Once Upon a One Night Mistake: Book 1

By Simone Shirazi

"What if Cinderella absolutely hated Prince Charming?"

Several years and a handful of scandals were enough to make Taliana Avilla forget all about her sworn enemy, Sebastian Phillips. Too bad a one-night stand and a lost diamond ring made her remember all over again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Radish
• Release date: Nov 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781956969047

Simone Shirazi

Simone Shirazi is an avid reader and writer from Washington, D.C. who started posting novels online at the age of 14. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found baking cakes, watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, and cuddling with her dogs.

Book preview

1

THE THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE

Taliana Avilla knew she loved Sebastian Phillips from the moment he dropped an ice cream cone on her lap back in preschool. Of course, she never told him that. No, she just picked up the cold vanilla scoop and thrust it in his face instead. He had cried, and she had screamed that he was a poop head.

In kindergarten, he’d stolen her favorite Barbie doll and cut off all its hair. She retaliated by cutting his hair during naptime.

By first grade it was full-on war. He had pushed her off the monkey bars, causing her to fall and scrape her knees. The next day she accidentally slammed his forehead into the flagpole. He had a bruise for at least two weeks.

Second grade was the year of rumors and secrets. Sebastian had spread a particularly vicious one about how she still slept with a teddy bear, like a baby. Taliana returned the favor by telling everyone Sebastian wet his pants when he was nervous. She even proved it by pouring a glass of lemonade on his crotch during snack time when no one was looking.

But it was then that Taliana began to question her love for him. Was it really love she felt? Or was it just an overwhelming amount of hate that felt like love? Whatever it was, it was definitely too hard for a seven-year-old to figure out.

Third grade was more of the same. Whispering, spreading rumors only children could think of, and laughing at the other's misfortune whenever the opportunity arose.

By fourth grade, they had reverted to their ways of violence. In a brief attempt to be civil, they had played a game of Monopoly together during free time over the span of a week. She had won, of course, and he’d thrown the board and his game piece at her head. To this day, she still had a slight scar near her hairline where that damn metal dog had cut her. She had wasted no time getting him back, though. The next week during a game of Twister, she kicked him in a particularly sensitive place, causing him to cry harder than she'd ever thought possible.

Fifth grade wasn’t too different, except that the rivalry had grown. By the end of that year, Taliana had lost track of how many times he’d pushed her down on the blacktop, accused her of cheating on tests, or closed a door on her fingers. She hadn’t been an angel either with all the pencil stabbing, targeted tripping, and book slapping, but she considered her moves to be a bit more honorable.

As usual, the much-needed break from each other came during the summer, but when the start of sixth grade rolled around, it was wartime once again. And it was bound to be the battle to end them all.

Come on, Stick Girl! You’re up!

Taliana glared at the makeshift umpire behind home plate as she strode toward the batter’s box. He’d been calling her that stupid nickname since second grade and, unfortunately, he didn't seem to want to give it up.

Don’t call me that, she mumbled.

To be honest, she could understand why he and all the other kids called her that. At eleven years old, she was already tall and lanky, all sharp elbows and knees with the grace of a baby giraffe learning how to walk. All the other girls at Georgetown Trinity were so pretty and posh, just like one would expect to find at one of Washington, DC’s finest preparatory schools, but Taliana had never fit in with them. Maybe one day, she thought, I'll finally look like all the others.

Hurry up! Can’t those twig legs carry you any faster?

Taliana scowled, sick of the name calling. Shut up, Sebastian, she snapped, louder that time.

The umpire, her sworn enemy since preschool, rolled his eyes. "Just move. You’re dragging out our game. I don’t know why we even let you play."

She pressed her lips together to avoid the argument, knowing it would only get her kicked out of the game, and approached the plate. After picking up the bat lying in the dirt by her feet, she swung it around for a moment to get a feel for its weight, then raised her elbows and pulled her hands back until she could practically brush her ear. A bat in her hands made her feel almost invincible, even if she wasn’t. Softball was her favorite sport—the only sport she was halfway decent at, really—and she was there to remind all the boys just why they let her play.

The only problem with playing in the boys’ recess game was that her normal female teammates were nowhere in sight. Instead, there were boys who’d been playing baseball for just as long as she’d been playing softball, and they weren't about to take it easy on her just because she was a girl. These recess games were brutal, and most people walked away with more cuts and bruises than was strictly necessary. She couldn’t exactly blame the other girls for wanting to stay out of it.

The pitcher smirked, silently taunting her from the mound. She tried not to let it get to her, but Michael Richardson—one of Sebastian’s best friends—never failed to intimidate her.

Within an instant, the ball was flying in her direction, and from the looks of it, it was on a path to hit her. Instinctively, she jumped back, and the large neon-green ball narrowly missed her shoulder.

Strike one!

Taliana’s jaw dropped as she turned to look at the smirking umpire. Are you serious? That wasn’t even close to being a strike! It almost hit me!

But it didn’t, Sebastian replied smugly. And it’s not like Michael did it on purpose. He shifted his gaze to the grinning pitcher. Isn’t that right, Michael?

Right, Michael called back. I’d never try to hurt poor little Stick Girl.

But if it almost hit me that means it wasn’t even in the strike zone!

Sebastian shrugged. I’m the umpire. Deal with it.

Taliana shook her head in disgust, looking back at the ground. Whatever.

The catcher gave her a sympathetic glance as he tossed the ball to Michael and returned to squatting behind home plate. With a heavy exhale, Taliana brought the bat up again and stared narrow-eyed at the pitcher, daring him to pull the same stunt again. Michael cocked an eyebrow before releasing the ball, letting it travel in its almost perfect path.

Taliana couldn’t help but watch with satisfaction as the pitch went wide and missed the plate by a few inches.

Strike two!

Shock and anger hit hard as she spun around to face Sebastian again. "What? It wasn’t close!"

What I say goes, Stick Girl. Sebastian looked down at the boy still crouching with the softball in his hand. Throw the ball back, Marcus. This game is taking too long.

The catcher let out a soft sigh and tossed the ball back to Michael, who was once again brimming with glee. Glaring, Taliana waited for the next pitch to come. Her grip on the bat was tighter than it should have been, and her stance was off as well; she would have been surprised if she could even swing the stupid bat at that point. But when the time came to do so, there wasn't any need. The pitch had come in a foot over her head.

She grinned as she dropped the bat to her side and turned to face Sebastian, who didn't look too pleased about the situation.

Don’t even think about calling that a strike.

When the boy’s dark blue eyes narrowed, Taliana knew she shouldn't have opened her mouth.

Strike three, he drawled, his sneer turning into a satisfied smirk. You’re out.

For a moment, all she could do was gape at him. No way! she shouted upon finding her voice again. It was above my head, you idiot!

Sebastian took a step closer. No, it wasn’t. Anybody will tell you that.

She placed her hands on her narrow hips. "I’d like to see that happen."

Fine. He lifted his gaze to the first baseman, who was staring dazedly off into space. Jacob!

The boy snapped to attention, eyes wide. Yeah?

You saw that pitch, right?

Jacob nodded, head bouncing like a bobble-head doll. Uh huh.

What do you think it was? Ball or a strike?

The boy paused for a long while. Uh...a strike?

A grin immediately sprang to Sebastian’s lips as he looked back at Taliana. Told you. I’m sure everyone else out there would agree. He once again turned his attention to the field, raising his voice so they could all hear. Right, guys?

A collective murmur of yes came from all sides, which was no surprise. Few people dared go against Sebastian Phillips, undoubtedly the most popular boy in their grade, especially if they wanted to stay on his good side.

With an angry huff, Taliana threw her hands up. You’re so stupid!

Sebastian laughed and took yet another step closer to her. Say whatever you want, Talia. It’s not going to change the fact that you suck at softball.

I do not! All she knew was that if he kept this up, she was either going to burst into tears or go up in flames. Stop being such an ass!

The grin on Sebastian’s face only grew with every word that came out of her mouth.

Go home and cry to your mommy about it, he taunted, moving around the catcher so only a foot of space separated him from Taliana. Oh, that’s right. Your mom doesn’t even live around here anymore. Guess she didn’t like you enough to stay. Poor little Stick Girl, not even your slutty mom loves you!

In an instant, Taliana was seeing red.

It was no secret that her parents had divorced just before she was born, and while her father had quickly remarried, her mother had remained single. Gossip had recently begun circulating that Taliana’s mother was now involved with a very married, very conservative senator, whose wife was hellbent on destroying them both.

The scandal had been the icing on the cake for Andrea Colton, who always seemed to be the main conversation topic of DC’s wealthy social scene, and she had moved to Los Angeles to avoid the drama. She had also decided not to take her only daughter with her, leaving Taliana to live with her father, stepmother, and two half-sisters.

The schools are better out here, darling, had been Andrea’s excuse, but hard as Taliana tried, there was no convincing her mother to take her to LA.

A few months had passed since then, but for Taliana, it was still a touchy subject.

Rage bubbled in her stomach, leading to an outburst of, Don't talk about my mom like that! And then her hands were on Sebastian’s shoulders, shoving him back—hard.

Shocked gasps came from the bleachers. But Taliana wasn’t paying attention to them—she was too busy staring down Sebastian. The snarl on his face should have been a warning, but she wasn’t about to back down.

Sebastian’s hands shot out before Taliana could move out of his reach, connecting with her shoulders and pushing her back with enough force that she nearly stumbled. She somehow kept her footing and shoved him again.

Piss off, Sebastian!

The gasps from the onlookers were louder this time, but Taliana didn’t care. She was going to win this fight, no matter what it took.

What did you say? he asked, a quiet rage to his words.

You heard me, she answered, smirking as she drew herself up to her full height. What are you gonna do about it?

The moment the words left her lips, she regretted it. Less than half a second later, there were fireworks exploding behind her eyes as Sebastian’s fist connected with her cheekbone, and she went crashing to the ground.

A stunned silence fell around the pair, the only sound in the vicinity that of the recess monitors and teachers running across the field to break up the fight.

If Taliana had any good sense, she would have continued to sit on the ground until the teachers arrived to help, but when it came to Sebastian, she didn’t have an ounce of it. That was why when she felt the baseball bat under her fingertips, she knew exactly what she had to do.

Without rising to her feet, she closed her eyes, lifted the bat, and swung with all her might.

A scream told her she had made contact with something, and she cracked open an eye to find Sebastian on the ground, sobbing as he cradled his arm. It took a moment before she opened the other eye, but as she took in the sight before her, Taliana couldn’t help smiling.

However, her joy didn’t last long. A few seconds after she’d taken her lucky swing, the teachers rushed over, most of them going to the cry baby sitting on the ground across from her. When someone finally came to her side, it was none other than Georgetown Trinity’s headmaster.

Explain yourself! he thundered, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her to her feet.

Her eyes widened as she looked up at the man, his face turning red and leaning toward purple.

You might want to calm down, Headmaster Hawthorne, she whispered. You’re starting to look like an eggplant.

The headmaster darkened yet another shade. This is your last day at my school, Miss Avilla!

He wasted no time dragging her off the field and back toward the main school building, but as she stumbled along behind him, Taliana glanced back to catch one last look at the damage she’d done, and the sight made her grin again.

By then, Headmaster Hawthorne had pulled her into the building, but before the doors could close behind her, she murmured something no one else could hear.

Who sucks at softball now?

2

HOMECOMING

Six years later…

Watching Andrea Colton emerge from the backseat of the black Mercedes was like watching a movie star step out onto the red carpet. She moved with an effortlessness that came from a lifetime of ballet, and she carried herself like a woman who could handle anything life threw at her, which—so far—had been quite a lot. Her vintage shift dress and oversized sunglasses accentuated her classic beauty and remarkable bone structure, something Taliana was grateful to have inherited. Her mother may have been a few years past forty, but she still had men half her age on their knees.

Circle around, Andrea instructed the driver as she stepped onto the curb. This could take a while.

She pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head as she turned to Taliana, revealing those all-knowing gray eyes. For once, the smile that always seemed to play around her mouth was nowhere to be found.

You don’t have to do this, honey.

Taliana ignored her, choosing instead to untie and retie her shoelaces. She’d been doing that for the past minute to distract herself from the situation at hand.

I mean it, Taliana. You don’t have to go.

If the woman told Taliana that one more time, she was going to scream.

Mom, I know. She sighed, finally losing interest in her shoes and rising. I want to do this. Really.

Her mother still looked unsure. No one is making you leave, she continued, reaching out to take Taliana’s hand in hers. "Honey, are you sure you want to go live with your father?"

Honestly, Taliana was anything but sure about it. She hadn’t visited her father in years, and there she was about to get on a plane to go live with him. They’d talked about it over the phone a few weeks ago, and he sounded excited to have her back in Washington, DC. with him, but it was still going to be odd, especially since she’d left so abruptly all those years ago.

After her expulsion from Georgetown Trinity Day School, her parents had decided it would be best if she went to live with her mother in California. It had a little to do with the fact that no other private school in DC would accept her, and a lot to do with the fact that her father was at his wits’ end with her. So he’d sent her packing off to LA with mommy dearest, and that was where she’d stayed—until now.

I’m sure, Mom, Taliana said, knowing that if the woman asked her one more time, she was going to throw herself at her mom and sob to go home.

And that couldn’t happen. Taliana desperately needed to get out of Los Angeles; the place had never really felt like home, and now there were too many terrible memories attached to it. She needed a fresh start, and DC could offer that, even if it held its own set of memories. But anything was better than the ones she had here.

Why don’t you just stay? her mom pleaded, squeezing Taliana’s hand gently. "I know some, ah, bad things have happened these past couple of months, but running away won’t solve anything."

I’m not running away, Taliana grumbled as she drew her hand back, glaring at the cars that sped past the terminal. I just need a change of scenery.

If you only wanted a change of scenery, you would have let me buy that gorgeous house in San Francisco, her mom pointed out. This is a pretty dramatic change.

Taliana rolled her eyes and finally found the nerve to look up at her. They may have both been tall, but she still towered over Taliana in her four-inch pumps. I was wrapped up in enough scandals last year alone to last a normal person a lifetime. I just need…out.

Andrea sighed heavily and nodded, finally admitting defeat after weeks’ worth of trying to convince Taliana to stay. She knew better than anyone how a scandal or two could drive a person away.

I wish you weren’t leaving. Who’s going to model all my designs in the future?

Taliana shuddered, thinking about her mother’s latest collection. Though Andrea was a prominent fashion designer, Taliana sometimes wondered how her mother was so successful. Sure, some of her creations were beautiful, but others were, well, just plain awful.

"It’s art, Taliana!" she was always saying, but Taliana couldn’t see it. So while Andrea adorned herself in three-thousand-dollar dresses, Taliana stuck to her shorts and t-shirts and flip-flops. At least, she did whenever her mother wasn’t zipping her into various designs and shoving her in front of cameras.

In no way did Taliana consider herself to be model material, but Andrea had always thought she was perfect for it. Being five-foot-ten and skinny as a twig was exactly what the fashion industry wanted, unfortunately.

Her mother had gotten her dream come true—and Taliana’s nightmare—when she’d finally broken down and allowed her mother to shoot an ad campaign with her as the face of the line. That experience ranked in the top five worst in Taliana’s life, which was coming from someone who had been arrested too many times to count and had narrowly escaped being sent to juvie. Taliana swore she’d never do anything like it again. She had to admit though, the shots had come out okay, but she didn’t think they were anywhere nice enough to be plastered throughout magazines. Not to mention it was more than a little embarrassing to grab the nearest magazine and find her hardly recognizable face in there.

If there was one good thing about moving to DC, it meant escaping the horrible fate of having to do next season’s campaign as well.

I’m sure you’ll find someone, Taliana promised, trying not to get wrapped up in that again. Maybe even an actual model this time.

Andrea flashed a wry smile before glancing away and letting it fade. With one last sigh, she looked back at Taliana and squared her shoulders. Well, if this is what you really want...

It is, she said firmly. Besides, I think that east coast way of life might help shape me into a proper young lady.

Her mother laughed. I can’t really disagree with that, she said, reaching out to touch Taliana’s cheek with a perfectly manicured hand. It sure as hell did wonders for me. Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, okay?

Taliana was pretty sure her expression mirrored Andrea’s perfectly. You would do just about anything, Mom.

She wrinkled her nose but grinned. Guess that’s true, she admitted, dropping her hand back to her side. Just have a good time, honey. And remember, you’re always welcome to come back here with me. You may be seventeen, but you’ll always be my baby.

I know, I know. You’ve given me the speech a thousand times already. If I want to come back, I’ll just hop on a plane and do it.

Andrea smiled sadly and reached up to sweep a stray lock of dark hair out of her eyes, the massive diamond on her right hand glinting in the light. The sun’s rays splashed rainbows across the sidewalk, distracting both of them for a moment, until she finally slipped the ring off her finger.

Take this, she commanded, holding out the massive diamond ring. I think it’s about time I gave it to you.

Though Taliana had seen the thing thousands of times before in the past, its sheer size never ceased to amaze her. It was a family heirloom that had been passed down from mother to daughter in their family for generations, a semblance of wealth that the women could call their own. Taliana had marveled at it when she was younger, wanting to wear it as soon as she could, but she’d long since outgrown her obsession with sparkly things, and had practically forgotten it was going to be hers one day.

It’s...big, Taliana muttered weakly, unable to make herself reach out and take it.

Your grandmother loved things over the top, that’s for sure. This actually started out as a diamond necklace that she got from her mother, but of course she preferred to wear her wealth on her finger. She shook her head wistfully at the memory of her mother before focusing her attention on Taliana again. "She gave this to me when I went off to college. Now, I know you’re not going off to college just yet, but you’re still leaving me."

Andrea looked like she was trying hard not to cry as she pressed the ring into Taliana’s hand, curling her fingers around it.

Keep it safe, all right? Your grandmother will haunt you from the grave if you lose that thing.

The thought of her grandma’s ghost coming to haunt her was enough to make Taliana snicker. I’ll be sure to remember that. She tucked it into a small pocket in her carry-on bag. Once it was safely inside, she flung herself at her mother and hugged her tightly, trying not to cry either. Love you, Mom.

Love you, too, sweetie, she replied, voice thick with tears. She hugged Taliana back briefly before pulling away and nudging her toward the entrance of the airport. Get going. You don’t want to miss your flight.

Taliana offered her mother one last smile before turning her back on LA and her past life.

It could only get better from here.

If there was one thing Sebastian Phillips hated about living in the nation’s capital, it was the tourists.

Excuse me, a rosy-cheeked man in a tacky shirt cut in, disrupting the calm of the museum. Could you tell me how to get to the White House from here?

Though the man was probably just an innocent sightseer from some Midwestern state, Sebastian was having a difficult time keeping his temper in check. Then again, it didn’t take much to piss him off.

Do I look like a fucking geographer to you? he snapped. Go buy a map.

It was the fourth time in this museum alone that some over eager tourist or one of their snotty nosed brats had made him want to break someone’s neck. God, he couldn’t wait for summer to end and for all of them to get the hell out of the city.

You done offending middle America?

Sebastian glanced to his right, gaze landing on his smirking companion. I hate tourist season, he scowled. It makes me crazy.

Michael Richardson pushed off the wall he’d been leaning against, sparing one last look at the offended vacationer before turning back to his best friend since birth. Just about everything does that to you.

Sebastian rolled his eyes as he scrawled notes about the exhibit onto a sheet of paper. He wasn't usually this easily annoyed, but the past couple of weeks had been stressful. After returning from a whirlwind trip to Paris, Milan, Monte Carlo, and Dubai, he had devoted his summer to an internship at his family’s oil company, finishing obligatory projects for school, and planning his eighteenth birthday party.

While the internship and projects were hard in their own right, planning this party seemed to take up most of his time. No matter how many people were onboard to help pull it off, it still seemed like there was a ton of work ahead of him. The fact that the party was in two days didn't make it any better.

Aw, cheer up, buttercup, Michael teased as he narrowly avoided being run down by a group of chattering preschoolers. What’s got you feeling so murderous? This stupid assignment?

Sebastian sighed as he gave up on answering the questions required for one of his classes that started next week, too distracted to finish it. No, my party, he muttered, tucking the sheet into the back pocket of his jeans. It’ll be a miracle if this entire thing actually comes together by Saturday night. If not, I’m going to be the laughingstock of Georgetown Trinity. Everyone expects this to be the best party of the year.

Oh, please, the other boy scoffed, rolling his eyes. Like anyone would have the nerve to laugh at you.

You never know, Sebastian replied, though his answer trailed off when a girl breezed by.

With fiery red hair, ivory skin, and a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose, she could have been considered simply cute, but the fact that her I heart DC t-shirt was two sizes too small for her impressive chest and her shorts barely cleared her ass meant she was firmly in the hot as hell category instead. Though her attire all but screamed that she was a visitor to the city, she was attractive enough to make him wonder if tourist season was entirely bad after all.

And he wasn't the only one eyeing her.

Think the carpet matches the drapes? Michael murmured amusedly, just loud enough for him to hear.

A smirk found its way to Sebastian’s lips as he let his gaze linger, watching as she strolled through the exhibit. She wasn’t his usual type, but fuck it, he needed a distraction.

Doubt it, he answered, dragging a hand through his hair. But I wouldn't mind finding out.

Fifty bucks says you never will.

Sebastian had always prided himself on never backing down from a challenge, and honestly, he didn’t think it would be too difficult.

You’re on.

3

METAMORPHOSIS

It had begun to drizzle when the plane touched down at Reagan National Airport.

Ominous, gray storm clouds loomed in the distance, promising a downpour. The small screen on the headrest in front of Taliana proclaimed the current temperature outside was a sweltering ninety degrees, an average number for DC in August, and also what turned a little rain into a massive thunderstorm. Those summer storms were one of the things she’d missed after moving to LA, since the rolling thunder and bright cracks of lightning had always lulled her to sleep at night.

It was comforting to see the first strike splash across the sky as she strolled through the terminal, though she was glad she hadn’t been stuck in the air during the storm. However, when she turned away from the windows and began her trek toward the baggage claim where her father was supposed to be waiting, any sense of calm disappeared as reality set in.

Gone was the dry heat and drama of LA. Gone was her mother and the home Taliana had lived in for the past seven years. And gone was Lia Colton-Avilla, the name Taliana had taken and the girl she had become upon moving there.

This was her chance for a fresh start, to be Talia Avilla again, just as she had been so many years ago. She’d been wanting that back for so long, but now that she was there, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

Taliana didn’t linger on the subject for fear she would turn around and get on the next flight back to LA, but she wasn’t a wimp. She could do this.

At least, she hoped she could.

With a heavy sigh, Taliana adjusted the strap of her carry-on bag on her shoulder and trudged forward, scanning the crowd for the familiar face of her father.

Charles Avilla wasn’t hard to miss. He still sported the same meticulously combed dark hair, a jaw that could have cut steel, and calculating ice-blue eyes that Taliana had snagged from the gene pool. Her pace quickened, gently nudging people out of her way, and it wasn’t until she was a few feet from him that she caught his eye. The look was fleeting, but he immediately did a double take.

Talia?

The laugh she’d been holding back finally surfaced when she reached him. It’s me, Dad.

A smile finally broke out across his face, the corners of his eyes crinkling, the only indication of his age. Before Taliana could even comprehend what was happening, he pulled her to him in a bone crushingly tight hug, and the familiar scent of his cologne flooded her nose.

Taliana hesitated briefly before bringing her arms up as well and hugging him back, her own shock slowly fading. It felt like an eternity before he pulled away, his grin wider than before.

My firstborn is all grown up, he teased, his hands locked firmly on Taliana’s upper arms as he looked her over. Charles let out a soft, disbelieving chuckle before shaking his head and letting Taliana go.

She couldn’t help grinning back at him. And you’ve gotten old, Dad.

A booming laugh came from him, causing a few people to look over in surprise. But Taliana’s father paid them no mind. He simply draped an arm over her shoulders and continued to grin. Still got your charming sense of humor, I see.

Mom always tells me I got it from you, Taliana chuckled as he guided her toward the baggage carrousel.

After grabbing her oversized suitcases—she still couldn’t believe she’d packed practically her entire life away in them—her father nodded toward the exit, a silent command for her to follow him.

A hot breeze brushed over her cheeks, gently stirring the dark hairs that had slipped out of her ponytail as they stepped outside into the rain. While she’d been half expecting to see her mother’s black Mercedes idling in front of the terminal, she wasn’t surprised to see a massive SUV instead, especially when a petite blonde woman hopped out and bounded up onto the sidewalk.

Talia, sweetheart! Katherine greeted, rushing toward her with arms spread wide. It’s so good to see you!

That time Taliana was semi-prepared for the impending hug, but she hadn’t anticipated the sheer force of it. Her stepmother may have been tiny, but what Katherine lacked in height she certainly made up for in affection. She practically threw herself at Taliana, arms wrapping tightly around her waist. It was a slightly uncomfortable position, seeing as her cheek was pressed firmly against Taliana’s not-so-ample chest, thanks to the fact that she stood a good ten inches taller than Katherine. The last time Taliana had seen her, they’d been practically the same height, although she’d had an inch or two on Katherine’s five-foot frame even back then. Apparently, Taliana had grown more than she thought.

Katherine leaned back a moment later and beamed up at Taliana, brown eyes sparkling with joy. We missed you so much.

And then Taliana was pulled into yet another one of those motherly hugs as she awkwardly patted Katherine’s back.

There was no denying that Katherine was the complete opposite of Taliana’s mother. While Andrea was constantly calm, cool, and collected, Katherine was bubbly and unafraid to show what she felt. Taliana had always enjoyed the weekends she got to spend with her father and stepmother when she was younger, just because it was nice to be with someone who wasn’t afraid to have fun. She and Katherine had gone to the zoo and made funny faces at the monkeys, splashed around in the ocean on their annual trip to the beach, and ordered every type of flavor available at Thomas Sweet Ice Cream. For a stepmother, she was the best anyone could have ever asked for. Taliana certainly knew she had lucked out in that department.

After a few more uncomfortable seconds, she released Taliana and ushered her toward the car, opening the back door for her and shutting it once Taliana had clambered inside. A flash of white-blonde hair caught Taliana’s attention as she settled in, causing her to turn and look at the two girls sitting in the third row.

Had it been under any other circumstances, she probably wouldn't have recognized the twins. They’d been towheaded kids the last time she’d seen them, and while their platinum-blonde hair hadn’t darkened a single shade, they certainly didn't look like the tomboys she remembered. No, the sixteen-year-olds looked more like the fashionistas Taliana’s mother wished she could’ve been.

Vanessa was the first to notice Taliana’s presence, momentarily glancing up from the phone she’d been furiously messaging away on. She flashed Taliana a quick smile before elbowing her sister gently, causing her to look up from her own phone as well.

Hey, Talia, Marissa said before returning her attention to her phone. Glad to have you back.

And that was the only greeting Taliana got from them. Fine with her. Despite being relatively close in age, she and the twins had never really had much in common or run in the same circles. And after she’d left for LA, they hadn’t done much but share a few happy birthday messages via social media for the ensuing years. They may have been half siblings, but they certainly hadn’t bonded. Though Taliana had to admit, she hoped that would change.

Her gaze returned to the front of the car where her soaked father had just slid into the driver’s seat. It’s a monsoon out there, he complained, hair plastered against his forehead. I can’t wait for summer to end.

Taliana glanced out the window, enjoying the sudden onslaught of water. It’s been a while since I’ve seen rain like this. She was almost tempted to stick her hand out the window, but she held back.

I suppose you don’t get much rain in LA, Katherine conceded, swiping her damp forehead with the back of her hand.

Taliana kept her eyes on the window as the car pulled away from the curb. We’re lucky to get an inch this time of year. It’s usually just hot and dry.

I think I’d take that any day over this humidity, Charles said, glancing in his mirror before changing lanes and entering the highway. Are you glad to be back?

Taliana hesitated before answering, not sure if she really was or not. Sure, she was glad to be away from the drama of LA and glad for the current thunderstorm, but she’d only been in DC for less than twenty minutes. That definitely wasn’t enough time to decide if she was happy to be back in a city she hadn’t visited in several years.

Yeah, Taliana lied, flashing them a small smile. It’s good to be back.

Soon the conversation turned to things that were going on in their everyday lives. Taliana tuned in for a while, but her attention diverted once they crossed over one of the many bridges and finally entered the city she could call home again.

Though she’d been exposed to the sights of DC since the day she was born, she couldn’t help but admire how beautiful it truly was. The Potomac River was probably even more polluted than it had been years ago, but it still seemed to sparkle. And while the Washington Monument was barely visible through the thick sheet of rain, it seemed whiter and brighter than Taliana remembered.

Her eyes were practically glued to the window as they slowly made their way through the evening traffic, and before long, they entered familiar territory. Georgetown was a section of DC that had always been synonymous with money and power, seeing as it was one of the oldest and most expensive areas in town. Plenty of influential people from the government and society lived in the Italianate row houses that lined the narrow streets, and while the homes may have looked diminutive from the outside, the insides tended to be huge. Well, the Avilla household was at least.

Home, sweet home! Katherine sang as the car came to a halt in front of the house.

The five of them climbed out of the SUV and grabbed whatever they could before making a mad dash to the front door. They all took a moment to shake off the rain in the foyer before Charles nodded toward the staircase.

Come on, Talia, he said. Let’s get your bags upstairs.

Katherine flashed her a warm smile before Taliana turned away and followed her father upstairs, struggling slightly under the weight of the massive bags. Eventually, she made it up to the second-floor landing and dragged herself down the hallway until she caught up with her father, who was standing in front of Taliana’s old room.

Everything should be the same, he told her, glancing inside as she approached. I couldn’t bring myself to pack up your stuff when you moved away with your mother.

One step inside revealed he wasn’t lying. Posters of old boy bands adorned the walls, stuffed animals sat on top of the dresser, and she could swear there were glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. It was practically a shrine to her childhood in there, which was slightly embarrassing. Taliana quickly decided that everything would have to go soon. Very soon.

Thanks, Dad. She chuckled, scanning the room one more time. It’s just the way I remember it.

Should be. He reached out to ruffle her hair like he’d always done when she was younger. His hand drifted down to her cheek momentarily before he let it drop completely and glanced at his watch. Go ahead and relax for a bit; I know you’ve had a long trip. Dinner will be at seven.

Taliana nodded and waited until he left the room to change out of her wet clothes and collapse on the bed, exhausted from the flight and worrying about how her new life was going to be.

But so far, she couldn’t complain. Things were looking good, and all she could do was hope they’d stay that way.

Sebastian was unsure of how many times he’d sneaked out of the hotel rooms of random girls, but the number was now one higher than it had been yesterday.

As he stood under the promenade that led to the entrance of The Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, he questioned what the hell he was doing. He knew he’d become a bit of a womanizer, but when had it gone this far? It certainly hadn’t always been like this.

For a while, he’d been into relationships with meaning, not one-night stands—or two-hour stands in this case—with random girls. But since he’d had his heart served to him on a silver platter, this had become his new normal.

The thought of his most recent heartbreak was enough to make his stomach churn with misery, and no number of new girls had been able to soothe that feeling either. Luckily, he was spared from thinking about what had happened and what he had become when a sleek, red Ferrari pulled to the curb in front of him. Sebastian only knew of one person in the city who drove such a flashy car, and any doubt as to who was in the driver’s seat disappeared when the window rolled down.

Need a ride? Michael drawled as he stared at Sebastian with a half-disdainful, half-amused expression.

I’d love one, he grumbled, yanking open the door and quickly sliding inside to avoid getting drenched by the torrential downpour. You owe me fifty bucks, by the way.

Well, damn. Michael playfully slapped the steering wheel as he navigated the car down the narrow street. I was convinced there was no way that shade could have been natural.

Sebastian let his eyes shut as he leaned his head against the cool window, though part of him was vaguely amused. Leave it to this guy to cheer him up. We’re not having this conversation.

He could sense Michael’s sparkling hazel gaze on him. Since when do you kiss and not tell?

Since I realized you don’t need a play-by-play of my sex life. His eyes drifted back open when the car took a sharp left turn. Where are we going?

Cool Beans, Michael replied, referencing the coffee shop that had been their hangout since they’d been freshmen almost three years ago.

Sebastian’s heavy eyes scanned the streets, watching women in high heels avoid puddles while men in khaki shorts and colorful polos ducked into stores to avoid the menacing bolts of lightning. Are Jacob and Marcus going to be there?

Marcus was the one who wanted to meet, Michael responded, shifting gears with ease as traffic slowed. He didn’t sound too happy about something.

Sebastian snorted softly. That's nothing new.

The conversation lapsed into an amicable silence until the car came to a halt in front of the quaint coffee shop five minutes later. Sebastian entered the dimly lit space first, letting his eyes adjust for a moment before searching the room for the familiar faces of his other two best friends.

It took no time at all to pick out a gloomy Marcus Patterson and an utterly stoned Jacob Weston sitting at their normal table in the back corner of Cool Beans. After a quick nod to Michael to follow him, Sebastian slid past the other tables and dropped into the oversized armchair between his friends.

Jacob was the first to glance up from his coffee cup, though it looked like he had just been gazing into its murky depths as if it held the answers of the universe. His red-rimmed eyes only confirmed Sebastian's suspicion that he'd partaken in a certain substance recently, and the relaxed smile on his lips made Sebastian wish he'd had some as well.

Jacob raised his coffee cup in greeting before bringing it to his lips and taking a sip. Sebastian took this time to focus on Marcus, who was frowning as if someone had just taken away his favorite teddy bear.

Why the long face, sweetheart? Michael questioned, beating Sebastian to the punch. Mommy tell you Santa isn’t real?

Marcus scowled and pushed a chocolate curl out of his eyes of the same color. No, he mumbled, playing with the pack of cigarettes in his hand. Marcus may have been a good boy when it came to school, dating, and responsibilities, but his one vice was smoking. It’s worse than that.

What happened? Sebastian prompted, signaling to their usual barista to bring him a latte.

Marcus heaved a sigh and settled his hands in his lap. You remember Zak, right?

Sebastian had to rack his brain for a moment, but a face finally came to the name. Zak? Your cousin from California with all the tattoos and so many piercings he could pass for Swiss cheese?

The curly-haired boy grimaced, his fingers tightening around the pack of smokes. Yeah. Him.

Sebastian paused when the barista brought his drink, and he slipped her a generous tip as always, causing her to blush. He waited until she was gone before speaking again. What about him?

He’s coming to live with us, Marcus revealed. Apparently his parents couldn’t handle him anymore and thought my mother could knock some sense into him.

Jacob let out a bark of laughter, throwing his head back so his long, auburn hair fell away from his forehead. Yeah, good luck with that. That guy is batshit nuts.

I don’t know, Michael mused. Victoria could probably handle him. She can instill fear in even the bravest hearts.

Sebastian shuddered at the thought of Marcus’s mother. Senator Victoria Patterson ruled her home and represented her state with an iron fist. She was the main reason Marcus had turned out as a practically perfect child, seeing as her only son was too afraid to ever go against her wishes. Sebastian didn’t really blame him either. With her power suits and steely glare, even he knew not to get on Senator Patterson’s bad side.

When is he going to be here? Sebastian questioned, cupping the warm mug in his hands.

Saturday afternoon. Marcus’s look of dissatisfaction remained. And my mother wants me to bring him to your party so he can make friends.

Sebastian paused before his cup reached his lips, his eyes swinging up sharply. Who is she to invite someone to my party?

The devil, Michael answered, rolling his eyes as he kicked his