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"It's nice to meet you, Max." She put her hand in his. "Thank you for the rescue."
"It was my pleasure." He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed them over the back of it. "May I have the privilege of offering my arm and accompanying you to the ball, my lady?"
"I'd be honored," she replied, slipping her arm through his.
33
NEGAL
Negal regretted coming, and it wasn't just because he didn't want to see Margo with Max. She hadn't arrived yet, so maybe she wasn't going to. Aru had said that the Guardian's name hadn't been mentioned, so there was still a chance that she would arrive alone, and Negal would have to follow Gabi's advice and woo her.
Yeah, right. He knew nothing about winning over a woman who showed no interest in him. To make fire, kindling and sparks were needed, and in their absence, he had no chance, no matter how hard he tried.
When Gilbert and Karen joined their table, Karen smiled politely and said all the right things, asking about the mission and how it went, and when he lifted his brow in question, she understood what he was asking about and shook her head.
She wasn't transitioning yet, and it was worrisome. If he couldn't induce her, the only one who might have a better chance was the royal, but Toven was mated, and he probably couldn't force himself to do that even if he wanted to help.
It was a shitty situation, and after shaking her head, Karen was doing everything to avoid meeting Negal's eyes again, while Gilbert seemed oblivious to how uncomfortable his mate was.
Was she blaming Negal for failing her?
Since she was a confirmed Dormant, it should have worked, and the fact that it hadn't could indicate that there was a health problem she wasn't aware of. Negal had heard that the body needed to be healthy to enter transition, so Karen should speak with the clan's doctor about it instead of blaming him.
Not that he knew for a fact that she did. Maybe she was just uncomfortable around him because of the enforced intimacy they had shared.
Perhaps he should excuse himself and walk over to the bar.
Negal pushed to his feet. "I'm getting myself a drink. Does anyone want me to get them anything?"
Gilbert arched a brow. "We have several bottles of fine whiskey on the table. What else do we need?"
"I'm in a mood for a cocktail." He tugged on the lapels of his tux. "Ladies? Can I interest you in anything?"
"I'm good," Gabi said.
"I'll pass." Karen finally met his eyes. "I'll stick with wine tonight."
"As you wish." He inclined his head and headed toward the bar, breathing easier with every step until his eyes landed on Gertrude.
She gave him a tight smile, waved, and went back to talking with a guy sitting next to her at the table.
What a classy lady.
Negal wished things could have ended better between them, but it was what it was. He needed to get rid of that uncomfortable feeling churning in his gut.
Finding a vacant spot next to the bar, he ordered a whiskey sour from Bob, who had been moved there from the Lido deck.
Leaning against the tall counter, Negal cast a glance at the entrance to the dining hall. In part, he was hoping to see Margo walk in, and in part, hoping that she wouldn't. It was already eleven at night, and she was late.
The ceremony would start soon, and the doors to the dining hall would close. If she didn't arrive before that, she wouldn't be allowed in until after the ceremony was over and the princess departed.
Had anyone prepared Margo for Annani?
Had she been told the truth about him being a god?
Frankie and Mia had probably filled her in, but it was impossible to cram everything there was to know about gods and immortals into one conversation, so maybe they hadn't told her that he and his teammates had not originated on Earth.
"Here is your drink, master." Bob put the drink in front of him.
