Zane
I could have been back home in Seattle hours ago, but a text from a certain red-headed friend of mine had convinced me to fly back to New York with Ethan. We arrived at his family's sprawling estate just before five. The place was surprisingly quiet for a house that was about to host one of the legendary Robertson parties. Maids moved through the grand parlor, their hushed efficiency a testament to the family's well-oiled machine.
"Where is Lettie?" Ethan asked a passing maid, using her middle name only he and a selected few were allowed to use.
"The young lady is by the pool with some friends, Mr Ethan," the maid said respectfully.
Ethan nodded and began walking towards the back of the house. I followed, a growing sense of anticipation tightening in my chest, I could already hear her laugh, a sound that always managed to cut through the noise and grab my attention.
The pool came into view and we stopped. My eyes immediately found her her fiery red hair a beacon in the sunlight. She surfaced from beneath the water her thin one-piece swimsuit clinging to her curves and I felt jolt of pure, unadulterated desire. I watched as she emerged from the water, her bodyon a full display. I clenched my jaw, the sight of her making my cock twitch in my trousers. I wanted to get closer, to touch her, to know every inch of her skin. The perfect, rounded swell of her hips was a temptation I hadn't prepared for. I had to shake my head to pull myself back from the presipice of my dark thoughts.
A few moments later, she appeared in front of us, wrapped in a black robe that I desperately wanted to take off her. The material was thin, and I could still make out the hardened tips of her nipples through the fabric. Her face was flushed, her lips full and parted slightly. Everything about her was damn sexy. I swallowed, trying to calm the sudden rush of heat in my body.
"Ethan!" She beamed, her smile setting my heart ablaze.
He ruffled her wet hair. "How are you, Lettie?" He asked, though his eyes were already darting to her friend, Josie.
Sadie laughed, a knowing smirk on her face. "Are you sure that question is for me? You've been staring at Josie like she's some kind of meal. I don't want to imagine the things you've been doing in your mind."
Ethan cleared his throat awkwardly. "Where is your internship posting?" He asked, skillfully changing the subject.
Sadie rolled her eyes in a way I found completely captivating. "Seattle" she said. As soon as the words fell from her lips, I felt my brain go on shut down. I knew what was coming next, and I felt a jolt of possessive energy.
"Zane lives there, you can stay with him," Ethan said,as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Sadie's eyes darted to mine, and I saw a flicker of lust. I winked, watching as a blush crept up her cheeks. She looked back at her brother, her eyebrows furrowed in a confused protest.
"But...he's a guy, and I'm a lady," she said.
I stepped closer, my voice low and laced with a challenge. "Besides, I live on the penthouse suite, so the house is practically yours." I watched as she tried to hide the smile that tugged at her lips.
"I won't bite, princess," I whispered, almost to myself. "At least, not yet "
She blushed mercilessly. "I have a sleepover to prepare for, so bye for now," she said, trying to escape my intense gaze.
"I brought you some chocolate and peanut bars," Ethan said, holding up a small bag.
"Really?" She asked, her excitement a tangible thing.
"Yes," he replied, but she shook her head.
"You didn't get those for me, did you?" She asked, her eyes narrowed.
Ethan's ears turned red. "Of course not. Josie is the one who likes chocolate and peanut bars."
"What a brother," she said with a laugh.
" I got you something, though," I said and she turned to me , her eyes sparkling with expectation. I reached into my jacket and pulled out a small black box. I flipped it open, and her jaw dropped . It was a delicate silver necklace with a butterfly pendant carved from a shimmering piece of jade.
"This is so beautiful," she whispered
I smiled. "Then it's yours." I watched as she took it, her fingers tracing the delicate carving.
"I'll give you a hug after I get dressed," she said before turning to leave.
"Are you coming to the party?" I asked, the words sounding more possessive than I intended.
"No, a sleepover with the girls. But I will come back down to give you your hug."
"Alright, princess. I'll be waiting," I said.
Hours later, the party was in full swing. My patience, however, was not. I had not seen Sadie since she left, and the promise of a hug was still on my mind. I decided step outside for a smoke. I found a quiet hallway and pulled a cigarette from the pack, searching for my lighter. A soft hand brushed against my lips, snatching the cigarette. I looked up to see her standing there, a defiant look on her face.
"Don't smoke," she said simply
A wave of desire washed over me, and the urge to tease her was too strong to resist.
I leaned in, my face inches from hers. "Why should I listen to you, princess?" I asked, my voice a low murmur.
Her breath hitched. "I... nevermind. I'll just leave"
"Do you have feelings for me, princess?" I asked, the question taking the breath out of her. Her cheeks flushed a dark crimson, and she looked away, flustered.