" How do I look? "
Evangel twirled around for her best friend stretched out on her kings size bed with her attention on the phone in her hand. She just finished getting dressed for her dad's birthday partyHer father turned sixty today and was throwing a huge ass party to commensurate the occasion.Her father was a wealthy business man known very well in the city. His party will be swimming with all the who is who in the city and as his only heir Evangel knows so many eyes is going to be on her so she has to look her best.Clarissa strengthened up and turned to look at her, allowing her eyes to journey over her best friend's form.She started from the caramel silky curls adorning her head, flat aristocratic forehead, perfect carved brows, dazzling pale blue eyes sparkling with dancing stars, long swan neck bearing a silver necklace, a teardrop pendant, her slim trim figure slipped into a gorgeous, plain purple dinner gown with a teasing slit to the mid-thigh revealing a long pale smooth leg that was further stretched out by the four-inch silver Gianvito Rossi sandals on delicate slim feet." Gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking........ "Evangel cracks up at Clarice lots of adjectives." Exquisite, Junoesque, resplendent...."Evangel laughed harder." That is enough, I get it, I look good. And where did all these words come from. Read a dictionary today? " Evangel teased as she continued to grin widely at her best friend." Nope, you just looked so fantastic that I needed more words to convey it, " Clarrisa winked and laughed when Evangel grew red.Are you blushing baby, she continued to tease enjoying reeling her best friend up. Evangel has always been so easy to tease." No. "Evangel rolled her eyes at her friend's knowing the little blonde was just messing with her.Her expression grew serious as she stared back at her best friend." Do I really look good? "There was a little insecurity in her eyes as she asked. Evangel was aware that people think her beautiful but the problem is that she has a hard time believing them.Clarissa allowed every trace of humor to disappear from her face as she held her best friend gaze.A deep sadness filled her when she saw the vulnerable look in the brunette eyes, and a murderous feeling followed at the thought of the imbecile responsible.Ages might have past but her best friend has yet to get over the hurt of her past. Her boyfriend someone she had loved and trusted betrayed her in the worst humiliating way possible and since then her girl has been battling with these insecurities." You look good baby. "She held her eyes conveying the sincerity of her assessment both in words and in look.A shy smile colored Evangel's lips as she read the truth in her friends eyes. She always trust to get a real answer from Clarissa.They have been best friends since college and since she has known the blonde she has never tried to lie to her or decieve her like the other girlfriends she has had in the past and that is why their friendship has lasted this long.Evangel was someone who took trust seriously and once broken can never be regained." Thank you. "" You are welcome. "" I better be leaving, I am already late as it is, " Evangel picked up her clutch." Yeah, as if you have ever been early to anything, " Clarissa teased throwing herself back to the bed.Everyone who knew her best friend knew about her chronic lateness. The woman was never early to anything. In college they have often teased her that she will be late to her funeral." Hey! "Evangel glowered at her best friend." You don't have to make me sound like a chronic late comer. "" I call it as I see it baby, " Clarissa smirked at her.Evangel responded with a roll of her eyes, even though what her best friend says is true. No matter how early she starts getting ready for an event she will some how manage to go late. The mystery behind it all seems to have escaped her." Have a nice date with your boy tonight, " Evangel retorted and breezed out of the door before Clarissa could respond." He is not a boy toy, " Clarissa screamed after her.She was having a dinner date with her on and off boyfriend Stefan, whom her best friend believes she was with because of his ridiculously good looks.Evangel chuckled at the usual protest that follows whenever she calls Clarissa's intermittent boyfriend boy toy. She trailed through the corridors of their apartment to the outside door, her heels hitting the tiled floor elegantly.She unlocked the door and made her way into the lift down to the lobby to the outside where her driver stood waiting beside her car.Evangel hated driving at night that is why she is using her occasional driver." Hello, Matteo, " Evangel greeted the tall burly Mexican man with a polite smile on her face." Hello, Miss Clark, " Matteo responded formally, his Mexican accent obvious in his voice, as he opened the door for his employer." Evangel, Mateo, " She corrected with an eye roll.The man nodded seriously but Evangel knew he will calling her Miss the next second.For months now she has been trying to get the guy to address her informally, as his formal address grates on her nerves and makes her feel superior which she doesn't want to but the man has remained stubborn." Did you get the gift. "Evangel had gotten her father a little surprise gift for his birthday. Earlier this evening she had asked her driver to go get it from the shop." Yes, Miss Clark. " Matteo closed the door and hurried to the driver's seat. He buckled himself up before taking them out on the road carefully.The woman he was carrying was a precious jewel of one of the richest men in the city if anything happens to her, his life with be over.From her apartment to her father's Estate was about thirty minutes drive.As they drove through the gates a nostalgic feeling filled her. Is been long since she has been to this place. Almost two years.She smiled as they passed the fountain at the centre of the yards and the beautiful rose garden and flowers maintained by their Gardner.That had been her mother's responsibility. She had taken joy and pride in her flowers but when she died her father had to get someone to care for the flowers not wanting her mother's pride and joy to wither away.Evangel let out a sad smile at the thought of her mother. Though is been years since her death she is still misses her like crazy. Her mother had been her best friend.She smiled as her mind took her to the best friend she left at home. In way Clarissa reminds her of her mother. They are both blondes and shares the same quirky attitude that attracted her to the blonde in the first place.Meeting Clarissa few months following the death of her mother had been one of the few things that helped her cope with her loss. Evangel stepped out of the car before Mateo could get out of the car. The parking lot was filled with so many cars, obviously from her relatives and her father's friends and colleagues.While Mateo went to park the car Evangel headed towards the entrance. Her father's footman stood waiting for her with a smile on his wrinkled face" How are you and Mrs. Castro? " she asked as she is lead through the familiar long well-illuminated corridor leading to the ballroom in the left wing where the party is being held." She is alright, and will be greatly pleased if you can come around and see her, " Mr. Castro replied with a happy glint in his eyes. Happy to see the woman who is like a daughter to him after such a long while." Will do that soon, " Evangel promised with a smile.She followed as the elderly man lead the way towards the east wing of her father's house, away from the main living quarters, where the ballroom is located.As they drew closer to the room, the sound of laughter, boisterous chatter, and sweet cool music drifted up to her, telling her that the party was already in full swing.Just before the brass door barring the ballroom, Castro stopped and turned to look at the beautiful woman in front of him." Your dad is going to be pleased to see you, he has missed you so much, "Castro said to her casting
Trenton sat comfortably in his office, a calm and collected look on his well-sculpted handsome fair features watching his brother pace a storm in his office.His brother had an angry bear look on his face and looked as if he was on the verge of murder and the target him.Although he has always delighted in needling Chase feathers, today he was not in a good mood and his pacing wasn't helping matters. " Wearing out my tiles is not going to magically poof us out of this mess, you know, " Trent said, getting fed up with the oscillating movement that was making him slightly dizzy.His bad mood this money was because he just found out he has been duped. He couldn't believe his stupidity if he wasn't living it. Chase Wade paused like a braked train and whirled on his brother, the veins on his forehead pulsating to the gravity of the ire tearing his insides apart.He was so angry that he could blow a fuse." You are the reason we are in this mess and you sit there looking like a damn king on
He found the cigarette and put one stick to his lip and used his golden lighter to light it. A gift from his dad on his eighteenth birthday. Trent pulled forcefully on the burning stick trying to calm his mind down to think.Chase was right about the mess being his and he will be damned if he let the bastard have the last laugh. He was going to save their company no matter what it will cost him. He will use some of the cash in his trust fund to offset some of the dept. It wasn't much but it is a start. It took Trent five sticks for him to calm down and have a clear head to actually think.A thought occured to him which he quickly disregarded because it felt humiliating to go to their greatest rival Castle and Castle and ask him to save their company. No he better think of another plan. Trent turned around on his executive seat trying to come up with an idea that can help him raise hundred million dollars without resorting to robbing a bank or going to their rivals for help, but no
His health has never been part of the things that worry Steven Clark because he has always been as healthy as a horse. He has always felt invisible when it came to diseases as he has never had anything as common as a cough. His mother never took him to the hospital once in his life. But he was brutally reminded of his mortality a few months ago when he had a heart attack. It was no news that he was a workaholic, which worsened when his beloved wife died. They have been married for thirty years when an accident took her away from him. A hit and run. Steven had been very devasted at the death of the only woman he loved and had poured everything he had into his work. Carolyn his wife had been the only one who had been able to put the brakes on his workaholic tendencies but once she passed nothing was holding him back. He had a rude wake-up call when during breakfast, eight months ago he had slumped scaring the shit out of his butler who had found him. His daughter who had just be
The next morning Steven was bright and early in George's office waiting for him. At the moment he was currently with a patient so he had to seat outside to wait. It didn't take long for the patient inside to emerge and he walked in." Hello, Steven, " Goerge greeted him with a familiar smile and they shook hands with each other. " Hello, George. "Steven took a seat and waited as George arranged his desk which looked disorganized after his last patient. " So can we continue from where we left off yesterday? " George asked as he took back his seat. Steven nodded before going ahead to relate everything that has been going on. When he was done, George asked him a few more questions which he answered. The doctor's expression looked grim at the end of his questioning alarming Steven." What is it, George? "" Can't say yet. I have to do some examinations and run some investigations before I can share my thoughts with you. "Steven didn't relax and his mood worsened further when he had
Evangel glared at Trenton like she wants to put him six feet under, an idea that was looking more palatable as the idiot grinned rakishly at her as if amused by her ire." So do you know each other or not? "Evangel could hear the confusion in her father's voice as he waited for clarification, one he will be waiting for a long time because there was no way she was admitting to having anything in the past with the bastard in front of her that will just be too much for her pride.Twelve years ago Trenton Wade made a fool out of her, humiliating her in front of everyone in the school, something she has not been able to get over despite the passing years.Her silence created an opportunity for the bastard to open his mouth again.It grated on her nerves that his voice is still as deep and sexy as she remembered, even though maturity has added a timbre that made it huskier." Angel and I used to date in high school. "That arrogant smirk. How in the world had she ever thought it sexy. Evang
" Oh Angel, I have forgotten how amusing you can be. Come on do you really expect me to believe that you are a rug muncher, " Trent said most obnoxiously way, the laughter on his face drying up to something ugly as he glared at her. Evangel bristled at the nickname and his taunting words." Hey, young man that is my daughter you are speaking to, " her dad scolded before Evangel could talk but that didn't stop her from putting Trent's arrogance in his place." You are laughable if you believe that I expect anything from you, " she spat with disdain allowing her eyes to reflect how much she loathed him." If there is anything twelve years ago has thought me is never to expect anything from men. "Trent's arrogant smirk disappeared at her words and he regarded her with intense look in his eyes." Do you want me to believe that you abhor men and is now a lesbian, " he arched his brow at her. " No thanks to you, " Evangel taunted and smirked to herself when she saw a flash of irritation c
Trent stared transfixed at the apparition that was his past.If not for the loud assshit of music playing in the background Trent would have thought he was dreaming. Not that he dreams about the stunning woman standing frozen in front of him.The sight of her brought back their highschool memories. He couldn't believe how mean he was.He sighed. Unfortunately if Evangel Clark was in his dream that will definitely be a nightmare. The girl hates his guts and he doesn't blame her not after the way things ended between them.What an asshole he was back there.In school he had been arrogant and vain. He had the looks and the cash and girls were all over him which further fed his vainess that he didn't realize the diamond he had in his palms until he lost it.He had missed the stunning brunette after she disappeared in the middle of their senior year. For a two weeks he never looked nor fucked another girl as he mourned the loss of Evangel Clark.When two weeks turned three and he realized t
Most of the day was spent finalizing things in the hospital, making arrangements for the surgery to go on and signing all the papers that needed signing before her father can be taking to the hospital. Amidst all these Evangel could feel Trent's sharp presence in the room like a strong perfume scent that refuses to go away. After her little talk with her father she had not been able to look him in the face. A fact that is a problem in itself seeing she will soon be getting married to him. Something Evangel wishes in her very heart that she could forget or be a nightmare she has the luxury of waking up from, but she has given her dad her word so this is now her reality. Trent's presence hasn't been all bad, he had given her the comfort she needed to put things in order for her father. If not for his presence she didn't know how she would have carried on. " Are you alright? " Evangel looked up at Trent and forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She lifted her coffee to her lip
The next day found Evangel sitting at their small kitchen table lost in thought with a cup of coffee in her hand. She was still in her nightwear, a long grey T-shirt that fell just before her knees. The cup was held up with her two hands, one leg up the kitchen chair, a vacant look in her eyes while she stared off the distance. The morning was a little chilly but inside the house was kept by the heater. Evangel troubles thoughts swam around the events of last night. And what had her mind so troubled wasn't the horrible encounter with her father and him acting like a male chauvinist. No, there is just one thought she can't do away with no matter how much she desires it. The kiss. She hadn't been able to put it out of her mind. Last night when they came home Clarissa had acted as if nothing happened. She had wanted to talk about it. I mean that hadn't been part of the plan. She wanted to know how her best friend felt about the kiss and to apologize if necessary. She has always be
Even though she was pretending with Clarissa she was going to make it real just to prove to her father that he couldn't control her. What the hell is with the caveman attitude, Evangel thought angrily as she made her way towards the living room. Her entrance caused everyone to look in her direction. Clarissa saw the anger and sadness in her best friend's eyes and immediately went to her. " Hey, are you alright? " she asked tenderly as she came to a stop before Evangel. The tight control she was holding onto her emotions was slipping and Evangel didn't want to break down in front of Trent and her cousin. " Can we leave, " she whispered her voice heavy with emotions she was barely keeping at bay. Clarissa's clenched at the pain and weariness in her best friend's voice. What happened with her father? She wanted to pull her best friend into her arms but knew that is not what Evangel wanted right now. She decided to do as she requested. " Wait here let me get our purse, " she tol
Every jaw around the table hit the ground when the two women kissed. The room grew silent as the other three could only gawk like idiots. Evangel had only meant for the kiss to be a chaste one to further sell their relationship but the softness and sweetness of Clarissa's lips were one she never expected. She was shocked and aroused by it and hungered for more. She moaned silently into her lips and deepened the kiss. Clarissa was still in shock. She couldn't believe she was kissing her best friend. Her heart thundered like a war drum in her chest as her lips trailed across Evangel's soft ones. Out of their volition, her hand moved up to Evangel's nape to pull her closer as her eyes fluttered close in excitement. Everything else disappeared for the two women as they got lost in each other's lips. The feeling rushing through them was one they never bargained for or even believed possible. No one has ever made Evangel feel this hot just from a kiss alone, not even Trent. She sucked
The tension Veronica's question caused around the table was like a jungle monster huge and scary. Everyone looked toward Evangel to answer, but she wasn't looking at anyone.Evangel swallowed her throat thick with confusing emotions. Her plan had been for her father and Trent's sake, no other family member was meant to find out. What should she do? She jumped out of her skin when she felt Clarissa's hand in hers. She wanted to snatch it away because she could feel Veronica's snake eyes on them but restrained from such an obvious action. Clarissa could feel her best friend freaking out. Admitting their relationship to a fourth party had not been part of their plan but if they can't cross this hurdle now everything will be for nothing and they will come off looking like a fool to her father so there was no other option than to continue. She wished Evangel will say something before their plan unravels. When the silence began to linger a mocking smirk curved Trent's lips. He knew all
The sound of the bell ringing killed the conversation happening in the living room. The four occupants glanced at one another, questions glaring in their eyes. Who was ringing? " Dad, are you expecting anybody else? Maybe her mother from the grave, " Evangel added in her thought still seething from her dad's latest ploy. What is he playing at? Trent was the last man on earth she will ever want to marry. Maybe telling her father what kind of a man Trent is will cure this madness of making him a son-in-law. Steven glared at his daughter not appreciative of her sarcastic tone. " None that I am aware of, " he looked towards the door as if expecting it to give him a clue as to who is outside. " Castro! " he called The older butler magically puffed up at the sound of his master's voice. " You called sir, " Castro answered as he made his way into the living room from the kitchen, giving his master a curious glance. " Someone is at the door, " Steven told him with a frown trying to
Trent had a good time with his friends. He had felt like a man bragging about his affair with Veronica while he is pursuing Evangel. His friends had joked and teased him about it and he had preened under their attention but when all that was gone and they became serious. They tried to warn him that his game could backfire fire but Trace had waved their concerns away. How could it? He will make sure that the two women don't meet. And he will keep stringing Veronica along while trying to woo Evangel. He had done it before with the brunette and he could do it again.He whistled in excitement as he drove towards his house. His outing he had with his friends had lasted longer than he expected and it was almost time for his dinner with Evangel and her father. He was looking forward to it. His phone rang from the pocket compartment that separates the driver's seat from the front passenger's seat. He took his eyes off the road for a moment to glance at the glowing screen...Veronica wa
The door to her father's house was huge but not that huge but as Evangel stood in front of it waiting to knock and be let into her charade they looked like a giant gate of hell with the face of the devil himself smiling wickedly at her daring her to do it. " I can do this, " she muttered and moved her hand back to ring the bell but it never made it to its destination because the door was suddenly opened and there stood...Their butlerEvangel jumped back a little though not physically and soon a tight polite smile got fixed on her face. " Evening Castro, " she greeted her butler. The older man stood smiling brightly at his young mistress. The young woman was looking exceptionally beautiful this evening and her presence is sure to cheer his master up. The master of the house has been looking all gloomy since after his party and the butler can't seem to figure out why it is so. But with this dinner, he is sure to get back to his good spirits. The man he knows has lost his laughter
" Breakfast is ready, " Clarissa told Evangel setting down the plate of eggs and bacon on the table and heading off to the fridge to get some juice to go with their breakfast. " Thanks, " Evangel looked up from the laptop towards Clarissa, who stood by the fridge with her apron rooting around inside, and the domesticity of the scene hit her like a slug causing a weird feeling to feel her. What if it was real? Clarissa as her girlfriend, making breakfast for them. A smile appeared on her face at the thought. It wasn't a bad thought. " What is funny? "Evangel jumped at Clarissa's voice then trembled to shake off her smile. " What smile? " she looked innocent but her smile wouldn't stop pulling at her lips. Being with her best friend like this made her happy. Clarissa shook her head at her attempt to play coy even as she was still smiling. " That smile, " she pointed towards Evangel's lips. Evangel quickly wiped her mouth, like a kid caught stealing from the pot and wants to