Page 153 of The Addict

I felt exposed. It took everything out of me to open myself to people. But my feelings were overpowering me, and I wasn’t sure what I could do to suppress them anymore.

“Yes?”

“Can I—?”

“Can I cut in?”

Delane and I turned simultaneously.

My mom stood there, waving at me. Perfect timing, I thought bitterly.

“Sure thing, mom,” I said, but it took a great deal for me to relinquish Delane. I directed my gaze back to her. “Will you be alright for a few minutes?”

“Oh, yes, I’ll be fine,” she answered cheerily, despite my mood. She pointed to the platters of refreshments in the back. “I’m just going to get something to drink, okay?”

“I’ll come find you after.”

I saw my mom grin at me from the corners of my eyes.

Delane disappeared into the crowd of mysterious faces and my mom popped in front of me, bouncing on her feet. She placed her hand in mine and snuggled close.

“Having fun?” she asked in a jovial tone.

I brought her to the floor, absentmindedly leading her about the room in a dance. “Yes.”

Taking her hand from my shoulder, she brushed my bangs out of the way of my mask. “That’s wonderful news, dear. I knew that you would enjoy this. I am happy to see Delane back again.”

I nodded, trying to peer over her shoulder to see if I could spot her. She caught my eye and waved. I relaxed.

My mom sighed mid spin. “Honestly, hon, your father is just a mess. I am stressed.”

I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. In my brain I said: Who gives a fuck?

“Oh? Why is that?”

“It’s the Thornes,” she whispered into my ear.

I chuckled. The issues with our families never stopped. We could all die and our children’s children would still be pointing fingers. “Isn’t he always irritated with the Thornes?”

She shuddered—not because she was cold, but because she was angry, which I didn’t often see my mother get. “Yes, but they are so rude!”

“Define rude, mom. Everyone can be rude.”

“Well,” She leaned in closer. “They are coarse and uncouth. Two of them have already disrespected Damian for his work on a case earlier this month, and I find it so impolite that—”

I stopped dancing. We stumbled mid steps.

“Wait,” My eyes shot to hers. “What did you say?”

She frowned. “Are you alright, Noah?”

“Mom, what did you just say to me?” My voice escalated.

I could tell was trying to keep her voice low so that no one else heard her. “W-Well, I am trying to tell you about our guest’s rudeness…” she stuttered.

I looked around the room. Those signature colored, grey Thorne eyes peered from every other mask, ostensibly scrutinizing me. I couldn’t believe this. How did I not notice their entrance? They would have had to be announced.

“Mother,” I took her by the arm, pulling her to the other side of the floor and out of the way of the dancers. We were already getting bumped and odd stares. “Why didn’t you inform me of this?”