Read Online One Condition (The Lust List: Kaidan Stone #1) by Nova Raines - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Nova Raines
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floor.
“We’ve only got four hours until this party. Let me see it!”
I try it on again, and Char claps. “Stunning. If Kaidan does drop you, he’s an idiot.”
I change back into my clothes, and as we head to the cashier, I try to forget the image of Peyton and Kaidan heading out of LUSH. Did he take her home? Are they back together now?
Why did Kaidan call me after leaving the club with Peyton? He’s a playboy, just like the tabloids say, and I’m not the kind of girl who lets boys play with her. I’d rather be alone than with someone like Kaidan.
The cashier rings me up, and now I really am broke. I need to focus. I’m going to this party for one reason, and one reason only. And that’s to find a way to get that diamond back from Serena Lynn.
It’s 6:30, and I’m in Char’s car, looking up more info about Serena Lynn. There’s not a lot to go on. She comes off like a sweet southern girl, but everyone has a pro face they show the public. What’s she really like? I wasn’t around when she was dating my dad, so I have no idea. Maybe I can appeal to any feelings she may have once had for him. If she had any. Maybe she’ll let me borrow the diamond to show to my lawyer. I wonder if that would fulfill my one condition.
My phone beeps. A text from Rowan.
Got your messages. Sorry, phone broke. At work. What have you gotten yourself into now? Call me in a few. Otherwise, will call you tomorrow morning.
Maybe I should have been more explicit in my messages about the threat. If he knew… If he knew, he’d what? Rowan only seems to care about himself these days. I’m on my own.
I glance over at Char. She’s fixing her makeup in her compact. I can’t call Rowan, anyway. Not here, and not during the party.
We’re driving along the highway, the beach on our left, condos on our right. The buildings thin out, with more and more space between them. Wrought iron gates mark the drives of each beach side mansion.
The driver reaches the Stone Mansion. Paps are parked all along the opposite side of the road, cameras out, aimed at the cars driving onto the Stone property. There will be tight security at something like this. The paps will have to get real creative to get a decent shot.
The driver takes us through security, and we head down the long driveway. Char and I peer through the windshield. Cars are lined up ahead of us, wrapping around an ornamental fountain in front of the Stone house. Tall windows line the length of it, and balconies with wrought iron bars lead out from the upper rooms. As our car inches closer to the entrance, I can see the ushers in their black and white uniforms, checking the guest list.
Two cars ahead of us, a couple gets out of their car. A tall, thin brunette in a red gown and a young man in a tux.
“Nolan Aries and his girlfriend. Some model, I can’t remember who.”
“And he is?” I ask, not really caring.
“An actor. Currently on Broadway, I think.”
And then it’s our turn to get out.
I step down from the SUV onto the brick drive and smooth out my dress.
“You look great,” Char says.
“Thanks. So do you.” And she does. If she wasn’t so short, she could be a runway model with her slim frame and high cheek bones.
My silky green gown is slim-fitting and goes down to my ankles, but the slits expose my legs, rich-bitch-style with a hint of scandal. Especially since the slits and the plunging neckline meant neither bra nor panties were an option tonight. My curled blond hair cascades down my back and over my shoulders. Despite what I paid for this gown, and the fact that I won’t have any money for food or rent soon, I feel great .
I say I don’t want this life, that I don’t belong here, but as the usher checks the guest list and approves our entry through the massive oak doors, I know I do. I want to solve this inheritance problem, and maybe… maybe I do want to stay here.
This party reminds me of dozens of the parties I’ve attended before, on
“We’ve only got four hours until this party. Let me see it!”
I try it on again, and Char claps. “Stunning. If Kaidan does drop you, he’s an idiot.”
I change back into my clothes, and as we head to the cashier, I try to forget the image of Peyton and Kaidan heading out of LUSH. Did he take her home? Are they back together now?
Why did Kaidan call me after leaving the club with Peyton? He’s a playboy, just like the tabloids say, and I’m not the kind of girl who lets boys play with her. I’d rather be alone than with someone like Kaidan.
The cashier rings me up, and now I really am broke. I need to focus. I’m going to this party for one reason, and one reason only. And that’s to find a way to get that diamond back from Serena Lynn.
It’s 6:30, and I’m in Char’s car, looking up more info about Serena Lynn. There’s not a lot to go on. She comes off like a sweet southern girl, but everyone has a pro face they show the public. What’s she really like? I wasn’t around when she was dating my dad, so I have no idea. Maybe I can appeal to any feelings she may have once had for him. If she had any. Maybe she’ll let me borrow the diamond to show to my lawyer. I wonder if that would fulfill my one condition.
My phone beeps. A text from Rowan.
Got your messages. Sorry, phone broke. At work. What have you gotten yourself into now? Call me in a few. Otherwise, will call you tomorrow morning.
Maybe I should have been more explicit in my messages about the threat. If he knew… If he knew, he’d what? Rowan only seems to care about himself these days. I’m on my own.
I glance over at Char. She’s fixing her makeup in her compact. I can’t call Rowan, anyway. Not here, and not during the party.
We’re driving along the highway, the beach on our left, condos on our right. The buildings thin out, with more and more space between them. Wrought iron gates mark the drives of each beach side mansion.
The driver reaches the Stone Mansion. Paps are parked all along the opposite side of the road, cameras out, aimed at the cars driving onto the Stone property. There will be tight security at something like this. The paps will have to get real creative to get a decent shot.
The driver takes us through security, and we head down the long driveway. Char and I peer through the windshield. Cars are lined up ahead of us, wrapping around an ornamental fountain in front of the Stone house. Tall windows line the length of it, and balconies with wrought iron bars lead out from the upper rooms. As our car inches closer to the entrance, I can see the ushers in their black and white uniforms, checking the guest list.
Two cars ahead of us, a couple gets out of their car. A tall, thin brunette in a red gown and a young man in a tux.
“Nolan Aries and his girlfriend. Some model, I can’t remember who.”
“And he is?” I ask, not really caring.
“An actor. Currently on Broadway, I think.”
And then it’s our turn to get out.
I step down from the SUV onto the brick drive and smooth out my dress.
“You look great,” Char says.
“Thanks. So do you.” And she does. If she wasn’t so short, she could be a runway model with her slim frame and high cheek bones.
My silky green gown is slim-fitting and goes down to my ankles, but the slits expose my legs, rich-bitch-style with a hint of scandal. Especially since the slits and the plunging neckline meant neither bra nor panties were an option tonight. My curled blond hair cascades down my back and over my shoulders. Despite what I paid for this gown, and the fact that I won’t have any money for food or rent soon, I feel great .
I say I don’t want this life, that I don’t belong here, but as the usher checks the guest list and approves our entry through the massive oak doors, I know I do. I want to solve this inheritance problem, and maybe… maybe I do want to stay here.
This party reminds me of dozens of the parties I’ve attended before, on
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