Free The One Awakened: Book 1 in The One Trilogy by Alexandra North Page A

way? My hand is itching to touch him. “Is he single?” I ask. Nice one Lu. Didn’t Abby ask you to be subtle? Sebastian considers my question watching me inquisitively. “He’s my brother Lu.”I’m confused by his disapproving response and my screwed up face and stutter probably show this, when he continues dryly.“Yes he’s single.”It suddenly dawns on me that he must realise that I am asking for myself and I laugh at his misconception. “Not for me, you ditz. I know a little bird who’s enquiring that’s all.”My information doesn’t appear to have lessened his scowl. Grumpy bastard – where’s fun-loving Sebastian gone? He’s become very intense. Taking a swig of champagne he brings his brooding focus back to me but we remain silent. God, this is awkward. I have to get out of here. I’d hoped to maybe take the moment to discuss my favour with him.“I’ll be back in a bit - off to the Ladies.”“Off you go an powder that cute little snub nose of yours.”It’s abrupt but I excuse myself and try to appear casual as I head in the direction of the toilets so that I can deep breathe in peace. I don’t look back, but can feel the burn of his gaze on my retreating form and I ensure he gets the complete Lulu wiggle. All these comments about my appearance are wreaking havoc with my nether regions.

 
    I touch up my lipstick, blush and eye-makeup and spritz some more perfume over my neck and wrists. Not that I need to do any of this, I’m just desperate for something to occupy my shaky hands. On edge would be a total understatement for the mixed jumble of emotions that I am right now. Showcasing a prime example of it, I jump as I hear a voice shouting my name from one of the cubicle doors.“Lu is that you? It’s Meg-haann,” she drunkenly giggles from her patch, mimicking Gino’s Italian accent; she really can’t drink champagne, if she’s like this after only a couple.“Hey, I didn’t hear you come in, sorry love. Are you nearly done? I’m going to go back out now.”“Wait! Wait for me.” She throws open her door dramatically, pulling her dress back down as she exits. “Do I need more?” She puckers her lips up at me like a little girl and sways as she squirts foam on her hands, rushing them under the automatic faucet.“Maybe a bit more lippy,” I comment. “You look fab still.” I watch as she retouches and messes with her hair in the wall-to-wall mirrors. The manic finger combing is making her look like a wilder crazier version of Jane Fonda in Barbarella.“Oooh goodie. I need to look my best tonight. We have some right fitties at our beck and call, don’t we?” she grins impishly at me through the reflection.“Whom have you got your beady eye on?” I enquire a little too harshly.“W..e..ll we’re spoilt for choice but I’m quite taken with Sebastian as you know, but his brother is hot too and the moody one; Chris is it? Anyway he is kind of smoking in a brooding Gerard Butler way.”She holds her feet up one at a time for loose toilet paper inspection. I shake my head and she nods her blonde head, pleased.“Right. Come on Babe – let’s go pester them.”I groan inwardly, Meg can be a little over the top sometimes and I definitely prefer the less desperate approach. I love her to bits but I’m starting to get really pissed about her liking Sebastian and I’m even more annoyed that I have no right to say that I don’t want her to go there .We tug open the door and are met with the sexy beat of Ellie Goulding’s new track Burn ; it picks me up immediately and I decide to go out, enjoy myself and try and ignore my strange feelings towards both of my friends. The night is young and I’m determined to have some fun.  

    The next hour or so is spent enjoying good times with great company. The champagne flows liberally and we celebrate Suzie’s 27th in style. At all times I am aware of Sebastian watching me or it could be Meg as she and he, definitely appear to have