Jingle Bells Ball

JBB: 05

Swallowing the food in my mouth, I placed the half-eaten cake on the table behind me.

I found myself at the centre of attention, and I relished every moment of it. I basked in the admiring gazes of the crowd, feeling like a superstar. But as I looked up, I noticed that the announcer appeared to be displeased. He was perched atop a narrow spiral staircase that overlooked the grand ballroom, looking down at me with a stern expression on his face.

"Megan, please come forward," he repeated in a stern voice and motioned for me to walk.

As I straightened my dress, I followed the instructions given to me and started walking towards the staircase. As I made my way through the crowd, I could hear their hushed whispers and murmurs. Surprisingly, their tones were not negative but rather filled with respect and wonder. It was as if they were enchanted by my presence. With each step, I felt their eyes on me, studying my every move. Finally, I reached the base of the stairs and started to ascend them cautiously, trying my best not to trip or slip in my high heels. As I neared the top, I could see the announcer gesturing for me to come and stand next to him.

"Thank you," he whispered so that only I could hear. Turning his attention to the crowd below, he smiled. "Now, with the uttermost pleasure, I would love to introduce his honourable Mr James Underwood."

The sound of claps echoed through the room, intermingled with cheers that filled the air. As I stood there, taking it all in, a faint creaking noise caught my attention. Turning my head, I saw a door slowly opening behind me. Moments later, the sound of footsteps grew louder, and a person's presence became noticeable as they stepped into the room.

Silence reigned.

As soon as my gaze locked onto him, I felt a strange sensation stirring within me. James Underwood marched forward with a determined expression, but his behaviour changed the instant he caught sight of me. His icy blue eyes flickered momentarily, and he appeared to be stunned. However, he quickly regained his composure and hurried over to my side, covering the remaining distance in just a few swift strides.

He leaned down to my level. "I didn't think you would come, but thank you."

"Hey dude, I'm only here for the free food," I grinned.

It was true, and I also came to steal from the wealthy.

"Did my mother not inform you?" Mr Underwood whispered lowly so that not even the announcer could hear. I shook my head, confused. "Very well then, let's begin."

For the next several minutes, I listened to his poor excuse of a speech; although he probably sounded convincing to the rest of the people, I could tell, just judging by his attitude, the speech was forced.

"Once more, I would love to thank you for attending this ball. It means the world to be able to share this exciting news with you all." Suddenly, a hand grasped mine in a firm grip. "Miss Megan and I are to be wed!"

Someone sounded as if they choked. Megan, that was you.

A series of congratulations sang out through the crowd. Me, on the other hand, well, I was too stunned to talk.

"Please do enjoy the festive celebrations tonight has to offer." And with that, Mr Underwood tugged on my hand, pulling me through the doors he had just come through.

Once the doors closed behind us, shielding us from the ballroom, I snatched my hand from his grip. "What the fuck was that?"

"I apologise," he quickly spoke. "You see, my mother wants me to—erm, marry. She suggested I find a lady to bring and—"

"Does it look like I give a damn what your mother wants?" With my hands on my hips, I frowned in utter disbelief. Can you believe this guy? "If you excuse me, I'll be leaving now." As I attempted to turn, Mr Underwood captured my wrist. "Let go, or I'll fucking break your nose too!"

"Please don't leave," perhaps it was the way he begged or how his voice sounded. All I know is I turned to face him properly. "My mother will force me into a marriage I don't want, so please, spend the evening with me, then decide. That's all I ask."

With my eyes peering into his, I pondered for a moment. "What's in this for me?"

"I can offer you anything yo—"

"Money?"

"Certainly, any amount you want, it's yours to take. Just please—"

"You have a deal." The biggest smile I could muster appeared on my face. "What do I need to do?"

With no warning, Mr Underwood grabbed me by my waist and pushed me up against a nearby wall. My back gently hit it with a soft thud. Then, the unspeakable happened.

He kissed me.

As his lips met mine, I realised that the experience was nothing like the romantic novels I had read. The sensation of his lips covering mine was entirely new to me, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming rush of emotion. It was as if time had stopped, and all that existed in the world was the two of us, lost in each other's embrace.

And I liked it.

Wait, no, I don't.

"Play along," he whispered against my lips. "Kiss me back, quickly!"

I heard footsteps fast approaching from behind Mr Underwood. Despite my better judgment, I found myself mirroring his movements. In one swift motion, Mr Underwood wrapped my arms around his body, never once breaking the kiss. He then returned his own arms to my waist, holding me tightly against him.

For reasons unknown to me, I enjoyed the kiss a bit too much.

"James!" A voice belonging to his mother shouted behind him, but Mr Underwood ignored the woman and deepened our kiss instead. "James! I order you to seize this at once!"

Once more, the kiss was deepened. Mr Underwood's lips pressed tightly against my own; they moved with hunger and lust while he forced me closer to his body. I could feel every inch of his chest, the muscles retracting as his hands moved.

"Stop this!"

Finally, he pulled back, his lips parting from the kiss. We were both gasping for air as if we had just completed a brutal workout. Our chests rose and fell rapidly, and the warmth from the intimate moment lingered between us.

What the fuck just happened?

With one arm wrapped around my waist, Mr Underwood turned us to face his wide-eyed mother. "Could you not see I was busy?" He said, gently squeezing my side. "It was very rude of you to interrupt us, Mother."

Her grey eyes captured mine. I smiled sweetly at her upon noticing her swollen nose. "Yes, it was very rude." I scoffed before taking Mr Underwood's hand in mine. "Come darling, the night is young. Let us go make love elsewhere, preferably a place more private."

Ugh, I can't believe I just said that or the tone I used.

"You will do no such thing!" She cut in, her voice coming across forced. "Not with my boy, I won't allow it!"

Rich people.

They're disgusting.

"With all respect, mother, you have no say in the matter. I will be marrying Megan, with or without your approval. Oh, and mother? I suggest you see a doctor regarding your nose. It looks broken."

And hand in hand, we left her.