Rosewood School for Boys

Chapter 20 - Party

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I tighten the strap of my midnight blue heels securely around my ankle before slowly wobbling to my feet. I had never worn heels before so it may be silly to be wearing them now but Jess convinced me that the outfit wouldn't be complete without it.

She did my makeup a couple hours prior but left to get herself ready a little while ago. She's done an amazing job I hardly recognise myself.

My deep green eyes are starkly outlined with black eyeliner and smoky eyeshadow that wings out at the corners, making me look dark and seductive. My skin is radiant like I'm glowing from the inside and my lips and cheekbones are painted a subtle brownish pink.

I feel more confident and beautiful than I ever have in my life.

The dress still fits me like a glove and Jess has lent me some jewellery to match it. Delicate silver earrings dangle like water droplets from my earlobes, a thin pendant necklace rests at the base of my throat and a few bangles decorate my arms, clinking with every move I make.

A knocking on the door startles me and I let out a small squeal.

"Liss? Are you okay in there?" Noah calls.

"Fine!" I call back, "just coming."

I make sure I have my phone and other essentials tucked in my tiny handbag, slightly wishing I had the penknife I had left at the home. I know I won't need it, I'll be with Noah the whole time anyway but I dislike not having it with be just in case. It makes me feel vulnerable.

I open the door and step out to meet Noah, as soon as he sees me he lets out a small gasp, eyes widening in shock.

What? Does he not like my dress? Is there something on my face?

He's wearing a tuxedo and no rented thing either, this has clearly been masterfully tailored to hug his broad shoulders like a second skin.

"Ryllis, you look..." Terrible? Hideous?

"...beautiful." He finishes.

I let out a sigh of relief that he doesn't hate it. Then his words sink in and I heat rushes to my face.

"Really?" I ask hopefully.

He nods. "Really."

Then he holds out his arm, "Shall we?"

When we arrive at the house I'm instantly shocked at the level of opulence that surrounds the vast structure. It's built of creamy white stone with pillars surrounding the tall double doors that currently stand wide open to accommodate for the flow of guests.

Every person who walks through the doors is being meticulously checked off against a guest list by several large men in dark suits. The attendees are all dressed in their finery, men in tuxedoes and bow ties, women in such a colourful array of dresses they look like a rainbow, each one glittering with what must be thousands of pounds of jewellery.

We walk up to one of the guards and Noah tells him his name, the guard ticks something on his list and waves us through into the building. My heart is pounding in my chest so hard I can almost see it through my skin, I've never been in a place like this and its so far from the world I grew up in that it feels unreal. Partygoers mingle and chat around us, glasses chime and conversation flows with as much ease as the champagne that one of the tailcoated waiters pours for us. I'm too nervous to drink it but I hold it tightly in my hand like a lifeline as I survey the room.

The wealth on display is unbelievable, the floor is polished marble and maybe ten crystal chandeliers hand from the high arched ceiling. Yet underneath all the glimmer and shine of the party there's an air of tension, like everyone here is putting on an act to hide their true intentions.

Noah takes my arm again as we move through the room, stopping occasionally to make small talk with someone who recognises him, there are many rosewood veterans at this event as Ace's dad was one himself.

Suddenly, we spot Felix and Noah waves. He comes rushing over to us wearing his trademark grin. He clearly gets his suits from the same place as Noah because his is equally well fitting and finely made but with the exception that the tie is wonky and the buttons on his jacket are undone in true chaotic Felix style.

"Hey, glad I finally found you I've been looking everywhere." He gestures around before his gaze alights on me.

He looks utterly taken aback, "Damn, you look hotter than the sun Liss."

"Thanks, I guess." The corners of my mouth quirk up at his weird reaction and happy tingles spread up my arms.

As Felix's eyes continue to rove my body Noah lets out an annoyed sigh.

"Felix can you stop ogling my date and point to where Carter and Jess are? We haven't found them yet."

Felix's head abruptly jerks in his direction.

"Wait what do you mean your date?" He demands, completely ignoring the other half of Noah's request. "Ryllis is here on her own isn't she?"

Noah smiles smugly, much to my disbelief.

"Nope. I asked her, therefore she's my date."

Felix whirls to me immediately,

"Liss is this true?"

I frown, "Yes, but I would appreciate it if you would stop talking about me like I'm not here."

They both look embarrassed but just when Noah opens his mouth to say something I finally spot Jess through the crowd.

I grin and gladly ditch the boys in favour of my new best friend.