Business magnate's daughter, Isla Templeton (Feather), is the youngest of André Templeton's three children. And the top topic in the upper-class gossip in New York City.
Isla has always been a fighter; after losing her mother at a young age by sui...
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Isla's lips were always dangerously inviting to me. And that red lipstick she wore tonight made it nearly impossible to resist. It was probably not the best idea to kiss her right now, given that Lopez's men were on the move; they sensed something was wrong. But I just couldn't help it anymore. Once you find your drug, it's hard not to want it all the time. She was it for me. The taste of her lips drove me straight to Nirvana.
Simus Lopez, Damian's only son, had already been informed of his father's disappearance. It wouldn't take him long to realize his father had been murdered, and soon, there would likely be a hefty bounty on my head.
Just as Isla's lips left mine, Noah called. He informed me that Lopez's men were already at the party, asking my father to review some surveillance footage from the hotel.
I needed to talk to Noah in private. While climbing out of my bike, Isla's friends appear coming out of a limousine.
That sorry excuse of a man, Thomas, approached Feather and held her tighter than I liked.
Lucas showed up with another of Isla's friends—Jillian?—and more people from her school arrived around the same time. Isla gave me a bewildered smile, and I just nodded, signaling her to go inside.
I had to return to the crime scene. Lisa had already gone to the security room at the Baccarat Hotel and stolen the footage from the past 24 hours. Still, one particular clip was missing—the one where I stepped into the penthouse elevator to leave. Despite my efforts to be careful with my clothes, no crime is perfect without a solid alibi. And Lisa, I wasn't sure about her.
Only my mother and Noah knew what happened that night when I took that man's life. My mother wanted all the details to figure out how to help me. She knows I would protect Isla with my life, but she always has better, non-violent solutions.
After leaving the hotel, I waited for my mother's car. She arrived with two men in tuxedos, armed beneath their jackets.
"Don't worry, darling," she said, taking my hand with both of hers. These are Brax and Neil; they'll be your security at the party. They won't follow you closely, but they'll stay nearby. Try to blend into the shadows this time rather than being the life of the party."
Stopping the car outside the ball, I kissed my mother's forehead and assured her I would stay as quiet as possible. I lied.
Walking through the large wooden doors, I entered the event and heard the music reverberating off the walls. People were dancing; others were observing the elegant desserts being served. I had missed the main course.
With my hands shoved into my pockets, I scanned the room. I could feel her presence before I saw her, my heart racing at the thought of her lips.
As I moved through the crowded party, my eyes found her. Her movements on the dance floor were mesmerizing, her body swaying to the music with a grace that captivated me. I felt an irresistible pull toward her with each step.
