Chapter Three
Madison
The moment I squeeze my foot through the double doors to the Myers Mansion my mother is on my case about this fucking ball. "Madi! You're late! You have to pick a dress! The ball is only three hours away!" Grace Myers frets. For fuck sakes woman, give me a break. I already had a hell of a day. Brantley Vicious caught my eye and I haven't thought straight since.
"Yes, mother, whatever you desire" I replied, rolling my eyes. "Madison" she warns. I plant a fake smile on my lips and whisk past her heading for my bedroom. To my horror there are piles upon piles or gowns thrown to my bed and none of them are appealing. Fuck. Closing my eyes I grab the white fluffy looking one. Discarding my clothing I slip into the unbelievably heavy gown and run a finger through my curls.
This makes me want to vomit. Sighing, I head down the stairs and await our guests with mommy dearest. I managed to sneak some wine and now I'm three glasses in waiting for this dreadful night to end. "I invited the Vicious family, be a dear and be sweet to Lorena" my mother smiles at me. Lorena Vicious is the youngest in the family. I mean she's only in her freshman year of Rosewell Prep but she's still younger.
Nodding in agreement I set the empty glass down and pour myself some water to wash away the wine. I could do without dealing with this kings and queens ball. I'd rather hide out in my bedroom and paint something only a dark mind would think of.
It's been two hours and the ball is now in full swing. Tiara's here which helps but the fact that we have to be here at all only gives us chips in our tone when we speak. "Dance with me" a voice comes from behind me. I turn around and come face to face with the one and only Brantley Vicious. "I'm not interested" I growl. A dark cloud fills his eyes as he watches me.
"I wasn't asking, princess" he replies, dragging me away from Tiara towards the massive dance floor. His hand grips one of mine and the others places on my waist. "You got quite the mouth on you" he whispers into my blonde hair. I snort out a laugh as we dance across the floor. "You're not my friend, you don't get to see my nice side" I bite out. The smirk that appears on his lips sends something shivering right to my core.
Fuck. This man could get any girl he wants and he's here making me dance with him. "What do you want, Brantley" I frown as he spins me back towards him. "Why do you interest me so much?" He says, before re realizes the words left his lips. My half smile pulls at the corner of my lips. "What was that?" I smirk. Brantley glares at me before spinning me out again and bringing me back to his hard chest.
"Walk with me" he says against my ear. "Do I even have a choice?" I bite out. "Nope" he replies grabbing my hand, and pulling me towards the Myers garden outside. "Why are you so interested in knowing who I am? It doesn't really matter. My father has set someone for me to marry whether I like it or not" I reply as my heels click across the stones towards the gazebo. Brantley grins before he throws me over his shoulder and carries me the rest of the way.
"Put me down! My ass is hanging out of my dress" I grumble. I hear rumbles of laughter as I'm placed back on my feet. "That's not very ladylike of you to say" he smirks. "Who said I had the attitude of a lady?" I reply turning away from him and staring towards the ocean view ahead. "I didn't say you did" he replies as he follows me to the railing.
He interests me as well, but fuck if I'm going to tell him that. "You want to know why?" He asks his face inches from mine. I part my lips and watch him with confusion. "Your the only girl that doesn't drop to my feet, the only girl that doesn't have a stuck up side like all the rest of the prissy snobs in Rosewell Prep" he replies leaning closer. I open my mouth to say something but I'm cut off as daddy yanks me away from Brantley.
"The ball is inside" he growls, his eyes fixed mostly on Brantley. "Yes, daddy. We're on our way back in" I mumble. Daddy lets go of me and heads back towards the mansion. I turn my head and gaze at Brantley, my lips parting again as I stare. "Madison!" He barks. I tear my gaze away and slowly follow daddy. Picking up my dress I follow him. Maximum Myers doesn't believe anyone's good enough to marry his little girl despite the circumstances of needing to marry a prince.
I lied to Brantley about having someone already picked for me because I was afraid he'd take advantage of that. Daddy has sent away everyone that has showed up to present themselves to me. Nobody is good enough for his daughter. Clicking my heels I head straight for Tiara. I know my face is probably a deep red as she stares at me, quirking her eyebrow.
"What's up hot stuff?" She smirks. I glare at her fully intending on not saying a word about what happened in that garden. "Daddy happened," I replied dryly. Tiara's smile drops and she brings her glass of water to her lips. "Nobody is good enough for Maximizing Myers daughter" I quote daddy with some attitude. Tiara laughs taking another sip from her glass of water.
"You already knew that Mads" she smirks. I shrug my shoulders until I catch Brantley watching me. Why is he so interesting? Why do I want to know him? Blinking I tear my gaze away and focus back on my friend. "Once this stupid fucking ball ends I'll gladly lock myself in my room to paint" I smile. Tiara frowns her eyes glazing over. "Your creepy fucked up paintings?" She smirks at me. I send her a glare before finishing off my own water.
I grab Tiara by her arm and drag her out the front door. "What are we doing out here?" She looks around the yard. "I need a cigarette before I explode" I respond pulling a dart out of my clutch and lighting it. Quickly inhaling deeply before sighing happily. "Those are going to kill me one day" she smirks at me. I roll my eyes in response and take another drag from it. "They are also my sanity" I smile. Tiara nods in agreement and fixes her red gown.
Staring off towards where the sun has gone down more than three hours ago I begin to think. I need to know him. There has to be someone who knows his secrets. Someone that knows Brantley for who he is. Taking another drag from my cigarette I shake the thoughts away and drop the bud to the ground squishing it beneath my heel.
If someone's going to find out what goes on inside his mysterious head. It's going to me and I know that. He even admitted he wants to know more about me so maybe the feeling is mutual. Plastering a fake smile on my lips I follow Tiara back into the mansion.