Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             The aroma of chocolate cake tickles my nose, compelling me to dash downstairs and devour it all.

                             First thing’s first.

                             Looking in the mirror, I tug on my short, sleeveless wine-red dress.

                             Yesterday, I followed Sydney’s advice and bought the damn thing, running to the cashier without trying the dress on. I needed to get out of that place before a panic attack assaulted me in public.

                             The wisest option is to report the stalker. But I have no evidence. Not to mention that a small part of me wants to see where this is heading.

                             Am I a masochist or something?

                             I need to talk to Sydney or Owen about it. They will know how to deal with this psychological mess.

                             “Stop thinking about him!” I glare at myself in the mirror. “Tonight is for partying.”

                             I concentrate on my scandalous dress. Its velvet-like material hugs my modest curves, and the colour is in good contrast with my skin tone.

                             So what if I wear a racy outfit? I only live once.

                             I release my hair, letting it cascade down my lower back, covering my bare skin.

                             Mascara. Red lipstick. Handbag. Impossibly high heels – which I’ll regret later. And I’m out.

                             Mum’s graceful movements greet me as soon as I stroll in the kitchen. She wipes the marbled counter, then puts the chocolate cake pieces onto a plate.

                             We have maids, but Mum insists on making all our meals herself. A family tradition, she said.

                             I throw my arms around her waist from behind and press a kiss on her adorable cheek.

                             She pulls away with a smile, her former fashion designer’s critical eye inspects me from head to toe.

                             “Good choice. Finally, something daring. Where are you going?”

                             “Night out with the guys.” I rub my palms together, targeting the biggest piece of chocolate cake. I sweep it off the plate, take a bite that stuffs my mouth, and stifle a moan at its rich sweetness.

                             “That’s great, Honey.” Mum’s eyes glint as she removes her apron. “Maybe this time you’ll find a boyfriend.”

                             “Mum!”

                             Here we go again. She makes it seem like it’s my duty as her daughter to have a boyfriend.

                             Men interest me; it’s the relationship part I don’t care for. It isn’t a priority. I would rather dedicate my time to art. At least for now. The last thing I want is to sabotage my career over some man, or worse, a broken heart. Like the one my ex-boyfriend left me with after high school.

                             The smell of Dad’s signature aftershave pulls me back from my musings.

                             I pop a kiss on his cheek. It hasn’t been more than an hour since we came back from one of Dad’s business conferences— I like to attend out of curiosity— but I already miss him.