Fulfillment Golland, M. (best classic literature TXT) 📖

with pretty much any shoe Iwanted, and I really wanted to pair it with the Gucci Sofia ÉtoilePeep Toes that had been patiently sitting in the walk-in-stadiumwaiting to be loved by my feet. I stared at them longingly everytime I passed them, fighting the desperation to put them on andwear them just for the hell of it. The thing with these shoesthough, was that they had to be respected, and wearing them ‘justfor the hell of it’ was breaking that cardinal rule. Therefore, mybirthday being the perfect opportunity, I didn’t hesitate inchoosing the gold pailletted, beige heels. As I slipped them on, Iswear a heavenly beam of light shot down from the sky, illuminatingthem at the same time as an angel sang ‘Ahh’ at me. Okay, maybenot.

Charli wasalso overly excited that we were having a party and had put on herprettiest dress—pale pink chiffon with a layered tutu style skirtand a rose on the lapel. She was also excited that Lil’s daughter,Jasmine—Charlotte’s close friend—together with all my otherfriend’s children, were coming along for the celebration. Bryce hadorganised for the hotel’s nanny-service to be in charge of the kidsfor the evening, supervising them at the arcade centre in theEntertainment Precinct. He had even arranged for it to be closed tothe general public for the evening, making it a private event justfor the kids which Nate had said was ‘totes sick’, as it was gonnabe him and his ‘mains’??? I need a freakin’ Natedictionary.

All in allthough, with an amazing venue, children supervised, andaccommodation taken care of, we had the foundation set for anincredible night.

I’d set asidesome extra time prior to getting ready to give both myself andCharli mini makeovers, pinning her beautiful blonde curls into abun. I even let her wear some pink lip gloss—she looked gorgeous.Nate had dressed as quickly as Bryce had, Nate in black trousersand a navy shirt, and Bryce in a charcoal suit with a blackshirt.

Both of themwere waiting patiently for us in the lounge area looking incrediblyhandsome when we appeared at the top of the stairs. Charli made herway down first, taking slow steps like she was walking down theaisle—the biggest smile radiating from her little face.

When shereached the bottom, Bryce knelt down and handed her a single rose.“A pretty rose for a pretty girl, Miss Charlotte,” he said.

She took itfrom him and blushed, twisting her body from side to side. “Thankyou, this is my first flower from a boy.”

Brycechuckled. “Oh, well I’m glad it was from me then.”

I smiled atthem from the top of the staircase before I began my descent, Bryceraising his eyes to meet mine. He stood up, gently patting Charlion the head while continuing to eye me from top to toe as I tookeach step closer to him. When I stopped at the bottom, he held arose in front of me and gently dragged it down the bridge of mynose.

“Your beautyflaws me, Alexis. It literally strips me of all cognitive function;I’m absolutely useless.”

I smiledseductively at him. “Oh, you are definitely not ‘useless’. I canvouch for that...many times.”

He smirked atmy compliment and placed his hand at the top of my arse, passing methe rose with his other hand and pulling me to him. “Happybirthday.”

He pressed hislips firmly to mine and I could feel the fire igniting and burningin my core, so against all will, I doused it and pulled away.

“It’s not mybirthday yet,” I breathed heavily.

“I know. Ijust wanted to be the first to say it.”

I lovinglyscoffed at his charm. “You, Mr. Clark, are too sweet. Thank you.Oh, and thank you for organising this party for me and for puttingup my family and friends in the hotel. It’s the best birthdaypresent ever.”

He cocked aneyebrow at me. “This is not your birthday present, Hunny.”

“Oh, well Ilook forward to that present later.” I mirroredhis expression but added a naughty smile.

He lookedconfused at first but then realisation spread over him. “No.That is not your present either. That is inevitable. You will have to wait till tomorrowfor your birthday present.”

“Bryce. I hopeyou didn’t get me anything.” Of course he freakin’ did!“This party is more than enough. I don’t want anything else.”

“Yes, youdo.”

I looked athim strangely, ready to question him further when the buzzer to theapartment rang. My inquisitiveness changed to one of excitement atthe knowledge that my guests were beginning to arrive, so much so,that I put his mysterious birthday gift at the back of my mind.

One of thehotel’s catering staff politely opened the door and a wide-eyedCarls walked through. “Well, Fuc...out,” she looked sheepishly atNate and Charli, “far out, far freakin out. This place isincredible.”

I walked up toher and gave her a huge hug. “Hey Carls.” I hadn’t seen her sincethe week I’d spent at Mum and Dad’s house after finding out Rickhad lied about cheating on me, and that Bryce had offered Rick fivemillion dollars to let me spend that week with him. Carls had cometo my rescue and spent some time with me, helping me forget aboutthe pain and betrayal I’d felt at the hands of the two men. She wasmy best friend and had been since we were young kids. I loved her,adored her and at times like all best friends, could kill her.

“This place isamazeballs, Lexi!” Amazeballs? Has she been speaking to Nateagain? Where the fuck she does come up with this shit?

I shook myhead at her and smiled. “Yeah, it’s not a bad little place to live,ay?”

“Pfft, yeah,you could say that.” She pushed me back to arms-length and lookedintently in my eyes, then drifted her stare down my body and backup again. “You look amazing. Shacking up with a rich stud-muffindoes wonders for you. Speaking of the sexy stud-muffin, I need toformally thank him for his hospitality.”

With her handsstill on my shoulders, she gently moved me aside and headeddirectly for Bryce. He looked amused.

“As long asyou only thank him, Carls. That stud-muffin belongs to me.”

“Not untilthere’s an engagement ring on your finger...Wait!” She paused andturned back to me. “Show me your hand, is that why you are lookingso good?”

I rolled myeyes at