Whiskey Prince Read online

  “The top is see-through,” I say, taking in the gorgeous detail of it. It’s an off-white, jeweled tulle top with cups that would cover my breasts, but still, you could see right through it except for the white, high-waisted skirt that would come to maybe mid-calf. It was beautiful.

  “So? It’s gorgeous. Seriously, go try it on,” she says, pushing it at me.

  “You don’t think it’s whoreish?” I say, my face scrunching up.

  “No way. It’s classy. Lena would rock something like this in a heartbeat.”

  Reluctantly, I take the dress and walk to the dressing room. I figure it’s my curiosity that fuels me to get undressed and slowly slide the gorgeous gown up my body. It fits like a glove even with only being zipped up halfway. Turning to look at the side, I smile when I can see my tattoo on my ribs through the studded fabric. My ass even looks great, and I can’t help but love everything about this dress. I’m sure that Declan will love it, too.

  Stepping out, I don’t see Fiona and ask, “Fiona?”

  “Hold on, I’m throwing one on, too.”

  “Okay,” I say just as she steps out in a white dress that covers her all the way up to her neck. I make a face because the dress is ugly in my opinion, but when she turns and I see that the back is backless with two black lace patches by her ass, I quickly change my opinion. “Beautiful,” I say with a grin.

  “Thanks, I think it will drive Kane insane and wow, you too. Turn around.”

  I do as she asks, and she zips me up. I turn, smiling, and she nods. “I think you found your dress.”

  I run my hands down the front of the dress, loving the fit, and completely agree. “And you’ve found yours.”

  “I think so. So now all we need is shoes,” she says as her eyes gloss over.

  “Yay,” I groan, and she laughs.

  “Come on, it will be quick.”

  Such a liar. It took another hour to find shoes before we finally settled at the pub by the store for food. My heart is still pounding from the money I dropped, but Fiona said it was worth it to look good with a whole bunch of rich folks. I guess she is right but still, it sucks knowing my bank account took a major hit. Taking a huge bite of my burger, I smile as the flavors explode in my mouth. I am so hungry, and this burger is going to hit the spot perfectly. I am tempted to order some wings, too, but refrain since I want to look good in my dress and instead, I smother my fries with mustard.

  When my phone sounds, I drop the burger on my plate to dig it out of my purse to find Declan has texted me. I usually wouldn’t answer it while I eat but since Fiona is in the bathroom, I find it the perfect time to get in a quick word with him.

  Still shopping?

  I smile as I text back. Nope, finally eating.

  So you have a dress then?

  I do, and it is going to knock your socks off.

  I can’t wait.

  Me neither.

  Wanna get out tonight?

  I bite into my lip. I can’t. Since we had the day off, we have to work late.

  I haven’t seen you in two days. I miss you.

  I smile, my face heating with color as I write back. I miss you too.

  Grand, so meet me by the lake when you get off.

  I know I am going to be tired but seeing him is worth it. Okay, but if I yawn, you can’t blame me.

  He sends me a smiley face and I go to send him one but, before I can, I hear a voice that makes my skin crawl. “Howya, Amberlyn.”

  Looking up at Casey, my heart kicks up in speed. Not because he looks good with his hair falling in his face in such a cute way, but because I am still very much afraid of him. “Casey.”

  “How are you?”

  “Good,” I say, tucking my phone in my lap.

  “You look beautiful today,” he says, dropping in the stool beside me.

  Inwardly, I groan as I say, “Thank you.”

  I turn to go back to my burger, hoping he’d get the hint, but no such luck. “Surprised to see ya out at this hour. Not working, I see.”

  “Nope,” I say before taking a bite.

  “Who ya with?”

  I cover my mouth as I chew. “Fiona.”

  “So you and O’Callaghan broke it off, then?”

  I make a face as I shake my head. “No, he’s working.”

  His face falls. “Guess that was hopeful thinking, huh?”

  “Bug off, Casey. We are trying to enjoy our lunch,” Fiona calls at him as she falls into the seat beside me.

  I send her a grateful look, but Casey waves her off. “Shut it, Fiona. I just wanted to say hi.”

  “Well, we don’t want to say hi to you. We have to eat before getting back. My da is waiting on us.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Why are ye off anyways? Shouldn’t you be running the lunch rush?”

  Fiona glares. “None of your business. Bye.”

  “You’re a bitch, Fiona.”

  “And you’re a wanker, fuck off,” she says and he angrily stands, making me nervous.

  Looking down at me, he says, “Call me sometime.”

  “Don’t think so,” Fiona says, her eyes in slits as she watches him. “She’s happy with Declan, doesn’t have time for arseholes. Which reminds me, bug off before I call one of them to come after ya.”

  Shaking his head, he walks off without another word. When he looks back, his eyes in dark slits, I can’t help the chilling feeling that overcomes me. While I am relieved he is gone, something about that guy really makes me nervous.

  It’s a cool night as I walk towards where Declan asked me to meet him. Wrapping my sweater tighter around me, I walk in the darkness until I see the silhouette of him standing by the large oak tree. He must have heard me coming because he turns, reaching for me as I come close to him. Holding me tight in his arms, he kisses the top of my head, and I love how safe I feel in his arms. I had been on edge after running into Casey today but now, nothing matters. I am safe. Declan will protect me.

  Looking up, I smile as I say, “Hi.”

  “Howya, love,” he whispers before dropping his mouth to mine. Slowly, our mouths move together as I drink from his beautiful lips. It had been so long since I felt him like this, and I savor every second. Pulling away, I smile before kissing the side of his mouth. Lacing his fingers with mine, he pulls me down on the blanket I didn’t see. Lying back, he brings me down with him until I’m cuddled in the nook of his arm.

  “I see you brought a blanket this time. Didn’t want me to dent up the car, huh?” I say, grinning as I move my nose against his chest, taking in his spicy smell. His chest rumbles with his laughter as his arm tightens around me.

  “No,” he laughs before cupping my ass in his hand and squeezing. “I thought this would be more comfortable.”

  “Oh, well yeah, you’re right.”

  He smiles, kissing my temple before we both fall silent. The sounds of crickets and the wind on the lake fill the air around me, and I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life. Snuggling closer, I ask, “How was your day?”

  He shrugs, his lips dusting my temple. “Long.”

  “Ugh, that sucks.”

  “Yeah, but if this is the way it ends, I’ll endure it every day just for this moment.”

  “You’re making me blush,” I groan as I smile, my face warming. I’m answered with his laughter so I softly bite his chest, causing him to jump, his laughter continuing before his arms close around me tighter.

  “Yours?” he asks.

  I wonder if I should tell him about Casey. While I want to tell him, I know it’ll just irritate him, so I shrug before saying, “Long, too. I hate shopping.”

  “That’s weird. Don’t girls love to shop?”

  I give him a sneaky look. “You didn’t know I wasn’t like most girls?”

  He smiles. “Yeah, I did know that.”

  I smile back as he says, “Well, this is nice to do after a long day, the two of us and the stars.”

  “I agree,” I say, snuggling into him and closing m