Chapter 4 The Morning After

• Sierra’s Pov
• I woke up with a start and ran a hand through my hair. My body ached and my head pounded wildly. I blinked, trying to recollect where I was, when my eyes landed on a naked man lying next to me, butt and all.
• The events of last night came rushing back like a slap to my face.
• It wasn't a dream. I’d really done it. And with a stranger?
• Good God, I could smell his cologne on my skin.
• Guilt started to creep in but a tiny voice in my head whispered:
• “But you enjoyed it, didn't you?”
• A small smile lit up my face.
• He’d been gentle and rough at the same time and I’d loved every single bit of it.
• I lifted myself from the bed, tiptoeing carefully so as not to wake him when I noticed that my clothes that had been scattered last night now sat cleanly folded on a nearby chair.
• Thoughtful. That was unexpected.
• He shifted slightly while I dressed, and I held my breath. When he didn't wake up, I exhaled in relief.
• Grabbing my bag, I looked back at him once more, wondering what his name was. Then shook the thought from my head.
• No attachments, Sierra!
• At the front desk, I acted on impulse.
• I asked for a clean notepad page and scribbled something quickly. Then asked that it be delivered to the gentleman upstairs.
• Outside, I reached for my phone to order a cab, only then noticing the load of notifications on the screen.
• Several calls from Rose, and Violet. I couldn't face them.
• Not yet.
• Then my cousin, Juan’s message lit up the screen:
• “He kissed her last night, it's all over the news. I told you that bitch had her eyes on him, didn't I? And you said it was nothing!”
• My heart sank. I’d been alone in that relationship the whole damn time. Tears filled my eyes as I closed the message and ordered a cab.
• It arrived almost instantly.
• The driver tried to be chatty but I wasn't in the mood to pretend. I plugged in my earphones and leaned my head against the window, hoping he got the hint.
• And as we neared my home, my chest tightened.
• I asked that the driver pull over a block away so I could put myself together before heading in.
• Composed, I slid through the gates and sneaked into the house.
• I was a few steps to my room when Rose’s voice cut through the air.
• “What have you done?”
• I froze.
• Then turned slightly to see her at the top of the staircase, wrapped in a purple silk robe, a cream bonnet, and her lips still covered in dark red lipstick, despite the hour.
• “I’ve received four calls this morning. Four.”
• “Three from society women asking if you’ve gone mad. One from Brandon Carr’s mother graciously informing me that she supports her son’s decision. And several unanswered messages from the Ecstasy editor demanding a statement like I owe him something.”
• I exhaled sharply.
• “Rose, I…”
• “Save it!” Her voice was without emotion as she descended the stairs slowly. “You were given one simple task, Sierra. One. And you managed to ruin it all in one night.”
• I couldn't say a word and she continued.
• “You embarrassed our family, Sierra. Brandon proposed to your best friend. I told you what was at stake!”
• I swallowed hard, unable to take it anymore.
• “He humiliated me in front of the whole world. Did you want me to smile while he pushed me away?”
• “If that’s what it takes then yes,” She snapped, her voice high. “Because that is what we do. We smile and endure! That ring was your duty to our family and you failed miserably!”
• My mouth dropped open.
• “This is no love story,” she held up a hand. “We’re a family built on position, not affection.”
• My fists tightened at my sides as I leaned closer to the wall.
• Position? Was that what family was about?
• Rose came closer and cupped my chin.
• “I guess you cannot help it, can you? Ruining everything you touch.”
• I gasped.
• “Now that's enough Rose, let the girl be.”
• My father stood beside the stairs, his glasses bent and Rose waved a hand as if to dismiss him.
• “Oh please Colin, she doesn't understand the gravity of what she’s done. Someone needs to set her straight.”
• His lips shifted, as if there was more he wanted to say, but not in her presence.
• “To your room, Sierra. Now.”
• I looked at him and muttered a quick “Thank you.”
• He simply nodded and adjusted his glasses as I walked past him hurriedly but not before a tear slipped from the corner of my eye.
• ***
• “But you did say he’s hot, Sierra!”
• “My goodness, Violet! Is that the only takeaway you got from everything I've just said?”
• Violet sighed and took my hands in hers.
• “No. It takes great courage to do what it is that you’ve done. You went through what would break most people and somehow, still managed to land in a hot guy’s bed.”
• I stared at her, wondering how much faith my assistant turned confidant really had in me. I’d basically told her all that had happened and Violet didn't move until she heard that the guy was hot.
• “All I’m saying is do not beat yourself up. It happened just one time and it's understandable considering your state of mind at the time.”
• A knock sounded on the door before I could react.
• “Come in,” I called out and a maid entered.
• “I’m sorry to interrupt Ma’am, but Vanessa Grant is here to see you.”
• I gasped and Violet froze.
• “What the hell does she want?” Violet shot back at the maid.
• But I stood rooted to my seat, unable to move.
• “I’d faced public humiliation, Rose’s fury, and my own shame. But nothing terrified me more facing Vanessa Grant.”