Cruel Love (Privilege 6)

Ariana’s heart expanded with warmth. Her smile widened, even as the tears threatened to overflow. He couldn’t have said anything more perfect. She tilted her head and touched her lips to his, gently at first. But she soon found she couldn’t control her emotions and she began to press harder and harder, holding onto him as tightly as she could. Hoping she’d never have to let go.

Jasper’s hand moved up her back and into her hair, cupping the back of her head. She shoved his jacket back from his shoulders and he shook it to the ground, edging her backward toward the bed. Never letting her lips leave his, Ariana tumbled onto her back, tugging him with her, and kicked her sling-back heels onto the floor. Jasper unzipped her dress, she unbuttoned his shirt, he slid his hands up under her skirt, she grasped at his bare waistline with hungry fingers.

“Wait,” Jasper said suddenly, breaking away.

“What?” Ariana gasped. Her lips were swollen and her very skin throbbed. “You don’t want to stop, do you?”

“No, I just … your food. It’s gonna get cold,” he said, his brow creased.

“Screw the food,” Ariana replied.

Jasper grinned and she pulled his bare chest against hers, letting go of everything—of Meloni, of Reed, of the future—and giving herself entirely to Jasper Montgomery.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

“Wait until you see inside!” Maria gushed, practically dragging Ariana and Jasper toward the double doors of the club Tahira had rented out for the birthday celebration. “We’ve completely outdone ourselves.”

Ariana shivered with anticipation inside her white cashmere coat as Jasper squeezed her hand. She could hear the bass line of the music pounding from inside, and a screech of excitement wafted through the cold night air. For a moment, she paused at the threshold, letting Jasper reach for the door. This was it. The beginning of the biggest night of her life. She looked around, taking in the starry night sky, the twinkling lights decorating the topiary trees on the slate patio, the crisp scent of pine that hung in the air, and just like that she knew.

This was going to be a good night.

“Mademoiselle?” Jasper said, arching his eyebrows and gesturing politely at the open door. “Your celebration awaits.”

Ariana grinned and stepped inside. Past a coat check and a pair of thick velvet curtains, the cavernous club opened up before them. Ariana’s breath was completely taken away. Every single surface was covered with mirrors and clear crystals of all shapes and sizes. They glittered on the walls and hung from the ceiling in strands and swaths. The cocktail tables along the periphery of the hall were adorned with silver tablecloths and the centerpieces were filled with sparkling jewels. Hundreds of people crowded the dance floor, holding their champagne glasses aloft, reveling in the sheer decadence of it all.

“Happy birthday, Ana!” Soomie called out, running over and throwing her arms around Ariana’s neck. She wore a dark gray full-skirted dress and black heels and looked relaxed and happy as she pulled away. “Wow. You look all … glowy tonight.”

“I feel glowy,” Ariana replied with a laugh. And she did. Tonight nothing and no one could touch her. Tonight, she was the star.

“Do you love it?” Tahira asked, appearing at Ariana’s other side. While Soomie’s dress was elegant, Tahira’s was more MTV Video Awards red carpet. She wore a short, low-cut silver dress and the highest heels Ariana had ever seen, the toes encrusted with diamonds. “The theme is On the Rocks,” Tahira announced, spreading her fingers wide.

“I love it!” Ariana exclaimed. “It’s like partying inside a diamond.”

Jasper slipped her coat from her shoulders, exposing the chic, aqua-blue sheath underneath. Maria took off her own mink jacket as well, to reveal a halter-necked black dress that just skimmed her knees and made her look impossibly slim. Jasper, gentleman that he was, hurried off over to the coat check desk with both girls’ coats and bags.

“That was the idea!” Tahira cried, her eyes wide. “Happy birthday, Ana!” She gripped Ariana into a tight hug and gave her two huge air kisses.

“Thank you so much, Tahira. And you, too, Maria,” Ariana said, reaching for Maria’s hand. “This is like a dream come true.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help plan it, but clearly they didn’t need me,” Soomie said.

“I’m just glad you’re here tonight,” Ariana assured her. “I couldn’t have asked for a better gift.”

Soomie smiled, but Tahira scoffed. “Yeah, wait until you see the gift table,” Tahira said, leaning toward her ear. “You’ll be singing a different tune.”

“Really?” Ariana asked, her eyes bright as she imagined piles and piles of elegantly wrapped presents, all with her name on them.

Thank you, Briana Leigh, for being born in December, Ariana thought happily. This party was exactly the kind of distraction she needed and the kind of celebration she knew she deserved.

“Well? Are you ready to greet your public?” Jasper asked, rubbing his hands together as he returned to her side. His sharply cut black suit fit him perfectly, and the light blue tie made his eyes seem even bluer than usual. He’d combed his hair back from his face and looked elegant and sophisticated—the perfect date for the perfect night.

“So ready,” Ariana replied.

Maria pushed her long brown hair behind her shoulders. “Then let’s do this, birthday girl.”

Ariana grinned, and walked with her friends into the main hall.

“So let me tell you what the deal is,” Maria offered, hooking her arm around Ariana’s. She escorted her further into the room, where a few of Ariana’s friends from school shouted their greetings and called out, “Happy birthday!”