CHAPTER 4

Malia POV

Oh, the lights!

Mr. Rowan Sinclair had organized over hell of a fake event.

The beautiful glow of the chandeliers took center stage- soft pieces of candle-shaped designs carefully crafted with sparkling crystals amidst the soft music coming from the orchestra.

The room was filled with the scent of very expensive perfumes and cologne, each fragrance having its perfect allure.

I turned to get a grip of the beauty, and I could see the guests dressed in expensive designer suits and gowns. Their lips twirled and curled into laughter as they made jokes while they clinked their glasses.

I was dressed in a silky short gown that accentuated all of my curves - the slut making a show of my thighs in the open.

Honestly, I was uncomfortable as hell, pulling down my gown every minute which disrupted our little dance - our feet moving awkwardly in response to the music.

Oh! Did I forget? Ethan agreed to be my date but on the condition that I don't ditch him for Maverick.

A part of me hoped that Maverick would not show up

No! Scratch that- all of my senses were awaiting his grand arrival, each heartbeat drumming in expectation of the young man of my dreams.

Just that I didn't want to break my agreement with Ethan and hurt him.

Ethan soon stretched his arm out to my hip.

He seems to be freaking out of his shyness.

Something was changing among the both of us. Let's call it the Maverick Sinclair effect.

Our eyes met each other again - his soulful green eyes piercing into my thoughts.

His gaze soon travelled down to my plunging neckline and I could see that he was lost in something... my breasts?

"Ethan!" I hollered prompting him to flinch into composure.

"You have never dressed this way before, you are still on the lookout for Maverick, aren't you? That's why you are dressed all flashy," he responded defensively, his eyes darting around. "You are not even comfortable in this dress and it's getting obvious... maybe you should try not looking over your shoulder and adjusting your dress every minute."

I hate how he knows every detail about me, but he was right anyway. I was a mess.

"Maybe you should try not getting lost in my cleavage," I rolled my eyes dismissively before Ethan made another move in response to the upbeat music.

He spun me across the dance floor, driving me low- typical Viennese Waltz style.

Wow! I am impressed.

Just then my eye caught a familiar figure in the refreshment area of the ballroom.

Shit! REED?!

He was darting his eyes from side to side most likely looking for someone.

Probably me?

What will I do now?

Ethan's face lit up. He was having the moment of his life even though I was distracted and just managed to offer a few lazy steps on the dance floor to mask my absent-mindedness.

This is my moment. A chance for me to finally let go of the pain from Prom Night.

I had to do something.

My breathing quickened as an idea dropped into my brain.

"Shit!" I exclaimed, breaking our dance as we settled for much slower foot movement m

"What? Are you exhausted so soon?" Ethan smiled smugly.

"No... erm, I forgot my purse at home and my ticket is inside it. Could you help me get it please?"

His eyes blinked rapidly and a lump formed in his throat. "Your purse? Abeg ticket? I was the one who needed a ticket, remember? You are part of the Sinclair family so why would you need a ticket?"

My heart sank deeply.

He fucking knows... How stupid can I be?

I watched as Ethan's eyes lit open, his eyeballs pooping out in a circle as he pulled his hands away from me.

"What a lazy stunt to pull!" He bellowed, his eyes sunk in disappointment. "Just tell me that you want me out of here... that's the least you can say if you're going to ditch me for your Half brother."

"Never mind, I will do you the favor." His eyes turned bright red and there was tension in his jaws as he stormed off resignedly, waving his hands in the air.

I was rooted to the spot, completely frozen for a moment and the air felt thick. I could feel the space around me tighten and other couples dancing to the music which now sounded very lame m

A part on my bare shoulder from behind jolted me back into my senses.

It was Maverick.

Fuck! I hope he didn't see Ethan.

"Why are you all alone in the dance hall?" He whispered into my ears as he rolled the contents in his wine glass effortlessly.

Oh! Thank Goodness.

I let out a sigh of relief and responded, "Just getting a proper sight of everything. Your Dad did set up one hell of an event."

Maverick smiled boldly, "Come on, this is quite normal. With time you would get used to it."

Nothing closer to me, I could perceive that alluring scent of his again enveloping me, and seductive thoughts started creeping in again.

When did I become like this?

His classic black tuxedo and jacket were tailor-made for him, spotless, with a crisp white handkerchief neatly square-folded, sitting pretty in the breast pocket of his jacket. His trouser was a five statement - a statement of pride and fashion, matching his tuxedo elegantly.

His gaze soon matched my blue eyes, and our breaths tangled into each other as he stared into my soul. I was lost in his awesomeness.

I wish he could just take me in his arms and do with me as he pleases.

My composure was down the drain as my gaze shifted to his lips, those full edible lips. Noticing that he had brought his face closer, I was inhaling his breath and my insides were on fire.

Sweet temptation.

But our moment was stopped in its tracks when we both turned to a towering figure behind us.

Shit! I forgot that we shouldn't be seen like this in public.

We are step-siblings, for heaven's sake.