Compromising Kessen (Vandenbrook #1)(41)

She nodded emphatically. “Oh yes! You see, my part of the bet was, you would be the entertainment. Now that you have your costume, I will address the songs I would like you to hum.”

“Hum?” he asked.

“Yes, hum. I don’t like singing as much as I like humming.”

He felt his fists clench. “I’ve never struck a woman, but Kessen, I’m warning you…”

A sheet of music was thrust into his face, followed by a snickering laugh. “Christian, all’s fair in love and war.”

He took it and she left. It was then he noticed she was wearing the most delicate-looking red dress he had ever seen, complete with matching high heels. He immediately started sweating and taking off his clothes at the same time.

If she wanted a ballerina, she was going to get a ballerina.

****

Kessen was enjoying the night’s festivities. The table was decorated with splendor; somehow Nick had even managed to light the candles without setting the entire house on fire—something she commented on earlier, which received a snort from Nick and a laugh from Duncan. They decided they would both cook and serve, leaving her alone with her entertainment for the night.

Using the word entertainment made it sound like she had hired a stripper, which she hadn’t. Not that she would mind if Christian shredded a few unnecessary pieces of clothing.

What was wrong with her?

She needed to get out more; that much was clear.

Her appetizer arrived along with laughter from the kitchen. In fact, it was more than laughter. Someone was in hysterics. The door swung open revealing Christian, his tiara firmly in place, the ballerina skirt over spandex she hadn’t given him, and the I heart New York t-shirt tied in a little knot to reveal his belly button.

It was awesome.

He went above and beyond the call of duty, so she did what any normal girl would do. She stood up and clapped. Whistles from Nick and Duncan soon followed the clapping. It was obvious both of them were relieved to be the ones serving dinner.

Christian did a little twirl and a bow, and then seated himself straight across from Kessen. For some reason, she felt uncomfortable.

It wasn’t supposed to go like this; he was supposed to be mortified and angry. Instead, he was taking it in stride, as if he had done it before.

It made her nervous.

He smiled at her knowingly.

Then he began humming.

He went through the entire list, twice, and when he was finished singing he sauntered to his seat, but not before winking at her.

Dinner was gone, and all the boys were now seated with her in the dining room. Christian didn’t say a word. He simply left the room, only to return dressed head-to-toe in a three-piece suit.

Kessen looked to Duncan and Nick, who were trying unsuccessfully to hide their smiles.

“What are you doing?” Kessen asked.

Christian smirked. “Well, I did hum all the songs. Did I not provide you with acceptable enough entertainment and fulfill my end of the bargain?”

“Well, yes, but—”

“No buts. Now it’s my turn to continue dating in my fashion.”

She laughed. “Oh, yeah. And how do you plan to do that?”

Duncan and Nick looked at Christian, both grinning like complete idiots.

“I intend to seduce you.”

“Hear, hear!” Nick shouted. Duncan whistled and hit the lights.

This was not good. Not good at all. She thought of a million things she could say to deter him from his present state of mind, but was rendered speechless when he sat at the piano.

“Oh no,” she said out loud, putting her hands on her already red face.

Duncan nudged her. “Don’t you mean ‘Oh, yes! Yes! Yes! Yes?’”

Her glare turned hot on his face as he shrugged his shoulders innocently and crossed his arms. “Kessen’s nervous,” he said under his breath, so only Nick and she could hear.

Nick nodded his head sadly. “She doesn’t have much experience with men, poor dear.”

“Ah, I see. I wonder how many other men have tried to tutor our young Kessen in the ways of the world,” Duncan said out loud.

Nick held out his hands. “It can’t be more than two. No, I couldn’t imagine that. She’s probably nervous because she’s so innocent. It happens, you know.”

Duncan slapped his hand across Kessen’s back. “Don’t worry, Christian will take good care of you.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she mumbled.

And then it began.

Christian played like a pro. It was as if every key on the piano reached up to greet his fingers before he even put pressure to it. The music glided through the room and made emotion ripple in her chest as if she were part of the song he was playing. Embarrassingly, she found herself with her eyes closed when the music ended.

She quickly opened them to see all three boys smugly grinning in her direction.

“Like taking candy from a baby.” Nick chuckled.

She scowled and crossed her arms. The disappointment was evident on her face when Christian got up from his seat behind the piano to stand in front of it. Duncan replaced him and began playing Maroon 5. Stupid Nick; she would kill him. He had told them the biggest secret of all.

Kessen had a sick obsession with Maroon 5 songs, and one in particular which was extra-sensual. She would never have admitted such to anyone other than her best friend, the dirty little traitor. She threw a pillow at him, but naturally he ducked just in time to feather his hands into a wave, an expression of pure satisfaction plastered across his chiseled face.