Chapter 174
ASHTON
"You actually won that race, you know? I don’t understand why you want to believe you lost. I’m not even a good racer myself. I took advantage of your distraction the first time but the second time, you were locked in. I don’t know what you had going on in your head but you managed to cross that finish line before I could. That’s the honest truth and if you bother to watch the replay, you’d see it too. No foul play, just a fair game."
I take a long sip of my champagne and wish I was anywhere else. In a different life and under different circumstances, being in Monaco’s presence would have been a true delight. She’s draped in a spiral dress, a nod to the iconic Parisian couture. With its thigh-high leg slit, elegant long skirt and cut-out spiral bodice that shows off her toned torso, it’s the perfect mix of futuristic and elegant with a hint of sexy.
But I am just in a bad mood generally. Between the tension of wondering what the night holds and anxiety for my loved ones, I can only keep my drink down and nothing else. I’ve tried to avoid unnecessary media attention, disallowing interviews from reporters begging to talk to me and all. The only reason I am still listening to Monaco yap is because I don’t want any reporters in my face.
My eyes stray to the far end of the gate. Why isn’t she here yet? Is this another one of her games? What has she got planned? Why am I even bothered? I take another long sip and frown on realizing my glass is empty. Before I can request for another, Monaco pulls a champagne flute off a tray being carried by one of the wait staff and offers it to me.
"Thank you." I mutter before downing it in one gulp.
"Whoa, easy."
"Don’t tell him what to do." Mila says, sidling up to us in a killer red dress that accentuates her curves. She places a gentle hand on my shoulder and beams at Monaco. "See those charming eyes, don’t let them fool you. A storm’s brewing behind them."
"Why don’t you ladies catch up. Don’t let me interrupt you." But Mila hangs onto me when I try to leave. "I’m trying to be nice, Spellman." I hum under my breath. "Don’t push it."
"Save the growl for your date." She replies, unfazed by my anger. Then she hooks an arm around Monaco’s shoulder and steers her away. "He’s a lost cause. Trust me, you’re better off redirecting your energy towards one of the many fine gentlemen in here that doesn’t have the Rollins’ last name. Have you met my brother, Liam?"
As I watch her play the wingman for her brother, I don’t know if I should feel slighted by her comments or grateful to be rid of Monaco. Speaking of which, Monaco continues to steal surreptitious glances at me while she’s introduced to Liam. Liam locks eyes with me, not for the first time since his family arrived my party, and nods.