I didn't think Papa would actually let me tag along to his special event. He had never let me step foot in his professional life, but now he was asking me to do it as part of the assignment?
I hadn't expected it, but I also couldn't explain how happy I was with it.
As he gave out his speech, my mind trailed off.
To Averista.
The idea of her swam around my head like nonstop butterflies.
Her scent . . .
Her voice . . .
I couldn't help but wonder what could've happened that night if her mother didn't walk in on us. I wondered what she'd do, and if I'd let her. And how it would feel . . . to have her lips on mine.
I wondered what she tasted like.
Automatically, I reached for the napkin on the table and fiddled with it.
I wished I had somewhere to write. At times like these, I wish I could carry my brailler with me everywhere so I could write down all my feelings. My mind was filled with endless words stringing themselves into poetic lines that needed to be let out.
My eyes met Papa's.
His glance reminded me of my quest.
My assignment.
I didn't want to think of that right now. But as my fingers trailed over the napkin, I couldn't help but feel guilty for being such a judas.
It hurt more that I knew what I was doing and had no choice against it.
I needed her with me now.
I needed her to be here, just for a little. Before dawn breaks, before everything went down, before my mission became successful and before she realizes what I've done . . . I needed her on my side.
I needed to be with her.
* * *
Averista marked my skin with her lips.
She held me against the wall, trailing her mouth all the way from my earlobe, to my nape, and down to my chin.
I struggled to breathe, my eyelids shutting as I felt her tongue lowering to my neck, to my collarbones.
I was glad she was holding on tight and close or else I would've passed out to my feet. That's how weak I felt. I needed her to hold me as tight as she could.
My fingers in her hair while her reaching out to touch and fondle everywhere she could put her hands on. And I let her do whatever she pleased. She had all my consent from the day I met her.
I let her take advantage of the moment, and of me. I could neither breathe nor think.
I couldn't do anything but bite my lips and urge her on. I didn't know I could be able to feel like this. Or even let someone make me feel like this.
Goosebumps made way up my arms but it all felt too good to stop. I wanted to tell her to stop for that sake, but I didn't want her to stop ever. I wanted her to drive me more insane and give it all she had. I wanted her to do anything but stop.
By the time it ends, I wanted that scent — those wildflowers to linger all over me.
Maybe calling her up was a bad idea. Maybe I should've held myself together and try to survive through my father's speech like an obedient daughter. But I let my heart overtake me, so here I was.
I should be mad at Averista for what she had done, but the second I laid my eyes on her, the only thing I wanted to do was embrace her. And who knew we'd be making out in the hallway? Who knew I would forgive her so easily and let her do whatever she wanted to do with me?
The way she kissed . . . I didn't want it to end.
But of course, it had to.
Some asshole thought it would be the perfect time to walk in the backstage area.
Me and Averista immediately torn away from each other.
As if nothing occurred. Like we weren't about to do something we shouldn't. Like I wasn't about to give her a part of me that I had never given to anyone.
I fixed my dress and took a breath.
"There you are!"
I knew that damn voice. And it belonged to none other than my unlucky fake best friend. Of course. I mean, who else would go out to mind my business?
"Well, isn't it beauty and her beast right here?"
I could tell she was staring between me and Averista back and forth in a knowing, menacing way with her arms crossed or something.
Averista's hand still rested at the small of my back and as much as I wished she kept it there, she dropped it.
"Um–I think I recognize you from somewhere . . . Wait–you're Phoebe's best friend, right?" Averista let out.
"Oh! Of course," the bitch sounded so fucking delighted. "I didn't know I was considered as such. But good to know."
"What the hell are you doing here, Nory?" I dropped the question, irritated.
"Apologies for interrupting whatever that was going on, but I'm here to get the princess, as per his majesty's orders. It's time to go home, Barbie."
"Tell my father I'll be there in a few minutes." I replied, stern.
"He said you would say that. And no, it's time to leave. We have a special dinner ceremony this evening, remember? The one that you promised not to miss?"
I sighed. She was damn right.
And I had no choice.
All of this was part of my father's deal. I did what he wanted so he could give me what I desired.
My prize.
I turned to Averista, as if I could see her. I could feel her eyes on me already.
"Come with me." I reached for her hand.
"What–No"
"Why not?"
"I–I can't. You know, my mother–"
I didn't know she cared that much about her mother.
"Oh, it's fine. Okay." I nodded, heart broken. "I get it. I totally understand."
I swallowed, wondering what to say next.
"Um," I cleared my throat and Averista let my hand go, breaking me even more. "I guess I better get going now?"
"Precisely," Noreen added, and I could tell she was impatient. She just wanted us to leave. Fuck her.
"I'll see you soon?" I directed the question to Averista.
"Yeah. Of course."
I moved over and planted a quick kiss on her cheek before leaving.
I wished I didn't have to go anywhere far from her.
She was my home.