"There are sixteen songs on there." He winked. "I hope you like them."
I hugged him. "Thanks, Gabe. I'm sure I'll love them."
He placed his hands on my waist sending an electric pulse of heat through my belly. I leaned into him, enjoying his smell, like fresh laundry, sandalwood, and a hint of his mouth-watering blood. Holy being or not, I was drawn to him.
Opposites attract. He's supposed to be good. You're supposed to be evil. It's a textbook setup, my inner voice said sarcastically.
I internally shook away those thoughts. Gabe and I had plenty in common.
Gabe kissed my neck and my body warmed. His soft lips melted away all worry.
"We'd better let Snow get cleaned up. Plus, you boys have a lot of work to do before the party tonight," Professor Pops said.
They all groaned.
"Later, Snow," they said as they unhappily left the room.
I stifled a laugh. "I can't wait to see you guys in your tuxes," I sang out.
More groans.
Chapter 4
When Professor Pops reached the hallway he bent and picked up an extra large box that was leaning on its side. It was wrapped in a shimmering black with a small black and white ribbon around it. "One more present," he said, bringing it over to me. It was as long as my bed.
"What is it," I asked, too intrigued to be embarrassed by the extravagance.
"You'll see," he smiled, causing the wrinkles near his eyes to become more prominent.
I tore away the wrapping. Across the white box written in bold black were the words: Vera Wang. My eyes found Pops'. "I already have a dress, remember? My dad and... stepmother bought one for me," I whispered.
He tipped his chin toward the box. "Open it."
Carefully I removed the lid. For some reason my hands shook, my heart beat rapidly. Folding back the tissue, I sucked in my breath. Layer after deep, crimson layer of a transparent, filmy material covered the entire inside of the box. On top of the cloud of red was a strapless bodice. I gingerly pressed it between my thumb and first finger. It was soft, like silk.
"Try it on. Let's see if it fits."
"Alright," I agreed mesmerized by its beauty.
"Vera is a friend of mine. When I explained the dress was for your sixteenth birthday party, and that the theme was a masquerade ball, she excitedly created this masterpiece.
"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," I said softly walking into the bathroom and shutting the door. Quickly, I removed my shoes, plaid pajama pants, black tank top, and the watch Sebastian gave me. I stepped into the dress and pulled it over my chest. Pinching the sides together, I awkwardly zipped myself in. The dress felt like liquid against my skin. Opening the door I stepped out, nervous anxiety skipping in my belly.
Professor Pops held out his hands. I took them and he gently twirled me. "You look exquisite, Snow. Like a fiery dream."
I blushed, enjoying the attention.
Seven heads peeked into my bedroom.
"Holy wow," Heathcliff said.
The others nodded their approval.
I found Gabe, and he mouthed, "Gorgeous."
"Get," Professor Pops scolded, shooing them from the room.
I walked over to the full-length mirror and my heart raced faster. The girl in the mirror looked older, more mature...