Jude’s hand finds the small of my back, the warmth of his touch dizzying and steadying all at once. “Are you all right?”
I nod, but it isn’t true.
I was just dancing with a monster. A murderer. A wicked shadow that has darkened the doorstep of Jude’s family for centuries.
A new song begins, soft and aching.
He doesn’t ask. But he doesn’t let go, either. With his eyes locked on mine, he steps closer and lifts my arms around his neck. Then he slides his hands down my ribcage, setting off a trail of sparks.
With Rafe, I wanted distance.
With Jude, I want none.
Closing my eyes, I savor his nearness. The feel of his body against mine. The intoxicating scent of his cologne. The warmth of his breath against my ear.
“I think he’s going to kill Lainey,” I whisper.
For a moment, he goes still—a hiccup in the middle of our dance.
“He knows we have the gemstones. He wants them tomorrow by midnight.”
Or else.
The threat may have been unspoken, but it was crystal clear nonetheless.
My mind grapples for a solution.
“We can give him what he wants,” Jude says. “He still can’t open the tomb.”
I lean back to look him in the eye.
“He needs mortal blood, willingly spilled. Whatever he is, it’s not mortal.”
“You think we should give him the stones?”
“If it buys us time.”
The clinking of silver against glass cuts through the moment.
The music halts.
Conversations die.
Jude steps away.
And I feel bereft.
Rafe stands at the microphone with a champagne flute in his hand. “At this time, I’d like to invite all guests to return to the ballroom for a special performance by our very own Blackwillow Ballet Ensemble.
“And if I may, I’d also like to offer a quick toast.” He lifts his glass. “To Foggy Hollow, for being so welcoming. I’ve only been here a short time, but somehow, it feels as though this town has been my home for ages.” His sparkling eyes find mine. He shoots me a devilish wink. “To Isabel, our lovely hostess, who has gone above and beyond to make this event one for the ages. And to my cousin.”
Rafe tips his glass in our direction. “I’ve cherished our time together these past two months. I was hoping we’d have longer, but I suppose I understand why you want to get back to your life in the UK. Let’s make the most of the time we still have, shall we?”
Glasses rise in unison.
Polite applause ripples through the room.
Meanwhile, my heart thuds—a dull, heavy beat in my ears.
