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I thought I’d get to arrive with Theo. But his father demanded he and Millie arrive with him and Maria. So after taking what he’d needed, Theo had kissed me and left.
I didn’t blame him. But it still felt like he’d left me to the wolves.
“This place is insane,” I whisper.
“It’s not that bad,” Abi replies. “But then, I’ve been here a lot over the years. My dad has a membership. Well, he used to, before…”
Taking her hand, I squeeze it gently, flicking my gaze to where Elliot walks on ahead. Abi’s gaze follows and I notice the slight blush staining her cheeks.
She’s so obvious. They both are. And there’s a new strain between them tonight. As if the tether between them is ready to snap at any moment.
“He looks good, huh?” I ask, and she gives me an imperceptible nod. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you when we arrived.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“I think it does.”
“Raine… don’t. Please.”
“Why do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Act like he couldn’t possibly want a girl like you. You’re one of the best people I know, Abi.”
She gives me a sad, resigned smile and says, “You’ll see.”
I’m about to ask what she means when the door swings open, and we file into the building. People mill about, sipping glasses of champagne. Adults. Kids I recognise from school. Some I don’t.
But I see what Abi means. The second people notice the Heirs—notice Elliot—the mood shifts, a ripple going through the air. Girls start to whisper and point. Their attention is mostly fixed on the last available Heir.
“Wow, and I thought things were bad at All Hallows’.”
“Yep.” Her voice is right as we cling to each other.
I realise then, that she’s not wholly comfortable amongst these people either.
“Do you see Theo?” I ask her.
He wouldn’t tell me what he meant earlier but I can’t help thinking he’s done something stupid.
I get he’s angry about his dad, that he wants to protect Millie. But there was something vulnerable in his gaze, it scared me.
The depth of my feelings for him scares me.
God, I’m a mess.
“I need to go to the bathroom,” I say to Abi. “Come with—”
“Red, get over her,” Reese calls and I spot him standing with a murderous looking Elliot.
She glances between us, her expression telling.
“Go,” I say. “I’ll be fine.”
“The bathroom is down the corridor on the left. You can’t miss it.”
With a small nod, I take off, weaving my way through the crowd. A few people stare, clearly unimpressed that I’m here. A couple of girls go as far to make sure I hear their snide comments. But I keep my head held high as I make a beeline for the bathroom.
