Page 12 of Wicked Throne

Not even bothering to go back into the room I caught Saraphina, one of the dancers outside, and told her to go take over for me. She knew what the Judge like and what the "experience," consisted of. A few men tried to get my attention as I walked by but I was on a mission as I stormed into my office to redress.

The entire ride over to my father's house, I went over what I was going to tell my daddy about this whole Thierry Scarpetta mess. How in the hell did he expect me to marry a man that I had never even met until a second ago.

With my music blasting, I drove like a mad man. A few times I nearly rear-ended a couple of cars that had decided to drag ass. Screaming obscenities at them, I didn't chill out until blue lights lit up behind me. I started swearing up one side and down the other. This was the last motherfucking thing I needed tonight.

Easing over onto the side of the road, I parked and then hit the light to illuminate the inside of my car. A tap came on my window and I rolled it down, ready to put on my politest voice.

"Evening officer," I said.

"Evening ma'am..."

The voice hit my ears and I immediately recognized him.

"NATHAN!?! Oh my God, I almost had a heart attack," I peered out and got an even better look, and damn what a sight it was to behold.

It was indeed my lover, Nathan. He was doubled over with laughter. Finally, he sobered once he realized that I wasn't laughing with him. With a swagger that only he had, he came closer and leaned in through the window.

"You scared the fuck out of me," I whispered.

Nathan was leaning in so close through the window, the smell of cinnamon gum on his breath. It tickled my nose and I realized that I wanted to lick him right then and there.

"I couldn't resist...you were driving like a bat out of hell."

"My father demanded that I come to dinner...I'm heading there now."

"Interesting," he smiled.

"How so?"

"He asked me to come over as well," Nathan gave a slight shrug.

"It can't be anything too serious, I'm hoping. You know I hate being around Nautica and her baby."

Nathan chuckled. "You're a hater, Ivy."

A scowl planted itself on my face. I didn't have to take this shit from anyone, least of all Nathan. Reaching out, I pushed into his chest and rolled my window up. The blue lights continued to flash in the background as I drove away. He'd be following on behind me anyway.

When I finally reached my father's mansion, I could barely find a place to park. There were cars everywhere. Dotting the lawn in neat little patterns. He hadn't said anything about this being a dinner party. Luckily, I'd changed back into a deep red pencil skirt and white blouse. Fixing my stray hairs, I applied a dark-colored matte lip gloss to my lips, and then I hurried inside. On the way in, I noticed at least two of my friend's cars were there.

"What in the fuck?" I asked myself as the plates on the back of the cars registered.

Opening the doors to the mansion, I came face to face with a large crowd of people. And there to greet me was my father.

"Ivy!" He exclaimed and came forward.

There was a roar of excitement that went up. I knew my eyes had gone wide in surprise as I looked over my father's shoulder while he embraced me. People were drinking champagne, the entire place was decorated and there was Thierry nearby dressed in a casual suit with a smirk on his face. Beside him on the right, was a white-haired man with hair slicked back, white from age, and on his left was a man who looked similar. This had to be his brother.

My father's voice brought me back to Earth. "Welcome to your wedding, Diamond."

I stepped out of his embrace, about to make a scene. My father hadn't just said what I'd thought he'd said. Before I could react further, Naomi, Treyanna, and Carmen were upon me and dragging me upstairs. As I looked over my shoulder, I caught sight of my father and Nautica talking. My eyes flew to find Thierry but he had disappeared. The door had opened again with a later arrival, and in popped Nathan; shock and surprise covered his features as my father embraced him as well.

Suddenly it felt as though I couldn't breathe.

It was like all of the wind had been pulled from my lungs.

I wanted to faint.

My wedding...