One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

8. Beatrice

8

BEATRICE

As much as I hate what I must do tonight—the blowjob is not happening—I look good. For once, my hair is nice and shiny, with no frizz in sight. It falls in soft curls around my face and down my back to my waist. My makeup is flawless, accentuating my features without being overdone.

The dress hugs my curves and, with the help of the green bra I wear, gives me good cleavage—my mother's words, not mine. The heeled sandals do things to my legs that I can't deny. Although I feel more covered in the shorts and t-shirt I wore yesterday, I still look sexy. It's not a word I've ever used to describe myself.

Mother suddenly bursts into my room and catches her breath. "My goodness, Beatrice! You look amazing. Jason will fall in love with you at first sight."

"I'm going to puke." I cover my stomach with a hand and try to breathe through my nose.

"Don't be so dramatic." My mother takes my hands in hers. "Listen, your father is counting on tonight being a success. So, remember, he's not touching you between the waist and knees, but you can get down on your knees.”

My eyes widen in shock. "I thought you were joking!" I shake my head. "No way am I doing that."

"Stop being such a prude!" She practically drags me downstairs. By the time we reach the foyer, my knees are shaking.

"I need a drink of water." I head for the kitchen.

"Don't be long."

The moment the door closes behind me, I slump against it and meet Evelyn's worried gaze. "Water. I need water."

She nods and pours me a glass. "You look white as snow." She moves forward, letting her eyes roam over me, and a soft smile comes to her face. "You look beautiful, Beatrice."

I drink the water as if I've been in the desert for weeks. "Thank you."

"What happened?" Evelyn puts her hands on my shoulders, rubs them down my arms to my fingers, and gives me a knowing smile. "I haven't heard anything bad about Jason, so as long as you keep him at arm's length, you should be safe.”

A laugh comes out before I can control it. "Mother told me he couldn't touch me, but she recommended I get on my knees for him!"

Horrified, Evelyn takes a step back. She tries to recover from the shock, but it takes a moment. "Don't worry. I told her that was not going to happen."

"I don't know what to say."

"Nothing to say." I smile and take a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "The country club will be busy since it's a Saturday. Please don't worry about me. I'll just get it over with."

Evelyn pulls herself together. "Call me if you need me. I'll come get you, no matter the time or the consequences."

I hug Evelyn quickly, feeling tears press against the back of my eyes. "Thank you." I smile and walk into the living room.

The doorbell rings before I greet my mother, so since I'm already here, I open the door. Jason is standing there with his hand ready to knock. He takes a second look before his eyes go wide in surprise. "Beatrice! You look amazing."

I giggle for no reason. Maybe it's the shock on his face. "I scrub up well."

He clears his throat and runs a hand down his sports jacket. "Yes, you do." I don't miss the way his eyes darken as they sweep over me.

"Beatrice, manners." Mom pulls open the door. "Please come in."

Mom leads him into the living room while I stand like an idiot in the doorway.

Not wanting to prolong this evening, I stay where I am and wait for one of them to notice.

Jason has his hands in the pockets of his navy-blue pants. He is wearing a white button down and then a blue sport coat. His blond hair is slicked back, and his face is clean-shaven. He looks nice, but because my parents like him, I'm trying to rebel. But I'm not sure it works. I'm under their thumb.

"Mrs. Lincoln," Jason says, then looking me in the eye adds, "if you'll excuse us, we have to go, or we'll be late."

"Oh! Yes, of course. Please don't let me keep you."

"Remember what I told you, Beatrice?" My mother says as Jason leads me to his little red sports car. The top is down, and I imagine how great my hair will look after this ride.

"What did your mom say?" he asks once we're alone.

"You don't want to know." I grab my hair and pull it to one side, so it is easier to control.

We move down the driveway, and as we turn onto the street, Dad turns into the driveway. He looks at me and smiles. Something must be going well.

The drive is in silence, with Jason staring at my legs. I want to call him on it, but I keep my mouth shut. The tension between us is palpable, but I concentrate on the passing scenery to avoid a confrontation. We finally arrive at our destination and Jason pulls up so the valet can park the car.

Jason jogs over to my side and opens the door. It takes me a moment to decide how to get out, but then I decide to swing both legs out and give Jason my hands. Oh, great! He's seen my breasts. With a tug I'm on my feet and he puts an arm around my waist. "You've really grown up, Beatrice," he comments.

I swallow my nerves and let him lead me inside, where I see my grandfather, the judge. He's at his usual table, and I pretend not to see him. The waitress seats us at a window table. The view is beautiful. Outdoor lights wrap around the porch railing, casting a warm glow over the outdoor seating area. I take a deep breath, trying to push down the nervous flutter in my stomach as I concentrate on the menu in front of me. It ends up being in vain as Jason orders for me without my input.

A glass of wine is placed in front of me, to my surprise considering my age. Jason smiles. "So, tell me,” he says, leaning back in his chair, "how long do we have before your father expects wedding bells?"

My eyes open wide, and I choke on the mouth of wine I've just swallowed. His eyes are filled with glee as I let out a nervous chuckle. "I'm here to eat, not discuss wedding bells." I tilt my head to the side and nibble on a breadstick. "Why are you here?"

"Something tells me you are a handful," he comments. "I'm here to dine with a beautiful woman." His eyes search mine. "Let's start over, Beatrice. Forget why we're here together and let's enjoy the food and a little dancing. How about that?"

I smile. "I can do that." I wonder how long it will take him to forget his words.

Knowing Judge is watching, I force a smile to my lips and flutter my eyelashes. Jason grins and thanks the waiter as the food is placed in front of us.

I sigh with relief that Jason ordered something I like. Steak with mushroom sauce. "Doesn't it bother you that I don’t have a college education?" I ask between bites. "I'd like to, but I don't think it's in the cards for me."

He shakes his head. "Commonsense is more important to me. You have been brought up well, which means you will be able to take care of your own home."

"Like a housekeeper?" I mutter.

He pauses for a moment, then laughs. "I like you." He points in my direction. "I meant as a wife."

I knew that you idiot!

He chuckles as he eats more of his food. I notice that he also has a wandering eye. I try to steer the conversation away from his outdated views on women's roles. I make a mental note to avoid discussing such topics with him in the future. Although there will be no future if I can help it. I clear my throat and ask, "What kind of law do you practice?"

"Family."

I let out a sigh, thinking that if this is dating, I don't want to do it again because it's so boring. My eyes wander outside to the boats on the water. One has come closer, and I wonder if it's the one Atilio Redd is on with his brothers. They're probably having a much better time than I am.

Staring at Jason, I suggest, "Why don't you go over and talk to them?" His eyes are on a group of girls who came in ten minutes ago.

"With Judge watching? Are you crazy?"

I shrug. "I'm sure dating etiquette means paying attention to your actual date. You know, me!”

He winces. "You're right. I'm an ass and I owe you an apology." He grabs my hands across the table, and my cutlery clatters onto the plate. "I'm sorry. Forgive me." He winks.

I roll my eyes and pull my hands free. "Whatever. Do you know whose boat that is?" I point out the window.

"I have no idea. Sailing makes me sick, so I don't pay too much attention." He pauses. "Hey, you want to take dessert outside?"

Relief rushes through me. "Yes, please." Hopefully Judge won't follow us.

Jason calls a waitress over, orders dessert, and tells her to bring it outside. He helps me out of the chair, keeping a hand on my lower back. I want to slap it off, but that won't go over well with the judge when his beady eyes follow us.

The air outside is still muggy, but there is a warm breeze coming in from the ocean, caressing my skin.

"Dessert has arrived." Jason helps me sit down, and it's on the tip of my tongue to tell him that I've been sitting myself for years. I know he is only being polite, but I find him irritating at this point. He doesn't want to be here with me any more than I want to be here with him. The difference is that I don't focus on others the way he does.

The first spoonful of chocolate mousse explodes on my tongue. "It's laced with bourbon," I say in surprise. "Quite a lot, too."

Jason's eyes light up and horror hits me. "Did you ask them to do that?"

"Don't be silly. Your father would kill me."

I look down at the small bowl. I've eaten all the dessert. This isn't good. "Is there bourbon in your dessert?

"Beatrice, nothing is spiked. This is a respectable club," he hisses. "Let's walk it off if you're feeling dizzy."

"That's a good idea." I get up and walk down the steps to the jetty. It is long and stretches out into the ocean. I usually avoid it because being surrounded by so much water unsettles me. Probably because I can't swim.

"Slow down." Jason takes my hand, which I try in vain to pull free. "I don't want you to fall in." That stops me from fidgeting. "This date didn't turn out the way I expected." He sighs.

"For me either," I mutter, feeling strange. "Are you sure you didn't drug me?"

His eyebrows knit together. "I only go for willing women, Beatrice. I won't drug you for sex." He smirks. Just as I start to believe him, he adds, "Your mom told me all about how you plan on getting on your knees for me."

"What?" Shock runs through me as I back away.

He grabs me. "Careful, we're at the end of the jetty. The water is deep here."

"I want to go back." Suddenly my legs don't want to work.

Jason laughs. "You're drunk."

"Leave me alone." I stumble past him. He grabs my wrist and pulls me against him. "We can't let your mother down."

"Then go tell her to get down on her knees for you."

Jason's face twists into an ugly scowl and then his hand hits me. I stumble back, feeling the sting on my cheek. "You bastard," I snarl, tears well up in my eyes. Jason's grip on my wrist tightens. His eyes are dark and dangerous.

I struggle to free myself. He lets go. I stumble backwards, my eyes wide open. There is nothing to hold onto for balance. The water rushes toward me, and then, in shock, my body hits the water. At that moment, I remember that I can't swim.