The CEO Who Won't Let Me Go

"Why don’t you want to come with us, Zoe?" my sister asked again, peppering me with questions while I pinned her hair into an elegant updo. "All you have to do is put on one of my dresses, and you'd look gorgeous."

"Maybe. But my friends are waiting for me at the club, and I don't want to bail on them," I said, giving her a small, smug smile.

The mirror attached to the vanity reflected two complete opposites.

Valeri was light. I was darkness.

Somehow, though, our parents had gotten our hair colors backwards.

Valeri was a tiny brunette with a delicate figure, her soft curves hidden beneath a beautiful burgundy dress from some designer brand I didn't recognize. Fashion had never really been my thing. Every conversation about it made me feel like an idiot. I could admit her dress was gorgeous, but to me, it was way too proper.

I had more curves, wider hips, and no desire to hide any of it. My short black dress looked, in my mother's words, "like something a cheap slut would wear."

Naturally, I'd paired it with heavy makeup and loose blonde curls falling down my back.

"I don't like your friends, Zoe," Valeri said with a sigh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Especially Kriss. Honestly, you should stop hanging out with all three of them. Can't you tell they're only using you? The only reason they get into places like this is because of your last name."

Her words hit harder than I wanted them to.

Of course I knew they were using me.

But I needed them.

Needed them like oxygen, if only because they drove my mother insane. The only time she ever seemed to notice I existed was when I did something she hated.

Even tonight, the four of us were going to one of the most exclusive clubs in the city using a pass I'd stolen from Mom's purse.

Did I actually want to spend the evening with them?

Not really.

But no one had invited me to the company's anniversary party with the rest of the family, and there was no way I was going to beg.

"I'll think about it," I said, setting the curling iron down and unplugging it. "Your hair's done. Go. And good luck meeting your fiancé. I'm sure he's wonderful. Mom and Dad would never marry you off to just anybody."

Valeri got to her feet and turned toward me. One look at her face, and I braced myself for another lecture.

Instead, her expression softened, and she smiled.

You couldn't hide happiness like that. Not even when you were trying to scold your little sister.

"He's amazing, Zoe. I really want you to meet him."

"You'll get your chance eventually," I said. "Tomorrow you'll tell me everything."

Valeri pouted.

"So you're not coming home until morning? I wanted to tell you tonight." She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. "Don't get drunk. I