The Secrets We Hide (The Four #2) - Becca Steele Page 0,28
gesturing at herself with black-painted nails. “My mother picked out this dress. I got to choose the colour, and the mask, but that was it.”
“Oh. I wasn’t judging, by the way.” I cleared my throat and met her eyes. “To be honest, I was thinking that it didn’t seem like something you’d pick. Not that I know you. In fact, I don’t think we were ever properly introduced.”
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have picked this.” She gave me a wry smile. “I’m Lena. Aka the moody bitch, according to my brother.”
Cassius laughed. “Not wrong, though, am I?”
“Cass.” Weston frowned at him. Or at least, I think he did. It was hard to tell with the mask he was wearing.
“I’m Winter.” I jumped in before Cassius could make the situation any worse.
“I know. Love your tatts by the way. I wanted to tell you at the other party, but I wasn’t in the best mood. No offence, but your mother’s parties are boring as fuck. I’d have more fun at a funeral.”
A surprised laugh burst out of me. “You and me both.” I turned to Cassius. “Why don’t you invite Lena over sometime?”
He pulled a face. “Why would I want my annoying sister hanging around?”
I punched him in the arm.
“I like her.” Lena grinned at him.
“Fuck me, Lena’s proper smiling. It’s a miracle.” Cassius staggered backwards with an exaggerated gasp.
“You wanna dance? Or get a drink?” Weston murmured to her, shooting Cassius a glare.
“Can we get some air?” She looked up at him, and his gaze softened as he turned away from Cassius and met her eyes.
“Course. Come on.” He slid his arm around her, and I watched as he manoeuvred them away through the crowds, using his strong body to protect her from being jostled.
Next to me, Cassius gave a heavy sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
He shook his head, muttering, “It doesn’t matter.”
“Cass. Talk to me.” I put my hand on his arm.
“Nothing. I don’t like seeing them together, that’s all.”
“West and Lena?”
“Yeah. I know our dads forced them to come here together, but I’m not blind. I know West’s got a bit of a thing for her, even though he denies it. It would be a fucking disaster if anything happened between them. My best mate and my sister? No fucking way.”
I stared at him, deep in thought. “Are you sure he’s interested? She’s still at school, isn’t she? I thought he liked older women.”
He shook his head. “Yeah, she’s still at school, but she’s eighteen now, as of last week. Not that it matters, West likes women, generally. He doesn’t care if they’re older or not.”
“Do you think she’s interested in him, though? And is he really into her? I don’t think he’s any different with her than he is with other girls.”
“He’s…I dunno, protective of her.” He shrugged.
“He’s protective of me, too,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, that’s true. Maybe I’m paranoid. I just don’t want anything getting fucked up, and me having to choose between them or something.”
I stepped closer to him, putting my arms around him, unable to bear his downcast expression. “Hey. You’re worrying about nothing. West likes having fun with girls, he doesn’t get serious about them. A bit like someone else I know—” I did a fake cough. “—you.” And he laughed. “I’m positive he wouldn’t do that to Lena. Your friendship with him is far too important.”
“Look at you, being all wise and shit.” He kissed my cheek, his expression brightening. “Thanks, babe. I appreciate it. You wanna dance some more?”
“Why not?”
During a lull in the music, I was catching my breath after being dragged all over the dance floor by Cassius, both of us hoping to spot James, when something, or should I say, someone caught my eye.
“Cass!” I hissed. “Don’t look, but is that…? Is that the prime minister? No, it can’t be.”
He followed my gaze, then nodded slowly. “Hard to tell with the mask, but I think so, yeah. Look over there at the security, trying to be all discreet and blend into the background.”
“Wow.”
“Alstone elite, baby. These people are connected.”
“I’m starting to see that,” I murmured.
“Oh, fuck,” Cassius mumbled under his breath, staring over my head, and the prime minister was forgotten as I spun around to see Caiden. With Jessa.
FOURTEEN
There was no denying how good they looked together. Jessa’s long dark hair shone under the spotlights, and her slinky jade-green dress clung to her body. A matching jade mask, feathered and embellished with crystals, sparkled as they moved to the music.