"Are you sure you don't mind me being here?" Luna said, sitting down on my couch with a big bowl of popcorn.

I shook my head, "No. I know it's just an elaborate scheme to borrow my clothes for the party."

Luna laughed, "You may be right about that."

"Well, I gotta get ready. We're supposed to leave, and Carson really is going to kill me if I'm not dressed soon."

"Well, I'll be here. Raiding your kitchen, and then I'll steal all your clothes" Luna sighed.

"You're a brat. Make sure to lock the house when you leave tonight," I called out to her as she exited my room, but she just waved me off.

My phone beeped with a message from Carson:

What color tie? - C

Idk... haven't figured out what to wear yet - M

For fuck's sakes we leave in 10 minutes. -C

Alright, alright... what's ur favorite color? - M

Red. - C

Wear a red tie... be ready in 20 - M

You have 10 minutes or I'll drag you out. - C

I rolled my eyes and groaned, but it really didn't matter. I'd have to go to this stupid thing whether I wanted to or not.

I threw on a red dress with a high slit that clung tightly to every curve of my body. I straightened my hair really quickly and slipped on a pair of heels.

As I flattened out my dress in the mirror, Carson banged on my door, "Maddie, let's go!"

He didn't even give me a chance to respond before barging right in.

I sighed, "Well at least you sort of knocked."

He didn't respond, he was too busy staring at me. I hate when he does that.

Although I hate his guts, I have to admit, he cleans up nicely. I mean his hair was almost as messy as usual (in a slightly charming way), but the rest of him was kind of...perfect. His dress shirt fit him tightly and drew attention to all of his rippling muscles. And his pants elongated his legs and made his butt look really firm. Not that I was looking or anything.

"You look... nice," he said, still not looking up into my eyes yet.

I rolled my eyes, "Thanks, Prince Charming."

He chuckled and held out his arm. Well, at least if I have to suffer through tonight, he does too.

* * *

We had just entered the Gala and I was already over it. Thank God they have champagne at this thing.

The large room was crowded with fancy rich ladies, wearing their best gowns and jewelry, all stapled to the arm of a man. Couples littered the large dance floor in the center of the room, dancing to a slow classical song. All I could smell was cigars and an overbearing perfume. The music was too loud, the lights were to bright, and the laughter was too annoying.

I shook my head and grabbed a glass of champagne from the first waiter to walk by. I had barely drank half of my first glass when Carson had already dashed off somewhere.

I was sure I looked like an alcoholic, chugging down glasses while standing near the open bar, and denying anyone who tried to come up and talk to me.

Maybe like after like fifteen minutes of watching everyone chat in their most posh tones, and other make fools of themselves dancing, a younger looking man came up to me. He had a beard but no wrinkles or frown lines, so I guessed he was about mid-twenties.

"You must be the famous Madeline Spencer, the stunning and intelligent heiress," he said confidently, flashing his white teeth.

I smiled, "I'm definitely much more than an heiress, but you called me beautiful, so I'll allow it."

He laughed, "I'm Adrian, I own the law group that represents your parents' hospital. I believe we may have met before, on a different occasion."

He extended his hand and I shook it, fully aware that he had passed off something into my hand.

He was cute. He looked like a businessman, that's for sure. His dirty blonde hair had been slicked back, and his dress shoes were newly polished. He was cute. But he was no Carson.

I smiled at him, "There's no way I would forget such a handsome face."

He smirked, "Then, it's a good thing we've met again this evening."

"I would say so."

He let his eyes fall off of me and absentmindedly looked around the ball room, "I always found these parties to be a bit daunting."

"I couldn't agree more," I replied, the smile still on my face.

Adrian smiled, "So, you wouldn't mind-"

I was startled by an arm snaking around my waist and pulling me into a hard side. Carson.

"Actually, we would mind" Carson grit out, staring into Adrian.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you had a boyfriend."

"He's not my-" I groaned, it was too late, he had already backed away, scared off by Carson. God, a 17 year old should not be allowed to intimidate people in their mid-twenties.

I turned to Carson and narrowed my eyes, "Did you have to scare him off?"

He rolled his eyes, "He was looking at you all wrong. Besides, you said you'd be my date tonight."

"Hey, you ditched me. I was finding something to keep myself busy," I responded.

"I wasn't ditching you, I had a call."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever."

I sighed dramatically, taking out my phone.

"What're you doing?" Carson asked.

"He gave me his number. I'm just putting it in my phone " I said, waving a napkin, the one Adrian had slipped into my hand.

Carson's eyes grew dark and he grabbed the napkin from my hands. He ripped it up and let it fall to the ground.

"Hey, I wanted that!" I exclaimed. I mean really, I didn't, but Carson shouldn't be able to control me.

Carson growled and grabbed my wrist, pulling me right next to him. He hovered over me, like usual, but he had leaned over and whispered into my ear.

"Stop talking now, or you won't be able to walk for a week."

So, yeah, I know feminism is a thing and all, but right now I could care less. Carson looked hot in his suit, and I was ready to fall at his feet.

"What're you gonna do?" I smirked.

Carson stared down at me, inhaling intensely. "You just wait until we get back tonight."

"Why wait? I heard they have rooms in this hotel."

It took no more that a second for Carson to start dragging me toward the exit. Unfortunately, on the way, we bumped into my mother.

"Madeline! Carson! You both look lovely!" My mother greeted us.

"You look great as well, Mrs. Spencer" Carson complimented. I rolled my eyes impatiently. I really was in no mood for to stop and mingle.

"Mom, as much as I am enjoying this-" I started.

"Hang on, darling," My mother interrupted. She looked around the ballroom before her eyes landed on a couple. She smiled at them and waved. She turned back to Carson and I, "Madeline, Carson there are people I'd love for you to meet."

My mother started walking away and signaled for us to follow. Carson groaned, but he grabbed my hand and started walking toward my mother. I, however, refused to move my feet. Carson turned back toward me. I tugged at his hand and tilted my head toward the exit.

Carson sighed, "We'll get there, but we don't really have a choice right now. Let's not upset your mother."

* *

My mother had introduced us to practically every single person at the gala. Every minute was agony.

After what felt like years, Carson and I were finally able to slip out of the room. We ran to the lobby like giddy little children, laughing as we made our way up to the check-in counter.

Without removing himself from me or paying any attention to the receptionist, he slammed his credit card on the desk and mumbled something that sounded like "penthouse suite." When the receptionist handed over the room card, Carson eagerly grabbed it, and pulled us to the elevator.

As soon as the elevator doors closed, Carson shoved me up against the wall, a smirk on his lips as he reattached himself to me. His hands had a tight grip on my waist. His lips moved from mine, up my jawline, and then down my neck, biting every so often. One of hands snaked around my backside, and unzipped my dress.

By the time the elevator door opened up into the room, I had about four bite marks, my dress was half way off, and my bra was unclipped.

Without breaking away, Carson had picked me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist out of habit and allowed him to carry me into the bedroom.

*

*