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"Mia," I breathe, moving toward her, “you look beautiful."
She looks down at the dress, but I'm not entirely sure she really even sees herself. Sasha might have done a killer job on her makeup, but I can still see the obvious signs of her exhaustion. She might have spent every night in my bed since she thought Cade was in her room, but I know she's not really sleeping. Every time I wake in the night, she's awake too. I almost want to tell her to take the Xanax again so at least she can get some peace, but we both know it wouldn't lead to that. It'll just drag up more heartache for her when she sees him again.
Holding her at arm's length, I encourage her to spin around so I can get a good look at her.The fabric of the dress shows off every sexy curve of her body and makes my mouth water with images of peeling it off her later.
Taking a step toward her, I wrap my hand around the nape of her neck and look into her tired eyes."We'll leave as soon as we can, okay? I want to be there about as much as you do."
She nods but doesn't say a word as she looks to the door and extracts herself from my hold. Her dismissal makes my chest ache, but I know she's just trying to get through this in whatever way she can.
"We need to do something, Bex. It's getting worse," Sasha says, echoing my concern for my girl.
"She's seen him again?"
"Not that she's said, but she's barely holding it together right now. I'm worried she's about to shatter before our eyes."
"Me too," I admit. "I'll find help. Find someone Q trusts for her to talk to."
"Good luck with that," Sasha mutters.
"There must be someone, Sash. She can't be the only one who's struggled with the reality of this life."
"I'll talk to my dad, see if there's anyone he can recommend."
"I appreciate it."
The three of us take off after Mia, and when we get to the bottom of the stairs, we find her with Alex, Brandon, Tim and Fawn.
"We ready?" Tim asks, his arm firmly clamped around Fawn's waist.
"We are."
There are two limos waiting for us outside of the house.Tim, Fawn, Brandon and Alex get in the first, and Mia, Sasha, Channing and I get in the second.
I have no clue why there are two—we'd all easily fit in one—but I guess that wouldn't be a showy enough arrival for this town's beloved Electi.
The journey to Gravestone Hall is tense and uncomfortable as Mia sits picking at nothing on her dress.
"Don your masks, ladies and gents. The party is about to begin," Channing announces with a hint of sarcasm as we make our way up to the oppressive building.
Looking out the window, I see masked couples walking up the stairs and being greeted by the staff standing at the door.
Sucking in a deep breath, I turn toward Mia."One of us will be with you all night. You have a problem, you just tell us, yeah?"
"Everything will be fine, Bex.” Her lips thin, betraying her words. “Stop worrying."
"Impossible. Let me," I say when she lifts her mask.
The girls’ are a more feminine and delicate version of ours, showing just who they belong to.
Taking her hand in mine, I help her from the car, and together we walk to the entrance with the others falling in line behind us.It's weird after being forced to trail Kingsley into these kinds of events to now be the one in the lead, but I guess I need to get used to it.
I'm greeted by name by the men standing at the doors, despite the fact that I have no clue who they are.We walk through the entrance hall and turn into the grand hall. It's the first time I've been here that I haven't immediately been accosted by Q for pre-event drinks. I look around for them, confused that we haven’t been summoned but equally relieved, because it means I can stay beside Mia.
"Wow, it's beautiful," she breathes as we take in all the black and gold decorations. The tables are laid up with huge black floral centerpieces and gold tablecloths and chairs.
We find our table, which is set for us and Q when they arrive. I once again look around as Mia stares down at her lap. Everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves—I guess that's a standard of these events. We're all miserable while the verus who are always invited act like it's the highlight of their year.
I look at each person, trying to figure out who they are—or more so check that they're not him—but with their masks on, it's almost impossible to tell one person from another. No wonder Mia is refusing to look up.
