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“So what if they do?” Will’s voice was as quiet as mine, barely audible above the talk and laughter. “They can’t do anything.”
Cupping my chin, he kept my face tilted towards his. We stood behind the potted plants, out of the gleam of lights, but anyone could walk by and catch sight of us.
“Will—“ I protested, catching his wrist. He touched my lower lip, then dropped his hand.
“It’s true. They don’t care, and I won’t let anything happen to you. More wine, Andie? I’ll get you some wine. And something to eat. Because I bet you’re still eating cornflakes for dinner, and we can’t have that.”
I could really use some wine. And Will was right — most nights, cornflakes were dinner. I nodded, but he was already moving gracefully towards the bar. The crowd parted for him, the way it had for Richard.
The rooftop was full now. I should go out and mingle instead of hiding behind the bank of potted trees. Stepping out, I glanced from one chattering group to another, cupping my empty wineglass.
“You’re Rose and Richard’s niece?” A well-coiffed woman was eyeing me. She was my aunt and uncle’s age, and she looked familiar…
Yes. She’d been one of the gossiping women at that luncheon my aunt had dragged me to in June, boasting about their kids’ accomplishments, hours before the night in the woods with Will. Her name clicked into place: Mrs. Platt, who’d cooed that Will should get together with her daughter Madeleine.
“That’s right. I’m Andrea. It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Platt.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “Quite a memory.”
“Thanks. I try to remember names.”
I also remembered her comment that Will and Madeleine would make a very attractive couple. That they’d had a long talk at the garden party at the beginning of the summer.
And my aunt’s purred response: Well, he has his choice of girls. But I think he and Madeleine would enjoy each other. They’d go far together. They’re cut from the same cloth.
Mrs. Platt smiled. “You’re very fortunate that your relatives are still looking after you.”
My face burned. “I’m looking after myself.” Mrs. Platt blinked at me. I’d said the wrong thing. “Sorry— that is, yes, they helped me out over the summer. I’m very grateful. I probably wouldn’t be here without them.”
I could hear running feet in the woods now, could feel a hard arm catching me around the waist and pulling me close. Hot invasive fingers under the other dress from Rose, penetrating and taking, arousing and enraging me. I heard my own snarling hiss. Go be with Madeleine Platt. Leave me alone. And Will’s start of surprise: I don’t want Madeleine fucking Platt.
“Well, it seems that you’re still under their wing. I wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth if I were you.” Mrs. Platt’s face broke into a beaming smile as Will strode up to us with a wineglass and a plate of food. “Will! How’s school? Still rowing? Winning everything? I’ve heard so much about all your successes from your parents. You look fantastic. Have you talked to Maddie lately?”
“No, I haven’t, Mrs. Platt.” Will gave her the same smile I’d seen on Richard’s face tonight. The October night felt chillier, the scent of burning leaves drifting on the air. “I haven’t talked to Maddie in a long time.”
“Call her. She’d love to hear from you. Take care, dear,” she added to me as she turned away.
When she disappeared into the crowd, I looked up at my cousin.
“Can we go?”
Chapter 14
The empty elevator was a relief. Will had smoothly fielded the goodbyes with his parents while I nodded politely. But his palm on my waist now, his fingers tipping up my chin for a kiss, sent a wave of need down my body.
Dizzy, I clutched his broad shoulders, squeezing the swells of muscle through his jacket, sucking on his tongue. The rush of the elevator down the tall building made my stomach flip. My thighs were trembling, hot juices slicking my lips and soaking the gorgeous lace underwear.
“Oh yeah,” Will growled. “I can smell you, Andie. I’m going to take you home and fuck you like a little animal.”
I could only gasp, sobbing into his mouth in the elevator, my body clenching with sharp excitement. Every kiss sent shocks through my skin. When I molded my hand around the heavy bulge in Will’s slacks, squeezing and stroking, his green eyes flew open wide. The elevator wall was hard against my back.
“Will, please—“ I begged.
The doors opened on the ground floor, just as fingers slipped my dress strap down to expose green satin and lace. My cousin’s gaze was soaked in arousal. A slow smile spread over his face as he took in the mossy lace against my pale freckled skin.
Don’t wear this underwear around me unless you want me to own your body.
“You’re so mine, Andie,” he whispered in my ear.
