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  “I understand, darling, but in time you’ll adapt. It’ll soon be second nature to you as it is for my brothers and me.”

  “I know you have security on me,” I admit, bringing up a subject that’s been riding on my shoulders.

  His body stiffens, his gaze raking over my face. He’s already gearing up for a fight.

  I continue. “If one of you isn’t with me running or shopping or whatever else I may be doing, then you have a security detail on me. I know they’ve attempted to be sneaky, but I’ve caught them several times. They’re especially conspicuous in the mornings. You expect me to believe fit men have just randomly decided to run at the same time I do every morning? And not just some random guy; it’s always three or four of them. What gives, Tristan? I’ve been fine on my own for years.”

  He releases a breath. Rather than reprimanding me, he leans his forehead against mine sweetly and closes his eyes. It’s a very un-Tristan like move but not one I don’t enjoy. He’s the most stubborn boy I’ve ever met—besides Brent. “Word has spread about us outside of the academy and this little town. People all over the country amongst others have had plenty of time to find out exactly who you are, as well as your habits.” His lids part, rewarding me with his slate irises and I bite my lip, not wanting to add to his worry.

  “Okay...but it’s never mattered before.”

  “You weren’t mine, sugar plum. You are now. You’re my fiancée. My father has many enemies...MANY. I won’t let someone have the chance of hurting you to get to my father. It’s not only you; we all have security teams if we’re going out somewhere alone. They do their best to be discreet so we can attempt to live a somewhat semi-normal life, but they can’t be completely invisible. That would be impossible.” His gaze skirts off to the sides, and he says, “Look, we’re going to be late. We can discuss this more later if needed. Let’s get to class.” He presses a chaste kiss to my lips, and I nod, letting it go for now. I’ll definitely be bringing this up again. For the moment he’s given me something, and that’s far more than what he usually offers.

  “A party?” Sam exclaims a little too excitedly when I share the engagement announcement news with her at the end of the day. Tristan didn’t once mention that I couldn’t share the news with anyone, so of course, I’m telling Sam all about it. I’m sure he’s fully aware that I share practically everything with her anyhow; she’s my best friend, after all.

  “Mm,” I nod unenthusiastically, shoving my academy tablet, sweater, and pens back in my locker. I grab my purse and dig out my Porsche fob before closing and locking my other belongings away. Today’s a rare occasion. I don’t have homework from any of my classes so I can leave everything behind in my locker and not lug anything home with me. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break is mostly focused on in-class tests and tablet assignments. The end of the year is usually the same way as well.

  “This is going to be awesome. I love extravagant parties. Is it cocktail or formal wear, and where’s it located? Did he give you many details? Gah, this is exciting!”

  “From what I managed to get out of Tristan during class, is that it’s formal wear definitely and it’ll be in their home ballroom.”

  “Holy shit, they’re actually letting people come to their house? I thought they were obsessed with their privacy?”

  “Hey, that’s not completely true. I go to their house, remember?” I stick out my tongue and follow it up with a smirk.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. But you’re pretty much the only person they let in the door. I’ve overheard several of the guys and girls chatting about how they’ve tried to get an invite, but none of the guys ever extend one.”

  “Ugh, I’m so tired of the gossip. Besides, they’re private people. You’d think everyone would want to embrace and respect that concept. Imagine Twilight but without the sparkling vampires,” I find myself defending. They’re super wealthy, the next level type and their dad doesn’t have the most upstanding job. I can see why they’re hesitant about allowing people into their personal space. I’d probably be the same way to an extent if it were my family in possible jeopardy.

  “Please, the de Lacharrieres put Edward and Jacob to shame, so I’d have to imagine Twilight on a dose of souped-up steroids.”

  She’s completely right, the guys have way more money and far better looks, but I have no idea what else I could use as an example to compare to their privacy level.

  “Well, if it makes you feel special, Sam, it’s not being held at the house across from mine that I’m always at. I found out Mr. de Lacharriere only bought that place for them to stay in temporarily while their massive new mansion was being built. Apparently, it took longer than usual houses because of the vast size and opulence.”

  Cole took me to the new place already so he could switch out from the Ashton Martin he frequently drives around. He has two that he loves the most, the matte black Vanquish and also the extravagant pearl white One 77. His other vehicles are parked at the mansion because the garage is enormous. They could probably comfortably fit twenty cars or more inside. I was shocked, to say the least. I don’t know how to articulate the feeling I got being surrounded by someone’s personal car lot. The mini castle is finished now, of course, but it’s being deep cleaned, professionally decorated and then stocked with anything and everything they could require before the family moves their clothes and any other various belongings in.

  “The ballroom is absolutely stunning and humongous. I’ve seen that since it was one of the first rooms to be designed. I guess if we’re going to have a huge, pretentious party that would be the best place to organize and hold it at, aside from a rented venue.”

  “Yeah, but the party is supposed to be for you and Tristan as a couple. Shouldn’t you both be the ones to decide where it’s held and when?”

  Shrugging, I offer up a bland smile and rationalize, “His father’s paying for it.”

  And truthfully, I really don’t care about the time, place, or date Tristan’s father and his party planners decide to use. I’m not going to waste my time fretting over those trivial details, but rather, do what I need to for myself and my well-being. I’m going to attempt to gain my focus back on maintaining the good grades I have and raise them higher, so I’ll be offered a full scholarship to college. These boys have basically consumed my attention when I should’ve been using it on school. I don’t know what our marriage will look like in the future, and I don’t want to be completely dependent on Tristan or his father’s money for anything I may need or desire.

  Sam releases a sigh, linking her arm through mine as we head out back toward the field. My best friend’s so nosey, and I know she wants to have her hands in everything. Especially since the party and wedding is for me, her closest friend. It doesn’t matter who ends up paying for the ceremony. She’ll figure out a way to be involved, aside from being my maid of honor. That’s one thing I can’t wait for, to ask her to stand up next to me at the altar when I have to exchange my vows with Tristan. I’ll be so nerve-racked with the importance and implications of that day; having her near me throughout the day will help immensely.

  “Football’s nearly over. That means you’ll have more free time to spend with your guys. I hope they realize that we’re a package deal. Whether they have you holed up at their new house or not, I need some time with my best friend. Shopping, movies, nails...you know how we roll on break. I don’t care if they tag along, but no keeping you to themselves.”

  “I won’t let them suck up all my time, no matter how bossy they are. I promise. We’ll still do our usual stuff, and you’re completely right, they may tag along for some things. I could see us talking Axel into a pedicure, Brent and Cole into movies, and Tristan with the shopping. You may be tired of them by the end of break,” I tease. “Oh, and speaking of shopping, the party will be before winter break. It’ll kind of be like a formal engagement announcement, but also a holiday celebration thrown into the mix.”

 
She squeals, yanking my arm into her to squeeze with her excitement. “This is going to be so much fun and formal...we’ll have to use your fiancé’s black card when we go shopping. With your complexion and the timing, we can put you in a deep red gown. You will look freaking amazing! Any of these bitches that’ve been giving you trouble who attend with their parents will be foaming at the mouth with jealousy. In fact, they’re lucky I don’t put you in white or gold just to be extra ostentatious! We have to find something to show off your long neck and sexy collarbone. The boys will just die!”

  I can’t help but giggle at her enthusiasm. “Still, ball gowns at Christmas...ugh, don’t you think it’s just a tad on the extra pretentious side?”

  My mother will be absolutely thrilled at the chance to show off in front of the other wealthy attendees. This isn’t an engagement celebration to them, but a chance to rub elbows with people outside their usual social circles and bank tier. My father will treat it as a business deal in the works, of course, while I’ll be doing my best to hide away and remain out of the spotlight. The last thing I want is to be in the papers and online even more so than Tristan’s well-planned engagement stunt months back at the club. The moment word gets out about an uber wealthy family coughing up a son for a marriage agreement to a lesser prominent family, it’ll be piranhas chomping at the bit to dig out any possible dirty secret on us. They’ll want to destroy my family by running a smear campaign, and the students at Harvard Academy will eat it up. I’ve seen how this works in the past with other people, and I want none of it.

  A snort and an eye roll later, Sam’s grabbing my arm and toting me toward Axel’s waiting form, all while naming the reasons why the rich do what they do. The one thing she points out that has me on edge is that I better get used to it all. It may be Tristan and his family’s money, but soon enough, I’ll be sharing his last name, and by extension, people will believe I’m filthy rich as well.

  “W

  elcome and thank you for joining us at our new home,” the quad’s father boasts, as my parents, my younger brother, and I follow him into the recently decorated dining room. We each take our designated seat and sit down to have dinner. The dining room is enormous enough that we could probably host our engagement party in this room, let alone the expansive ballroom.

  “Great place you have here.” Father compliments to be polite, though I can read the envy that’s consuming his gaze. No doubt in my mind that he’s thinking of himself living here and not the de Lacharrieres. “Though I suppose Kresley won’t be staying here but will move wherever Tristan decides to attend college.”

  I bite down on my tongue hard enough to draw blood at Father’s flippant comment. Of course, he’d automatically think I’d give up my goals and any choices about my future to follow Tristan wherever he may want to go. He expects me to be a dutiful wife and do as my husband pleases. This is precisely one of the reasons why I’ve wanted to escape his grasp as soon as possible. He so quickly makes decisions over my entire existence as if it belongs to him alone, and I don’t have a voice. I have to get that scholarship so I can decide on my own fate. Of course, I’ll marry Tristan; Father would strangle me if I didn’t. However, my future husband has to get used to the idea that I won’t sit back idly. I deserve to have a chance at an education and career as well, just like everyone else in America has when they work hard.

  Tristan beams approvingly at my dad, and his father simply agrees with mine. It’s all far too simple how they act, not one of them pausing to even consider what I may desire. Axel flashes me a sympathetic look, but Cole and Brent simply stare at their father, waiting for the master to speak to them, I suppose. I can’t help but silently question myself repeatedly, is this really my life? It is for another year and a half at least. Then they can try to stop me and stand in my way. I don’t care if I have to wait tables, shelve books, scrub toilets, or whatever, to survive while in college. I’ll do what I have to-to make it happen for myself.

  “We have the engagement announcement party next week. I thought now would be a perfect time to consider wedding dates.” The oldest de Lacharriere continues with a flippant wave, and my neck grows warm with tension. I’m only a junior in high school, and they’re ready to put the nail in my coffin when it comes to giving me away to another. Some people don’t marry until they’re in their thirties or older, and here I’m being shoved headfirst into matrimony at age seventeen.

  Mother smiles pleasantly and speaks up, though this deal is clearly between the two men seated at opposite ends of the table. She likes to pretend that they give two thoughts to what she thinks. “I’d like to wait until after Kresley is eighteen.”

  My mouth gapes, dumbfounded by her sensible suggestion and uncharacteristic behavior.

  The boys’ father scoffs, his gaze sharpening in on the frail woman. He looks like he could eat Mom for lunch and not skip a beat. “Nonsense, a year’s engagement is customary in these arrangements. No reason for it to go any longer and put off the inevitable. Unless, of course, it’s finances you’re concerned about.”

  Dad opens his mouth to argue or else reassure him that we have the funds, and Mom butts in again. “I agree, but in this case, it’ll be more of scandal than anything else. If we have a wedding during the school year, everyone will be holding their breath to see if Kresley is secretly pregnant. I won’t have my daughter’s name tarnished, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want the same for your son either. Reputations mean everything in certain circumstances.”

  “You have a point...” He trails off, finger tapping his chin in contemplation and Mom beams in her small triumph.

  “After graduation, the weather will be perfect for a late spring/early summer wedding ceremony. Maybe in the Hamptons then. They won’t have to worry about when they’ll go on a honeymoon or move away for college.”

  My father raps the table and says, “Think of the excitement you’ll drum up while everyone attempts to get on the invite list.”

  Great. My wedding’s going to turn into a damn circus production with tickets being sold to the highest bidder, rather than full of people who actually give a shit about Tristan and me. This has become one big mess since this proposal production began at the club. Now it’s even worse because I’m starting to have real feelings involved where the boys are concerned. Tristan has made it loud and clear that he plans to marry me no matter what I have to say about it. Brent, Cole, and Axel go right along with him. They act as if it’s the most normal thing in the world, but I can’t help to wonder how the guys feel inside about the entire thing. Do they truly care? Do they like me as much as I find myself liking them?

  Rather than voice my opinions on the subject, I sit quietly, keeping to myself. I won’t risk Father’s wrath by suggesting we wait to get married. At least postpone to after we all graduate college or something, but that’ll never happen. It’s hard to believe that in this room, I’m the rational thinking person. A nudge to my shin has me jerking, meeting the gaze of the boy in front of me. Tristan winks, and I roll my eyes in return. This subject seems entirely far too entertaining to everyone, especially my betrothed.

  “It’s settled then,” Mr. de Lacharriere booms. “The engagement announcement celebration will be a holiday-themed event, and we’ll plan for the wedding ceremony to be shortly after they graduate.”

  My stomach churns with nerves. I slide my chair back and stand to my feet, garnering everyone’s attention. I clear my throat, nearly stuttering to Tristan’s intimidating father. “Please excuse me. I need to use the ladies room.”

  He smiles wide, his features sharp and calculating. He really does remind me of a shark, and it has me swallowing with nerves, my throat feeling tight and dry under his scrutiny. With a quick jerk of his chin, he orders, “Son, escort your fiancée to the restroom.”

  The last thing I wanted was any of the males at this table to encroach on my nerve-wracked peeing time, but it’s better than having to sit here in the midst of the adults selling my
soul. Tristan comes to my side, politely offering his elbow. Gratefully, he’s not being an asshat in the moment; I offer a shaky smile in return.

  “Come on, beautiful,” he encourages. I slide my hand into the crook of his elbow, admiring his muscular arm in the process. He’s a big guy; he’ll be an even bigger man when it’s all said and done. There’s something about that weird fact that’s sexy to me.

  He grins, pleased that I’ve taken him up on his peace offering. I know better than to turn him down. Tristan could make my life difficult quite easily if he wished. I’ve had a rough enough time at school lately to want to add any more fuel to the fire. He murmurs once we’ve left the dining room and nosey ears of our families behind. “Are you okay? Your cheeks were pinker than usual.”

  His attention and knowledge on my ‘tells’ has me blushing more than I already was. With a shrug, I quietly admit, “It’s overwhelming to listen to them plan our future like that. Doesn’t it bother you at all?”

  He copies me, shrugging his massive shoulders. I feel small, feminine, and protected at his side. It’s a scary thought, knowing I’ve grown so comfortable around him already. “It’s been like this my whole life, so I guess I’m used to it.”

  “I wish I could be so blasé about it all.”

  He turns to me, his palm moving to softly cup my cheek as he says, “You could be, you know? If you would finally just let your guard down and trust me, you would see that I want this—that I want you.”

  I gaze up into his misty gray eyes. It’s so easy to get lost in them. He’s far too handsome for his own good. He’s got so much confidence and swagger emanating from him that it makes him stand out from his brothers. This man is someone who could have the world on his shoulders, and you’d never know it. He’d stroll through it with ease, wearing a charming, natural smile. “Part of me actually believes you, you know,” I confess and suddenly he seems so much closer. He’s breathing my air and taking up my space, his body heat warming me all over.