It’s customary to seal the gifting of a cupla with a kiss—something I have no interest in seeing. By the way the crowd explodes with another round of applause, I know exactly when it’s happened.
A few agonizing seconds pass before something deep inside metugs, commanding my head to turn. I refuse, but the hook yanks harder,harder... until I finally give in and steal a peek toward the dais.
Big mistake.
Rhordyn’s gaze flays me as I slam the empty glass against Cainon’s chest, and those wide, metallic eyes seem to harbor the buds of silver flames. I swear his presence expands—takes up more of the joyous vista, infecting it with an icy anger most people probably don’t recognize.
Music starts, the crowd churns, and a blanket of merriment severs me from his stare.
I breathe a serrated sigh, liquid ire surging through my veins.
He did it.
There’s nothing left to hold me back.
Baze emerges from the crowd, slaying Cainon with a rusty glare as he stabs a hand toward me. “Orlaith, may I have this dance?”
He’s not really giving me a choice. He’s giving me acommand.
But I’m feeling untethered and brave—my stomach bubbling with liquid courage that’s licking its way through my veins, making me feel weightless and warm.
Strong, composed, resilient.
“No, thank you,” I answer, smiling sweetly, fluttering my lashes up at Cainon who lifts a tawny brow. “Cainhas already asked.”
Cainon’s lips hook at the corner, the gesture sharpening when Baze makes a rumbling sound somehow audible over the wash of merriment.
I don’t dare look back at him as I’m led toward the large square of floor space, only a few dancers decorating its buffed obsidian surface.
My smile bleeds away the moment I’m spun into Cainon’s chest. “I have no idea how to dance,” I hiss, acutely aware of how confidently he moves with the music. There’s a casual certainty in the way he grips my hip and holds my hand aloft, directing me to make the right steps like a puppet on a string.
“You’re doing fine. Just keep following my lead.”
He spins me out, and I’m careful to plant twin seeds of love in my eyes—to wear a smile that’s lustful and convincing. I’m careful to show my feelings with long, lingering looks and in the way I posture myself toward him.
He spins me against his chest, and it shakes with a burrowed chuckle trying to break free. “You’re an interesting thing.” I’m spun out into another twirl. “And thatdress...” he purrs, watching the gush of red twist around my legs. “Exquisite.”
“Thank you,” is my tight-lipped response as I hold my counterfeit grin. When I’m tugged in with my back pressed against his muscular chest, I notice all eyes on us—including Rhordyn and Zali, who are standing side by side at the edge of the dancing square.
Rhordyn’s gaze grabs me from across the empty space, and there’s violence in his eyes.
Cold, merciless violence.
He asked for this. He wanted effort.
I look away.
“Everyone’s watching,” I mutter, focused on keeping my vicious heels to myself. I doubt wounding the man is any way to acquire the ships he apparently has control over.
Cainon’s lips brush the shell of my ear. “Indeed. And I’ve never seen a more convincing show.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re not fooling yourself into thinking this is something more,” I say without shifting my perfectly painted smile.
He twists me out, then whips me in so we’re chest to chest and I’m caged by the snare of his ocean eyes.
Eyes that are suddenlyserious.
“I’m not too prideful to steal another man’s treasure, Orlaith.”
