeth removed.
Bring on Halloween.
Because this little mouse has just been caught.
5
Micaela
The store the girls brought me to is exquisite, for such a small town. I was informed, with much excitement, that getting a dress for this party was essential. It’s been a couple of days since I got the invite, and with the party taking place tomorrow, I’ve decided to chance it and walk right through the doors and look for the mysterious Creed Haven.
Grabbing a hanger from the railing, I hold it against my front, taking in my appearance in the full-length mirror. The silver material shimmers as if a million little lights have been sewn into the fabric. The V-cut of the neckline offers a peek of cleavage, and the sheer back will show off bare skin all the way down to my tailbone.
Back home, I would wear things like this for parties when my father allowed me to attend. And those times were only when he was by my side. With my father being influential in the city, we were constantly invited to gala dinners and charity balls. If I must admit, I am more nervous now than I was when I first received the invite.
“That is epic,” Paula says, causing the other two girls to turn my way. Their eyes are practically popping out of their heads when they notice which dress I’ve pulled out.
“You have to try it on.” Tamika grins, holding up her own hanger with a deep-blue dress that looks exquisite against her front.
“I don’t know,” I say, playing with the idea of perhaps just going with a little black dress, which I’m certain you can never go wrong with.
“No.” Paula is the one who answers with a shake of her head. “You are trying it on, and you’re going to love it.”
“Fine.” I smile at all three girls who’ve taken me under their wing. I’m not sure why they’re so friendly. I’m not used to it. In the high society of New York’s upper class, the girls are constantly jealous of one another. This is new to me.
I head into the back, shutting myself in one of the fitting rooms. The mirrors in here showoff my front and both sides, and I quickly strip to my underwear. Picking up my discarded clothes, I’m about to set them on the bench to my left when I see a black envelope sitting on the wooden top.
My brows furrow in confusion, but my heart rackets against my ribs in warning. It’s the same envelope the invite came in. I didn’t see anyone enter the room before I did, and we’re the only three in the store except for the sales lady.
With trembling fingers, I lift the offending item and leave my clothes in its place. Flicking the back open, I pull out the small black card, which has the logo I now recognize as the Haven coat of arms emblazoned on the front.
On the back, in a neat scrawl of silver pen, is a message that has goosebumps rising on every bared surface of my skin.
I look forward to seeing you in that dress. I’ll be waiting, little mouse. C
My stomach tumbles wildly, and my chest tightens with awareness. Ice takes hold of me, skirting down my spine, as if his words were tattooed on my skin. He’s been here, he’s seen me, and I have no clue what he looks like.
I didn’t think to ask the girls. The only thing I had been concerned about was the invite. After seeing Keirin, I thought perhaps he’d be just as handsome, but now I realize the girls did tell me that they’re all adopted. Not blood brothers.
“Hey, are you asleep in there?” A giggle comes from outside the room, knocking me out of the stupor I’d been thrown into.
“No, I’ll be right out,” I call to them, before setting the card down and changing into the dress. The moment it slips over my body, I feel different. As if material could transform me from a peasant to a princess.
The fluttering of my heart makes me smile. I’ve always enjoyed dressing up, even though I don’t do it often enough. If Creed Haven thinks he can play games with me, he’ll understand his mistake the moment I find him.
Because I will slap some sense into him.
I may be a girl, but I’m not someone who can be toyed with. Growing up the way I did ensured I would always be able to look after myself. My father taught me at a young age how to defend myself against anyone.
But that didn’t help your heart against Devon.
Shaking my head of the reminder, I open the door to the fitting room and step out into the main area of the store. All three sets of eyes land on me, and once more, they’re wide with excitement.
“Yes!” they all shout at once.
Looks like I have a dress. Now all I have to do is go to the ball.
Rolling over in bed, I glance at the clock glaring at me with large red numbers. A warning. I’m meant to be asleep, resting, but I can’t. It’s two in the morning, and I’ve been struggling to sleep since ten last night.
The cards have been haunting me. Creed’s words have been replaying in my mind since
