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5. The Audacity

Avery

My words made him frown. He shook his head.

“You wouldn’t understand.” He started to pour another drink. “You haven’t loved anyone since highschool. And it’s not that she ‘might’ have killed them, she did. Without her stupid plan in motion that bloody accident wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

As I took a sip, I processed what he told me. I almost forgot about that.

The music changed to a fast-paced pop song.

“Speaking of, who was the one who told you that? You never told me.”

Conroy put his hand up while his other one held his glass. “Gosh, this again? You don’t have to worry about that. They wouldn’t have lied to me. They have no reason to. That woman didn’t deny it either so why should I care?”

“Fine, fine!” I held my hands up in defeat. “How about I get us another bottle? You drink like a fish, dude.”

I got up, leaving the booth to the two of them. As I walked downstairs, a feeling of guilt washed over me.

I’m sorry, Conroy. This is why I have to go behind your back.


Bianca

The red lipstick smoothly slid over my lips. It was bolder than a firework yet darker than my tan skin. In the rearview mirror, my hazel eyes stared back at me. A slender line of purple eyeliner was topped off with mascara.

I checked the time. 9:15 PM. It's been over an hour since the party started. I've waited long enough. With my pretty little purse hanging off a chair over my shoulder and my phone in hand, I exited the car.

My lilac cocktail dress developed a darker shade of purple the further down someone's eyes wandered. Silver six-inch heels were strapped tightly to my feet.

A section of my hair was gathered in a bun at the back of my head while the rest fell down my back in waves. Cold breezes touched my bare shoulders. I gazed up at the building. I was ready.

The elevator opened and out I walked. The floor of the rooftop was covered by black carpets. A glass dome protected the partygoers on the off chance that it rains. Peach tables were scattered everywhere except the middle where most people mingled. The warm lights and fake vines added to the venue's elegance.

"Hello high society," I muttered under my breath.

The Madam Diane Annual Party is an event that has been held every summer since four decades ago when Diane Parker died as the result of an assassination. Her husband, Ethan Parker, was so devastated by the death of his loved one that he created the event and hosted it every year on the anniversary of her death. A party that he funded with the money he made from inheriting her fortune after he hired someone to kill her.

Or so they say. I wasn't psychic, I didn't have all the details.

A waiter dressed in full white offered me a slender glass of white wine from the platter, which I happily accepted. I almost moaned at the taste. I haven't had alcohol in a long, long time.

As I walked further in, I caught a couple of glances. Some people had to do a double take. I took a note of everything, every movement, every whisper I could catch with my hearing.

That is because I had a reason for coming here tonight. I had no intention of getting in these snobs' good graces. There was only one goal in my mind. To find out who framed me and rattle them with my presence.

I remembered what my parents said after they found out where I was headed. They didn't tell me to come back home safely or to eat something before I left.

Behave like your sister.

Then they returned to what they were doing.

Yes, those two cared more about their reputation than their daughter's health. Who knows whether I will "act up" and cause a scene and disgrace the family more than I already have by marrying a werewolf, and then being broken up with by that same werewolf.

I've long since made peace with the type of people I grew up with. Or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

A familiar person caught my eyes. They were listening to three other men talk, a glass of their own resting against their lips. I smirked.

"Hi, Chocolate Syrup!"

Avery froze. Ended up choking on the wine. He turned around and stared directly at me, eyes the size of tennis balls.

I stood with my legs apart and one hand on my hip, a satisfied smile on my face.

Avery excused himself and walked up to me, only stopping when we were close enough to have a private conversation. The music changed into something more fast-paced.

Avery quirked his eyebrow. "If you told me you were coming I would have picked you up."

"And cause rumors to fly about us." I pointed to the crowd with my gaze. "There are bound to be a few with us talking like this. I doubt either of us need to do anything to feed them."

Avery nodded. "I see your point." He finished his drink and placed the empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “I haven’t heard from you for a few days, yet here you are. Not to say I’m unhappy to see you, but did you have to call me by that crude nickname from high school?”

I chuckled. “Remember what I said? You called me ‘Princess’ before you left. I simply returned the favor.”

“You’re one to hold a grudge. I hope that won’t affect what happens here tonight.”

Like a gallant knight that descended off a white horse, Avery bowed at the waist and held his hand out to me. In some strange twist of fate, Avery wore a white tux and tie with a lilac dress shirt underneath. We were matching. All he needed was a silver purse and heels to complete the look.

But I didn’t take his hand. Instead, I asked him, “Aren’t you afraid that Conroy might see us?”

Avery raised his eyebrow. “You came here tonight not knowing whether or not he was here? You’re braver than I thought.”

“It’s the first time I’ve heard that. Normally I’m told that I have a lot of audacity.”

“Well, I have a lot of audacity too.” He regained his posture. “So I’ll take your hand and assume that you’ll give me this dance. Any complaints, Princess?”

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