Page 104 of Twilight of Embers
51
HAYDEN
I stepped back, taking in my reflection in the full-length mirror. I bit my bottom lip. Maybe this had been a mistake.
The closet surrounding me was full to bursting with new clothes. The tags had names like Valentino and Balmain. Brands that I knew cost more than I’d make at the diner in a year.
But I did my best to ignore that fact. Instead, I’d focused on getting ready. I’d soaked in the huge bathtub for over an hour, shaving everything meticulously and scrubbing my skin until it was smooth as silk. I’d put a mask in my hair and then blow-dried it perfectly, adding a few waves for volume.
Not only had my new closet been bursting, but my bathroom was, too. It had every skin and hair care product under the sun and more makeup than I’d ever know what to do with. I’d taken my time with that, rimming my eyes in a purple so dark it was almost black, but it made my violet eyes burn bright. I’d coated my lips in some sort of gloss that made them look plumper, too.
But I worried I’d taken a wrong turn with the dress. Knox had said sexy. This was definitely that.
I took in the Balmain number and couldn’t help but laugh. It was a silk slip dress, short with the most delicate straps. The combination meant I couldn’t wear a bra and could only wear the tiniest pair of underwear I’d ever seen. But it was the design on the fabric that had me giggling.
Painted in pastels, with lots of silvers and lavenders, was an old-school angel painting. Like those you’d see in an Italian museum. It seemed only fitting to tease heaven when these guys teased me with devilish temptations.
Bending, I slid my feet into black stiletto sandals with chunky buckles. I felt stylish and sexy, not exactly normal like Knox had promised, but so much better.
I grabbed a silver clutch with my phone, ID, and cash, and headed for the door just as the clock struck nine.
Voices sounded from down below. I could make out each of them. Cillian, Knox, Cáel. Each had its own unique cadence and tenor. I tried not to let disappointment flare at the absence of Easton and Maddox.
I shoved it down, focusing on the promise of a night out with three guys who meant the world to me. As I reached the landing, all talking ceased. The three men stared up at me, gaping.
The shock and heat in their eyes had my confidence surging. And they looked delicious. Cillian wore his signature black suit, dark green eyes swirling with need. Knox wore dark slacks that fit him perfectly and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing tanned and muscular forearms, and an expensive-looking watch. Cáel was completely himself in dark, ripped jeans, motorcycle boots, and a leather jacket that was artfully distressed.
“Hi,” I whispered.
Cillian was on me in a flash, his hands skimming down my sides. “Little Flame…”
“An angel who will drag you right to hell,” Knox muttered as his hand grazed my ass.
My cheeks heated as I looked up at Cáel.
He let out a low growl. “I think we should stay home.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I worked way too hard on my makeup to stay home.”
Cillian’s arm looped around me. “She’s a work of art. Our girl needs to be admired.”
My nipples pebbled under his gaze, straining against the fabric.
He grunted. “This dress is going to kill me.”
“But what a way to go,” Knox muttered, opening the front door and holding it for us.
As we stepped outside, it was to find a sleek limousine waiting. I grinned at Cillian. “Seriously?”
He shrugged. “Usually, I like things a little more low-key. But we’re pulling out all the stops.”
“You think that racecar you drive is low-key?” I challenged.
Cáel choked on a laugh. “She has a point, Cill.”
“Get in the damn limo,” Cillian griped.
Sliding into the vehicle was a bit of a challenge with how short my dress was, and I didn’t miss the guys staring intently at my legs. I bit my bottom lip to keep from laughing.
