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Chapter Four

Willow

Waking up with a hangover always feels like I’ve been hit by a damn truck. My head throbs in time with the beat of my heart, and my mouth feels like I’ve swallowed a cup of sand. The harsh light streaming through the window stabs at my eyes, and I squint and groan in protest. I sit up slowly, but each movement sends waves of nausea through my body. The room spins, and I clutch the edge of the bed, trying to ground myself. Unfortunately, I have to move, no matter how much my body screams in protest. There is some last-minute work I need to finish before I leave this morning .

I work for Celebrity Sync, a social media management company for the rich and famous. My boss Riley is amazing and just handed over to me the management of her brother and his girlfriend’s social media accounts. She said, and I quote, “I’m sick of seeing my brother’s cock every time some money-grabbing whore tries to bribe him with his old sex tapes.” Little do the women know we have hired someone who removes those things from appearing online. The guy is a tech genius and worth every cent Riley pays him.

I get up, knowing there is no point wallowing in self-pity, and grab my laptop. Once in the kitchen, I turn on the coffee machine and set my emails to open while I go to the bathroom.

Showering quickly to wash away the sweat from last night brings back the memory of Jace pressed close to my body. Then the rest of the night comes back to me and the questions I asked when I found out all three of them are together. I feel so bad for rubbing myself on my stepbrother’s boyfriend.

Once I’m finished and dressed in the most comfortable clothes I own, I find my phone charging beside my bed. I don’t remember how I got inside, let alone plugging my phone into the charger, but I grab it and check my messages.

I have a couple from Bray saying he should be home in a few days, and that he will let me know when they are leaving.

I decide to send a message to Micah.

Me: I’m so sorry for touching your friend, especially after knowing you’re all together. And I don’t think I thanked you for saving me yesterday. So, yeah, thanks.

After I hit send, I finish making my coffee and sit at the table, scanning my emails. I sort all my work ones into their specific folders, and any which need Riley’s attention, I mark as urgent. One email sticks out and I go to move it to spam, but hesitate, then click on it.

Wild Steps. Interesting.

Maybe Riley signed me up, as I know her men run the website. She’s told me to sign up if I ever want any of my fantasies brought to life. Could I do it?

I click on the link which takes me to their website, and I browse through the photos until a mask catches my eye. Once I enter that gallery, I subconsciously squeeze my thighs together and race to hit the membership tab.

Before I can chicken out, I fill out all the information they require, upload my ID, and hit submit. There is a disclaimer which says not everyone will get accepted. Selection is up to their discretion.

I exit out of the Wild Steps site and turn back to my work, pulling up Sienna’s social media account. I reply to comments and block any troll accounts which have left nasty messages. There is no way I could be famous and see that kind of hate. Someone has the nerve to call her a fat pig, and I want to reply so badly. It takes everything in me to remain professional, but I know comments like that are from people who are jealous of her talent and beauty. Some are because she is dating Braidy Jacobs. Every girl my age has grown up with him on their screens as the boy next door, and every romance movie he has done is swoon worthy. I save Braidy’s socials for last, as I have to delete an inbox full of inappropriate images and marriage proposals. It’s no wonder poor Riley doesn’t want to handle her brother’s accounts anymore. I have seen more of other female bodies this last year than I have my own.

A text notification pings on my phone, diverting my attention.

Step Monster: Don’t be sorry, Jace had a fun night. Our situation isn’t that complicated.

I snort. Of course it isn’t because they don’t overthink it. They simply go with the flow and have a good time.

As I go to respond, my phone vibrates, and Riley’s face pops up on my screen. Shit, I didn’t realize it was so late in the morning.

“Hey,” I say as I answer the phone.

“Girl, you don’t look so good. ”

I chuckle. “That’s because my stepbrother dragged me out last night and, well, I had one too many drinks.”

“That sucks, but...” she says with a huge smirk. “I was helping Archer with something and would you believe whose face popped up on his laptop?!”

Humiliation would normally be my go-to reaction, but Riley has three men in her life who are all gorgeous. They dote on her like she is the most precious thing in the world, and it gives me hope I will be able to find at least one decent guy.

“I took a leap. Nothing can be worse than yesterday. Hopefully, it will bring some excitement into my life after I get back.”

Her eyes go wide, and she pushes me for information on what happened. Riley laughs at my expense, but I don’t blame her because it is slightly funny now that I look back on it, and I won’t ever make the same mistake again. She is disappointed I didn’t call her, and I remind her that one of her men would have been right up her ass as she saved me. Besides, for my own pride, there is no way I would have called my boss. I need to still be able to show my face every day on our morning call. As of right now, I am her only employee. Between the two of us, she hasn’t needed to hire a third person beyond her assistant, but Kelsey doesn’t have access to any of the celebrities’ accounts.

Before we end the call, Riley says to expect a text with a location and a request for preferences. She makes a joke about sending someone to the holiday house, and I reply it isn’t a terrible idea, as I will be alone for at least three days, maybe four. The estate is massive, and even though it is almost two hours away, it’s totally worth the drive. Besides, no one generally arrives until Friday or Saturday. According to my mom, Micah doesn’t need to work, as his inheritance from his mother and great uncle is enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life. I guess he loves his job, which I respect.

After I finish my work emails and scheduling posts for the next few days, I grab my suitcase and add a few last-minute items I forgot to pack, then head for the estate.

The drive goes smoothly, and I stop halfway to grab another coffee. Pulling up to the mansion gates, I input the security code into the keypad, and then as they open, I pull my car inside the property and slowly drive toward the house. I can’t help but appreciate how stunning the grounds are, with beautiful hedges and even prettier flowers surrounding the house, and the water fountain is perfection. This house truly looks like it could be featured in Bridgerton. My favorite part of the property is the flower archway that leads down to the lake. The inside of the house is even more exquisite, featuring soft-pastel walls, fancy trimming, and large windows with thick curtains. Even the arches throughout the house add to its magical feel, and the vaulted ceilings make everything seem more spacious. Not to mention the chandeliers throughout are to die for. Honestly, I think I love this place more than I could ever love a person.

The mansion has ten bedrooms and fourteen bathrooms, all reflecting its grandeur. One room is specifically mine when I stay here, and I love the pastel-green walls adorned with framed paintings of the gardens, the large four-poster bed, and the oversized plush rug on the wooden floorboards.

The property manager always has the place ready a week before we arrive, and I use my key to let myself inside. Micah rents out the ballroom for events, and people can stay in the various rooms. His room is off limits and locked to the public, and it is on the opposite side of the mansion to my room. My room also has a lock, for which I am grateful. I called ahead and let the manager know I was coming in early, and she told me the fridge and pantry were fully stocked. My mom will still bring everything she needs. Carol is very specific about what she cooks with, which I find hilarious, but we all let her be. If she is happy, there is a lot less nagging.

As I walk through the house, I notice a few items have been moved, and I smirk to myself. My cousins, especially the younger ones, have broken priceless items before and it’s about time things were moved. One of my aunts can be a real bitch, and according to her, my cousins would never break anything, even if we can all see how spoiled and entitled they have become.

When I reach my room, I unlock my door and it’s exactly as I remembered, until I notice a box on my bed and an envelope on top. I drag my case inside and walk over to the bed, picking up the envelope.

Willow

9pm in the garden. The Easter hunt begins.

The prize, you ask?

YOU!

My heart thumps wildly as I re-read the note. Damn, Riley’s men work fast, but now the nerves bubble through my system as my shaky hands open the box. Pulling back the tissue paper, I huff out a laugh. There is no way. None. Inside is a very sexy rabbit costume, with not enough fabric to cover anything. I pull it out and look at it again. It’s baby pink with a tiny crotch area—how is that thin scrap supposed to hide my lady flaps? They might swallow the material and the poor guy will think I’m wearing the costume backward. That isn’t a good look for anyone. Scrap that, it’s got a split. Crotchless is not something I would ever choose to wear.

Though I’ll admit the bunny ears are super cute.

There is another small wrapped box which is labeled: Open me when you’re getting ready .

Can I really do this? Or should I phone Riley and call the whole thing off? Maybe I’ll take a few hours’ nap first and then I’ll re-evaluate.