Lilith sat on the edge of her bed, alone in her room. She had changed out of the wine-stained dress, trading it for a gown in a darker shade of blue. Should there be any more accidents, at least they would not be so embarrassingly obvious on this dress.
An accident. Was that all it had been? Whatever the case, she was actually glad it had happened. It felt good to have an excuse to escape the party if only for a little while. She had been on her feet the whole day, instructing the servants and helping with the decorations and preparations. Even her father had made a comment about her possibly overexerting herself. She just wanted the night to be a success. At this moment, she found herself caring about that more than securing a husband.
She drew in a long, languid breath through her nose, letting it fill her and drive the tension out of her limbs. She felt better. She felt calmer. The event was well underway and so far, the only tragedy has been spilled wine. Not too bad, all things considered.
She thought about all the people downstairs, knowing that she could not stay up here for very long. A good host did not hide away. Soon, everyone would be wondering what had happened to her. She rose to her feet, checking her reflection in the mirror. The servants had braided her long hair with white ribbons, and the dark blue dress set off her eyes. She looked elegant and composed, and felt that she would have done her mother proud.
She crossed the floor, pulling open the door and stepping into the hallway. And ... found herself facing, of all people, Brandon Moore. He was leaning next to the stairs, hands gripping the rail behind him. He was one of the few men in Coser who was taller than her, and she couldn't help noticing that his frame had hardened with muscle during his time away.
Lilith drew her bedroom door shut behind her, but did not move from her spot. "Brandon, how did you get up here?" She had servants planted all over the house to prevent this sort of thing. How had he dodged them and found his way up here? "Are you lost?"
"No." He stretched a gaze over her, and a prickle ran up the back of her neck.
"You shouldn't be up here."
"I like it here. It's quiet."
"It's off-limits."
"I saw what happened," he changed the subject, nodding at the new outfit. "I think I like this dress better."
"Well, I didn't ask for your opinion." She started towards the stairs, but he shifted, blocking the way before she could pass. "What are you doing?"
"I'm not ready to let you go yet."
She pulled back, giving him a scrutinizing look. "Unbelievable. Kendall put you up to this, didn't she? That girl will stop at nothing."
He shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do. Now, please, move aside, Brandon. I have guests."
"I'm your guest too. Entertain me."
She swallowed, feeling the rising heat of a blush. "Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do."
"What am I trying to do?"
"Distract me. Throw me off. It won't work. You're wasting your time. " She tried to weave around him, but he shot out an arm, cutting her off. She halted just in front of him, lips pursing in frustration. Don't back down, Lilith. Don't let him rattle you.
"Be honest, Lilith. Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like to be with a hero?"
"I don't need a hero."
He paused, his eyes flicking over her face as he mulled. "Tell you what. I'll let you go if you give me something."
"What?"
"A kiss."
Her heart quickened inside her chest, practically a blur. Yet, she managed to keep a calm face, shaking her head slowly.
"Just a peck. On the cheek. And I'll let you go. You have my word."
"Do you really think this would scare me off? I play to win, Brandon Moore."
"So do I."
She waited a moment, then raised her head. He bent down at the same moment, and she planted a kiss above his jaw, her lips making a small, sweet sound against his skin. Brandon leaned his head near her left shoulder, watching her out of the corner of his eye. "You smell nice," he whispered, his breath skimming her hair. Something had changed in the tone of his voice, but she didn't quite know what.
Lilith pulled back, clearing her throat. "Alright. You gave your word."
Thankfully, he pulled back his arm, and she moved down the stairs, making sure not to hurry her steps. Just act as if you get asked by men for a kiss every other day.
By the time she made it back to her guests, she felt a little better, but it was not to last. Mrs. Etheridge appeared, looking distressed as she clutched Lilith's wrist. "You'd better come with me, Lilith."
"Why?"
"Come and see for yourself."
Lilith followed her, realizing that they were heading towards the entrance. Some of the servants were gathered there, blocking whatever was happening. "What's going on?" Lilith asked, breaking through. Someone was standing at the threshold, a lone figure in fine shirts, looking as handsome as she remembered. "Logan."
He nodded at her in greeting. "Hello, Lilith."
Hello. Like they were casual acquaintances or neighbors. Was this the same person she used to imagine making a life with one day?
Logan cleared his throat, nodding at the wall of servants. "There seems to be a bit of problem. I saw that there was a big event going on so I thought I might drop by, but .... "
"He has no invitation," Mr. Sykes pointed out.
"Of course not," Lilith said, putting on her best smile. "I had no idea you were in town, Logan, or I would have certainly extended you one."
"Really? I suppose I'll just have to take your word for it."
Lilith nodded at the servants, and they stepped back, except for Mr. Sykes. "Miss Lilith, your father - "
"I know. We have a thousand guests, I hardly think one will find his notice."
He withdrew, but there was a look in his eye that said, Don't say I didn't warn you.
"Logan," Lilith said, turning her attention back to him. "We're delighted to have you. Please come in, enjoy yourself."
"I intend to." He brushed past her, leaving her behind and joining the crowd.
Lilith bit her lip, realizing that all the servants were looking at her. "If anything happens, I'll accept the blame."
Seeming placated, they dispersed, returning to their duties. Once alone, the questions began popping up in Lilith's mind. Why? Why would Logan come here? If he was trying to make some kind of point by appearing here on this crucial night, it was lost on her. This is just what I don't need.
She cut across the floor, heading for the chaise longue where she'd last seen Kendall, following that ridiculously transparent fainting episode. She stopped, finding only the twins sitting on the cushions.
"Sorry about your dress," Viola sympathized.
"It wasn't too much trouble." Brandon Moore on the other hand .... "What happened to Tyler?"
"We don't know. When we came back, he was gone."
"He must be off with Kendall somewhere," Emma commented, her words coming off icy.
"Emma, I understand your feelings, but we're Harpers. We don't get jealous of girls like Kendall Moore."
Her sister said nothing, not seeming comforted. Lilith turned her head, looking out for her father. She hoped that he was he was still sitting and talking to Regina, as he had been all night. At least then, he wouldn't be likely to spot Logan. She spotted Regina in the same place, but instead of her father, it was Olivia holding a conversation with her. No.
Lilith cocked her head left and right, but couldn't find her father anywhere. "Don't get up to any trouble," she told her sisters before moving off. She picked her way through the crowd, responding half-heartedly to greetings and smiling apologetically as she refused offers to dance. She reached the edge of the hall, and was about to give up when she finally spotted her father.
He was hovering under the stairs with someone, and she craned her neck to get a better glimpse of him over her father's shoulder. Face narrow as a plank, a receding hairline and squiggly dark brows. Mr. Moore. He had a frown on his face, and Lilith knew that look. It was the same look she had when being reprimanded by her father. Whatever was going on, it must not be pleasant.
She turned on her heel, walking away. Kendall might think she'd won tonight, but ultimately, the Harpers would always have the upper hand.