Blood Money (1) | The Inheritance Games

XXXII. right where you left me

"I swear you could hear a hair pin drop right when I felt the moment stop, glass shattered on the white cloth, everybody moved on. I stayed there, dust collected on my pinned-up hair. They expected me to find somewhere, some perspective, but I sat and stared right where you left me."

It's been two weeks. I'm out of hospital, I'm in mandatory therapy, and my nudes have been removed from all media platforms. Though I suspect it'll stick around forever on porn sites and the camera rolls of every sick pervert. The cops tried gathering evidence to prove Kassidy posted the nudes, but I told them to drop the case because I wouldn't be pressing charges. My brothers were furious, but I figured the shame from the world who all knew it was her, was enough punishment.

I've been a mean girl. I know what it's like. Nobodies entire future should be impacted by a stupid spur of the moment decision.

A navy blue gown drapes elegantly down my figure, a sophisticated blend of timeless grace and contemporary allure. Crafted from luxurious silk chiffon, the fabric shimmers subtly under light, creating an ethereal effect as it moves.

The bodice is a corset style top, hugging my stomach and enunciating my breasts to make them look enormous. It's a sort of sheer fabric which shows off my waist.

The skirt flows down to the floor, made from soft chiffon that sways gracefully with every step I take. The spaghetti straps work overtime trying to keep my breasts modest and hidden, but they really just make them even more on display. The shimmering sparkles cover the bodice and drip down slightly into the skirt.

My hair is slicked back of my face into a middle part high ponytail, each strand curled perfectly. My makeup is subtle, and my lips are glossed.

I'm wearing the necklace Noah bought be with the N on it around my neck. I'm currently pacing the floor waiting on his arrival.

It's my first public sighting since the photo leaks, I need to show I'm stronger than ever and moving on. Shouldn't be too hard, a charity gala. I've been trained 17 years for moments like this.

"You look great." Jameson comments, sitting on my bedside, inspecting the photo I keep of Noah and I on my bedside.

"Thanks. Where is he?" I sigh, having to force my hands not to run through my hair and mess with the ponytail. "Relax. They're only ten minutes late." He dismisses, checking his phone for texts with an underlying tone of nerves.

"I haven't seen him since the hospital. He had a broken nose and he just freaked out when I asked him about it. He's told me he's been busy all week.. I'm scared Jamie." I confess, finally halting to a stop and meeting my older brother's green eyes.

"Why're you scared Spence?" He asks softly, pushing to his feet to place two strong hands on either of my bare shoulders.

"What if he's mad at me?" I suggest with worry. "What's he got to be mad at you for?" Jameson scoffs. "I dunno.. he's been all distant since I went in." I mumble, anxiety thick in my voice.

"He cares a lot about you, kid. Maybe even as much as I do. Which is simply impossible because I care about you more than the whole world." Jameson teases. "It was rough for us all seeing you like that. We're all coping differently. Nash is being overly uplifting and making like a hundred Dad jokes per minute, Grayson's pretending nothing happened at all, Xander's been quiet." Jameson laughs, making me grin a little.

"And you've not left me alone once." I add knowingly. "Yeah, whatever." He snorts, pretending it doesn't bother him when I know it does.

"Exactly what I mean, we've all got different ways of coping. Noah doesn't hate you, he's probably just have no idea what to say if he saw you." Jameson encourages.