𝐾 𝐴 𝐿 𝐸 𝑁

Chapter |7| For Real This Time

T E S S A ' S   P. O. V

I let out another grunt of pain as Pepper tightly curls another strand of hair. Right now I look like a poodle, but I'm placing trust in the transformation.

I'm more nervous than I'm letting on about all of this. Kiara and I have been looking forward to being apart of the auction ever since we first attended the gala at 15.

We saw beautiful girls in huge dresses being escorted away by hot rich gentleman. I know the reality is far from perfect.

The girls could be bought by older men too. I remember seeing a girl, she was young and gorgeous, but her youth was marred by thick tears that caused her mascara to gloop as she was dragged towards her date for the evening. An old moustached banker who eyed her with nothing other than lust.

I feared being bought like that. I feared being alone because I wasn't tough like Kiara. I couldn't take care of myself. I'm a people pleaser and even if an old rich guy buys me, I'd still walk towards him with a smile, though instead my anxiety would be plaguing.

An hour and half later, my hair is pristine and shimmering even. My golden curls match the tinted yellow gown I'm wearing that trails along the floor as I walk.

I actually feel beautiful. Such a rare occurrence for me.

"Aw Tess. You look amazing." I gave my best friend the once over. Her eyes were illuminating with excitement, something I hadn't seen from her in a while.

"So do you. I didn't think you could get much hotter, and you've proven me wrong. Tristan is lucky man."

She shushes me immediately but a small smile creeps up on her lips. "I think we're moving to a better place Tess. He seems genuine about wanting me back."

"And do you trust him?"

"It's hard. I want to, god knows I do, and I don't believe he would ever intentionally hurt me but my heart is still guarded. I can't let my walls down so easily."

"If he buys a date with you, then maybe you should put everything aside, treat it as if your strangers."

If I had to choose between Tristan or Aaron, it was Tristan all the way for me. He just seemed like the saner choice. The better choice.

Unfortunately my best friend was attracted to danger.

"You girls ready?" Kiara's father calls from outside the door.

We leave her room to make our big entrance. Not really but we grew up watching movies like the Princess Diaries or Cinderella where walking down a grand staircase was the height of the movie.

We grin at each other before making our descent, our hands clasped in the middle. As I look up, I see him first.

Kalen appears transfixed, staring at me with a look I've never seen before. When he finally notices my gaze, he smiles, and all resolution that Kalen and I are just friends flies out the window.

"Hi," I murmured softly as I reach him. Kai and Kiara head straight to the limo, followed slowly by everyone else.

"You look stunning." His eyes roam the length of my body and then back up to meet my eyes. "Fucking perfection." I shudder as his hand reaches out to push back my curls.