The Glass Slipper (Cinderella 3)

“Time to go, Cinderelliott.”

When we step out of the apartment, a huge scary dude dressed in black is glowering our way. Before I can have time to panic, Winston greets him with a clipped nod.

“Did you take care of the reporters?” Winston asks him, striding toward the elevators, the two of us following behind.

“Xavier’s handling it,” the beefy guy says. “I’m Todd.”

I relax a little. “Ash.”

“Pleased to meet you, Ash. We won’t let these assholes get near you.” He winks at me. “Just stay close and don’t talk to anyone.”

We step onto the elevator and Winston is a cold statue. I lean into him, needing some of his strength because I’m slightly freaked out having to face more people like Clay. And what if Scout is out there? I tremble and Win plants a kiss on top of my head. It’s such a sweet, simple gesture—one a boyfriend would do. Later I’ll give him all kinds of hell for it. Not now, though. Now I need him.

Winston guides me outside once the elevator chimes. A crowd of reporters have gathered in front of the building. I keep my head down and move my legs quickly to keep up with him. He practically shoves me into the vehicle waiting at the curb. Once my bird is stowed beside me, he climbs in on my other side.

“Miss Elliott.” Daniel’s eyes are concerned in the mirror.

“I’m still holding you to our sightseeing date, Danny Boy.”

He chuckles. “I’ll see what I can arrange.”

Winston, like the jerk he can be, pushes the button to close the partition. I scowl at him.

“Don’t flirt with the help, Cinderelliott.”

“I am the help and you do a lot more than flirt with me,” I argue. “I’m pretty sure your come is still running down my leg.”

His nostrils flare. “Always pressing my buttons.”

“I have to make up for all those days you avoided me.”

“All those days? It was three. Don’t exaggerate.”

All playfulness fades as I take his hand, threading his fingers with mine. Surprisingly he allows it, squeezing my hand once.

“Win, are we good?”

A wicked grin tugs at one corner of his lips. “No, baby, we’re not good. That’s not who we are. We’re bad, but don’t worry, we’re really, really good at it.”

In Win speak, we are good.

“You called me baby,” I taunt, barely able to hold back a giggle.

“If the shoe fits, Cinderelliott…”

“Asshole.”

“And for some reason you like me.”

Oh, no, Constantine. I don’t like you. Not even a little.

But love?

You better believe I’ve fallen for you despite your every attempt to keep me from doing it. And I’m going to drag you right along with me whether you like it or not.

* * *

I follow Winston into his condo, surprised to find both Keaton and Perry sprawled out on the sofa. Winston sets Shrimp’s cage in its usual spot in the living room and then frees him. Our bird chirps happily and flies straight to his favorite chandelier. Keaton smirks at Winston where Perry just grins like an idiot at him.

“Don’t,” Winston growls.

Perry laughs. “What? I didn’t say anything.”

Winston shoots both his brothers a fiery glare. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“I’m just smiling,” Perry deflects. “Not a crime, Winny.”

“And I’m only trying to understand what it is exactly I just witnessed,” Keaton says, craning his head up to watch Shrimp flap his wings in excitement.

“You can birdwatch later, kid,” Winston gripes. “Right now, we need to discuss some family shit.”

Keaton’s gaze skims over to me. His features tighten when he takes in my red, puffy eyes. I’m sure I look like absolute shit after the craptastic day I’ve had.

“Anthony got something set up?” Perry asks, leaning forward on the sofa, resting his elbows on his knees.

He’s thrumming with excitement whereas Keaton is kicked back with his bulky arms stretched out over the top of the sofa, not a care in the world.

I drop my bags on the floor and then plop down on the cushion between Perry and Keaton. Winston crosses his arms over his chest, a scowl hardening his face.

“I spoke to him a bit ago,” Winston says. “We’re to meet the Morellis at a restaurant in neutral territory.”

“Wait…” I tense at his words, frowning at him. “You’re meeting with the Morellis?”

“I’m taking my damn building back.” Winston’s blue eyes flash with victory. “Leo fucked up. I knew he would which is why I tied him with a binding agreement. This meeting is merely a chance to watch him throw a tantrum as he signs it back over to me.”

His arrogance, when directed my way is annoying, but when he’s screwing someone over who truly deserves it, I’m mesmerized by it. Winston Constantine is a powerhouse who gets what he wants no matter the cost or effort.

“You’re obsessed with that building,” I tease, enjoying the way his lips quirk up on one side at my words.