My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (little red riding hood ebook free .TXT) 📗

      I still have a little hope that the guy is coming not my way but someone else’s, standing behind me, and I just overthink that he’s looking at me. But when I turned around, I realized that he’s actually heading towards me. I’m gonna have to converse with him. He’s Olivia’s relative, after all. So I’ll try to calm down my introverted soul.

   Moreover, it’s too late to hide, and there’s no place to do it. Though, maybe in one of these lovely bushes? No, I’m not that savage.  

    “Mia, I’m so glad I got to meet you again. Where is Olivia, by the way? Isn’t she afraid that her lovely friend might be stolen? Huh?” the guy smiled charmingly. And at this moment, he was not looking into my eyes, but somewhere in the area of my chest.

     Damn, I think I’m a bit cold because my nipples are clearly visible through the thin fabric of my dress. Oh, thanks, Olivia! I tried to put my loose hair forth as casually as possible. It didn’t seem to work out unnoticed and I heard the guy chuckled.

     “I don’t think that among all the diamonds here at the party, anyone wants to get a plain amethyst,” I tried to reply with a joke and then added. “And Olivia will be here soon.”

     “Huh, diamonds? Quite overstated. The beauty is much simpler.” And he again cut me a stare. “I hope, you don’t mind if I keep you company for a while?” It didn’t sound like a question. ‘Cause he didn’t wait for my answer and continued. “Mia, this is the second time I’ve seen you this evening, but I didn't have time to pay you a compliment. So, I dare to do it now. You look absolutely marvelous. This dress suits you very well.”

     It seems that the guy is quite good at complimenting. What did Olivia say? Typical playboy. I bet he thinks that his charm is irresistible.

      “Thank you, Mike,” I felt uncomfortable under the guy's gaze.

      “By the way, how do you like the party? Aren’t you bored?”

      “Apart from the fact that I don't know anyone here and my only friend has run away? It’s great,” I smiled.

     “What do you mean, anyone? And what about me? I won’t let the beautiful lady get bored,” the guy offered me an elbow. Oh, what a knight, I snorted but took it.

     “Actually, it’s magical here. I like it. I mean, the whole garden. You feel like a real Cinderella,” I tried to describe my feelings.

      “I’d say you look more like a princess.” Looking at my inquiring look, Mike laughed and said. “I must admit I’m bad at running after midnight, especially for a shoe.”

      I don’t know whether Mike is joking or trying to flirt with me. But now he seemed like a normal guy. Maybe my first impression of him was wrong.

     “Since you like the garden here so much, let me show you an equally wonderful place. Or even better.”

      Hesitating a little bit, I agreed. He aroused my curiosity. Indeed, what’s the worst that could happen here? There are a lot of people all around.

     But as we began to move away from the party and people, I was getting less confident. We are walking now along a path that led, God knows, where. Only the moon shines over our way.

     “Mike, I think we should go back to the party,” my voice sounded nervous.

     “Wait, babe, we’re already there,” he dismissed my request and took me by the hand tighter.

     And I just noticed that the guy is… reeking of alcohol! Mia, you’re an idiot. You felt something was wrong. But you wanted to look at some beauty. Well, now you’re going to face the consequences.