Page 40 of Vicious Little Snakes

“Caroline. Oh my God.”

My head snaps to Laura, who’s bounding toward me, like a Labrador, pulling me from my self-hate.

“You are never going to believe who tweeted about your party tonight. It’s insane—incredible.”

She’s practically buzzing with excitement, and I feel allergic to it.

“Guess! Oh my God. You’re never going to guess. It’s major.”

Eww.I don’t answer. Just raise my brows.

“Arden. Arden fucking Livingston. She’s like the original badass socialite but even better. Apparently, she’s back from London, and she’s coming. Arden’s the crème de la crème. Nobody’s more important than her.”

My eyes narrow, making Laura shut her trap before she offers, “Sorry, you know what I mean. But like, wow. Right? You’re so getting a ticket now, Care. No way do the Debs ignore this. Arden is still beloved.”

Now? She said, “Now”—because before, on my own, I’d never been good enough for an invitation.

“Is that chocolate on your face?” I question with a smile.

My comment seems random, but it’s not. Nothing ever is when I speak.

Her hand reaches for her mouth, laughing, “Oh whoops, I had the most delish artisan chocolates. I brought you some for your birthday.”

So happy. Without a care in the world.

I cross my arms. “Maybe if you cared more about avoiding diabetes or not looking like a disheveled hick, you’d be excited about getting your own ticket instead of riding on my coattails. Wipe your face, Laura—it’s disgusting.”

I don’t stand there to see her reaction. I can’t. I’m afraid that my reflection in her eyes will be my mother’s face and not my own.

* * *

A quiet knock on my door lifts my attention over my shoulder. Kai pushes through my door, looking handsome as usual in his suit. His hunter velvet jacket perfectly complements my Dolce netted illusion tulle dress.

“You’re early.” I smile, pushing the small silver cigarette case back into the drawer it hides, spinning to sit sideways on my chair.

My heartbeat flutters over, almost being caught.

Kai doesn’t seem to notice anything, saying, “Well? Let me see you.”

I smooth my hair, pretending to put on the finishing touches before I stand. My hair is styled with a deep middle part, giving me a sleek look to go along with my dress. Kai circles a finger, so I do a twirl.

His hand covers his mouth like he’s shocked by my beauty. “You look like a goth queen. Gorgeous and deadly. You’re perfect, baby.”

Leave it to Kai to pull the first smile out of me today.

“Oh, wait,” I say, clapping my hands together. “These beauties are the best part.” I tiptoe with dainty hops over to my bed, lifting my toe-to-heel crystal pumps. “I’m like Cinderella.”

“Except tonight, you’re a queen, not a princess.”

I’m smiling as the shoe brushes my hip, igniting a tiny sting from the bandaged wound. I half blink, turning to set the heels back on my bed and sit, my happiness replaced with shame. I’ve never felt less like a queen in my life.Queens don’t bleed on their gowns.

Kai’s weight sinks the mattress as he sits too. “Hey.” When I don’t answer, he pulls my face to his. “What’s got my beauty so down?”

I stare into his eyes, not even knowing where to start.

“Is this because your prince isn’t coming tonight?”

I blink once before catching myself.Liam isn’t coming.I shake my head, turning back to my heels.