Speak To Me

(Jolie)

I felt my heart racing..my hands trembling at my side as I pressed my back against the wall and took three deep steadying breaths.. Who the hell was that?

I don't think I have seen him before..but the moment he stepped in front of me I swear all the air had been knocked out of my lungs.

I have never had that type of reaction to a guy before..not even Jamie to that extent..and then hearing what Matteo said to him and how humiliated I felt..there was no way I could stick around after that. "Oh, god..how embarrassing." I grumbled before placing my palms over my face.

I didn't even get a good look at his face...but the way his voice affected me alone, I knew for a fact that it was probably for the best I hadn't.

I let my head fall back, hitting the wall gently as I closed my eyes and tried to compose myself. Maybe Jamie knows who he is..considering he was practically running this thing.

Ugh..how could my mother try to set me up with that asshole? A possible engagement?! Seriously..yeah, I'm going to have a couple of words with her after that one. She is going way too far now.

I pushed myself off of the wall, my eyes peeking around the corner as I scanned the room carefully and that's when I saw him..it was like a magnetic connection..my gaze locking into him as he outstretched his arm before shaking Mr. Sinclair's hand firmly.

I studied the stranger's profile..the way his brown hair was pushed back and how his lightly tanned skin made me swallow hard.

He was pretty tall too..even taller than Jamie..

He was absolutely gorgeous.

Suddenly I saw him start to look around, prompting me to duck back behind the wall before biting my lip nervously.

Yeah, I have definitely not seen him before..

I peeked out again, realizing he was gone now as I felt my stomach drop.

"Where did he go?" I mumbled to myself..and that's when I got the fright of my life.

"Who?" A deep voice whispered beside me, making me shriek.

"Jeez, chill Jole.." Rylan laughed, making me frown as I started smacking his chest.

"You scared the shit out of me..why the hell are you creeping around back here?" I asked my brother suspiciously, making his eyes narrow as he looked me up and down slowly.

"I should be the one asking you that. Who were you talking about Jole?" He asked, making me blink rapidly as I quickly cleared my throat.

"I was hiding..from Matteo." Not exactly a lie..right?

"Oh god..please tell me she didn't.." Rylan groaned.

"She did.."

"Why don't you just tell her that he is an ass.." Rylan began, making my eyes widen.

"No way am I telling Mom that!!" I rushed out..Ry only knew about what happened with Matteo because I came home crying and didn't realize anyone would be there..he basically bullied me into telling him..and afterward he offered to beat Matteo's ass. I was tempted to let him but I really just wanted to forget the whole thing..it was my choice to sleep with him..I guess I just thought he was a nice guy at first..boy was I wrong.

"You don't have to tell her everything..just say he gives you the creeps. That is enough to get dad on your side." Rylan said, and he wasn't wrong..my dad was totally against mom always trying to set me up on dates.

He has helped me get out of more than a few..

"Speaking of creepy dates...where is yours?" I teased, wanting to take the conversation off of me.

"Well..about that..when mom said Kimberly, I thought she meant Kimberly Roberts..not Kimberly Clark.." He muttered and I couldn't help myself..I immediately burst into laughter, knowing Rylan must've been trying to find a hiding spot just like me then. Kimberly Clark was a year younger than us.. she was the total stuck-up princess type and definitely had unreachable expectations.

"She asked me why I didn't bring her any gifts when I picked her up..I brought flowers!! She looked at them like they were some type of trash I found off the side of the road." Rylan mumbled, prompting me to reach up and pat home on the shoulder. "Yeah..looks like we're both screwed tonight..but hey, at least we are in this together." I smiled brightly, making Rylan sigh before peeking out at the crowd.

"Mom's definitely looking for you...and have you seen Ja..Holy fucking shit." Rylan suddenly blurted, making me look out next to him.

"What?" I asked, curious about what you saw.

"He actually let her leave the house like that?!" Jamie exclaimed, shock filling his voice as he stared at Gabriella who was just across the room from us.

"He doesn't need to LET her do anything Ry..she is her own person." I scolded my brother, making Rylan scoff.

"I know Jolie..but Jamie is protective as hell..you know he doesn't want anyone to even look at her..and wow..she looks incredible." He said, making me roll my eyes.

Rylan needs to find a girl fast..he is spiraling.

"Oh that fucking traitor.." He suddenly grumbled, making me follow his gaze once again as I saw Jamie laughing at something someone said.

Then I realized that someone was Gabriella's half brother, Grant.

"Wow, he cleans up pretty good." I muttered, making Rylan shoot me a glare now.

"Whose side are you on?" He mumbled, irritation clearly filling his voice.

"Ry..I thought you guys made up in Aspen..you were singing backstreet boys together and everyhting." I reminded him..

"I mean..I have the video proof on my phone, I could whip it out right now.."

"Don't even..and that was just a facade..one drunken night can't fix everything..I don't trust that guy.." He added before looking back at Jamie and watching them carefully.

"Ry..it's the jealously talking..you know Jamie is the best judge of character..plus with Gabriella involved, there is no way he would put her in danger like that." I reminded him.

"Still..I am in the damn dog house because of that guy..and now Jamie is giving him a free pass and doesn't even answer my calls!" Rylan exclaimed and I knew this really was upsetting him.

"Well..maybe it has to do more with how you flirt with Gabriella all the time." I added, not wanting to dive too deep into this..but someone has to say it..might as well be me.

"What? That's just playing around..Jamie knows I'm not serious.." Rylan waved his hand dismissively as I let out a long deep breath.

"Ry..Still..it annoys him..and obviously Grant isn't going to be hitting on Gabriella..well, you would hope not. But maybe Jamie just feels more comfortable with him by her in that sense..I don't know." I mumbled, and I could see Rylan thinking this over. "Fine..I will stop doing it..I just love seeing Jamie get all pissed off.." He added, making me laugh.

"I know you do..but just give it a rest for a while..plus, I think you are too invested in their relationship..who knows, maybe you will meet your dream girl here tonight." I said happily while elbowing my brother, trying to cheer him up. "Now you're starting to sound like mom.." He grumbled and that one really made me laugh.

"Rylan? Rylan where are you?!" A shrill voice called out, making Rylan's eyes widen as Kimberly came into view.

Her bright red hair was up on a high ponytail and she had a small purse in her hands...wait..was that a dog inside of it? Who brings a damn chihuahua to a charity ball?!

"Shit..I gotta hide..Goodluck with mom." Rylan whispered hastily and took off running just as Kimberly spotted him.

"Rylan! Over here!" She called out and I tried so hard to stifle my laugh as I felt a lot better now after talking to my brother. He can always cheer me up no matter what. Maybe it's the twin bond we have or something..but it works every time. I went to round the corner, but before I could even take a full step I ran straight into someone, causing me to almost stumble back.

But before I could, I felt two strong hands gripping my waist as I let out a gasp.

Then I saw him..my mystery guy..

"Well, hello again." He said smoothly, making my stomach flip as I swallowed hard and just stared up at him like some type of idiot. "H-Hi.." I breathed, getting a better look at his face as my first thoughts were confirmed..yep..he was gorgeous.

I peered into his deep blue eyes, getting completely lost in them for a moment as we just stood there.

"It's Jolie..correct?" He asked..making me nod as the way he said my name caused my heart to flutter.

"I'm Alder..Alder King." He rushed out, his hands sliding off of me slowly, making sure I was steady as I just stood there awkwardly.

"I was wondering if I could possibly..."

"Jolie..there you are. I have been searching for you everywhere." My mother rushed out, making me snap out of this trance as she quickly gripped my arm.

"Mother I.." I began, feeling embarrassed by her abrupt interruption..for someone who claims to have impeccable manners..she sure was acting rude right now.

"No time..we need to go take our seats, the event is about to start. Please excuse us young man." My mom said to the handsome stranger who I know knew was named Alder.

"Of course.." He began and before my mom even let him finish she started pulling me away.

"Matteo has been searching for you..why have you been hiding?" My mother asked while dragging me away..but all I could do was glance over my shoulder.

My eyes landing on those deep blue ones as I just stared at this man until a sea of people came between us.

Why did I have this sinking feeling forming in my stomach the further my mother pulled me away?

What the hell was wrong with me..