Going Back

Chapter Eight - To The Wolves

"I never went to my prom." I admitted.

"Really?" I replied confused. "Why?"

My smile fell and and I shrugged, I really shouldn't have said anything given I wasn't prepared to talk about it. I looked up at him and bit my lip.

"No one asked me." I replied after a while. It was a half truth, I didn't need a date to attend, but after everything that had happened I spent as little time at school as I needed to. The moment I could walk away from the place I did, and I never looked back.

"I find that hard to believe." He murmured.

"It's the truth."

By the time the limo stopped I'd finished my glass of champagne. The doors opened and Evan slid out of the limo and onto a red carpet. He held his hand out for me, and I placed mine in his.

Once I was next to him I was blinded by a series of clicks and flashes. Paparazzi either side of barricades took photos faster than I could count. They called out to Evan, but he ignored them.

"Let's get inside, I'm not going to throw you to the wolves."

We walked into the venue, our hands still intertwined. I recognised people from music videos and movies. If I'd been anyone else I'd probably have been star struck, but growing up like I did in the family I did. I was able to keep a clear head.

"Let's make the rounds and then we can leave." Evan muttered.

"Okay." I replied.

For half an hour Evan spoke to many people. It became clear to me that he knew how to work people, how to talk to them. He was charismatic, in fact it oozed from him.

And then, out of nowhere it was siphoned to nothing. He was bled dry until he was so pale I thought he might faint. All it took was Jean and Harry to stand before us.

"Gotta hand it to you Evan. Didn't think you had the cojones to come tonight."

"Well apparently I do." He retorted.

"Got anyone in mind yet?" Harry teased, his smiled wide until his obnoxiously white teeth glinted underneath the ultraviolet lights. I bit back a laugh.

"I have options." Evan replied, not allowing Harry's obvious attempt to rile him to work.

"None as wonderful as my wife though I'm sure." He laughed, snaking his arm around Jean's waist, she wore a short silver dress that left nothing to the imagination.

She stared at me and clicked her tongue.

"You clean up well." She exclaimed before leaning in. "Sorry dear, I forgot your name."

"Ela." I exclaimed before Evan could.

"Ela." She mused. "Well you look lovely, but I feel I should warn you to watch out for your boyfriends designer friend. They're closer than he admits."

"Ruby is married." Evan interjected, his voice dry. This had been an obvious point of contention in their relationship. "And gay. Also, not everyone has the tendency to cheat."

Jean rolled her eyes and looked at Harry longingly. "Whatever, lets go talk to someone important."

"Okay honey." Harry murmured back, kissing her on the lips.

They both turned and began to walk away, but as the ascended the steps Harry turned around and looked at Evan.

"I stole your girlfriend and made her my wife. I can't wait to steal your families company and watch the rest of your world crumble."