A Tease - A Castle O Quickie Read Free

head slightly as he leaned towards Kent, saying something Alyssa could not hear.
    Without breaking stride, Kali plucked a glass of champagne from a white-gloved waiter’s tray. Unlike her Adonis, this waiter was slightly older with a worldly vibe. His shoulders were extremely broad, tampering to the narrow waist. The build of a fighter. When he smiled the corners of his eyes crinkled.
    “Welcome Ms. Roy. Wonderful to meet you,” he said as he placed a glass of champagne in her hand.
    Taking the glass, she started to ask his name, but Kali led her away. Alyssa threw an apologetic smile at the waiter who had already turned to serve another guest.
    Alyssa watched in awe as Kali strode smoothly on towering heels, sipping champagne without spilling a drop. It was taking every taut muscle in her body to not wobble with each step and slop over the edge of her glass.
    They stepped up to a small stage with a glass and chrome podium that had been set up beside the sculpture especially for this event. Alyssa’s stomach clutched with dread at the sight of the narrow, hollow backed stairs, but before they could take the first step, two tall, tuxedo-clad, chisel-chinned men stepped up.
    Alyssa smiled as she recognized her Adonis from outside. He grinned back at her, white teeth shining. Placing his hand on her elbow he took her champagne glass. “Please, allow me to help you up the stairs,” he said. Alyssa tried to place his faint accent. She suspected it was British, but was too shy to ask as he guided her with a strong, steady hand.
    Part way up the stairs her ankles started wobbling and shaking so hard her shoes started to topple over. The strong hand of the Adonis held her tightly as she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, before taking the last couple of steps.
    At the top she turned into the sea of faces. Suddenly the world started to spin, her ankles knocking together painfully as her legs wobbled and shook. Her whole body teetering on her stilettos. Only the strength of her Adonis kept her anchored, preventing her from swan-diving from the stage.
    Her champagne glass appeared in front of her. Alyssa paused for a moment. She had never tried champagne, in fact she rarely drank. Out the corner of her eye she saw that Walker and Kent had followed them. They stood at the edge of the stage, smiling, at ease. Walker waved his own glass of champagne, taking a sip. He seemed to be having a great time, all composed and confident. Like this was just another evening.
    Damn Walker, always making it look so easy! Alyssa grumbled to herself. Flipping her hair back she smiled. Mind over matter, this was just another day.
    Tipping her head back she gulped down half of the amber liquid. The bubbles played on her tongue and slipped playfully down her throat. Under different circumstances she would have giggled but right now she was aiming for a little liquid courage. A little bit of whatever it was that Kali, Kent and Walker all seemed to have in buckets. That self-assured presence, that confidence that she envied so much. Taking a breath, she gulped down some more champagne then licked the glistening line from her upper lip. Her eyes skipping quickly across the crowded room.

CHAPTER 3
     
    Kali appeared in front of Alyssa, providing a much needed focal point for Alyssa to center and calm herself. She took a breath, her lips pulled back into a tight smile her teeth clenched together.
    “Ready?” Kali asked, her face an oasis of calm.
    Alyssa drained the last drops of champagne from her glass; the bubbles were becoming deliciously addictive. Smoothing her dress one-handed, she straightened her back, then turned to Kali. She opened her mouth to speak and promptly hiccuped. Loudly.
    Her hand flew to her mouth, as heat flushed her face. Kali’s mouth dropped open for a breath then she bent over laughing. “Oh Alyssa, you are so awesome. Come on. Let’s get this show on the road.”
    Kali spun effortlessly on her heels, tapping her red